What's Walking Got to Do With It?

"Disabled doesn't mean unable. It just means different abled"

-Unknown-

In my case, this means physically disabled, in case you were scratching your head... for those of you who may not know me and are just reading this, I thank you in advance!

I am often stereotyped and put into the box of "special"... I don't mean the good kind of special. I mean special as in special needs. Even though I am 33 years old, soon to be 34, lord wiling, people still sometimes treat me like "poor little 7 year old girl". Give me a break! I am a grown woman who works a full time job, pays bills, and if it comes down to it, is kicking butt and taking names! No, seriously! We all do this adult life. There are no exceptions for me!

This is a random thought that often passes through my mind as I am going about my day while out or at work. I often get amused at folks approaching me and treating me or talking to me as though I am five. I don't even think they do it on purpose! It's just something that most, not all, people tend to gravitate towards! Particularly the older generation (bless their hearts). As they always tell me "bless your heart." Now, I do appreciate my grandmas and grandpas...don't get me wrong. I genuinely get a sincere smile from them... but I can't help but wonder why people judge my wheelchair before they see me or even bother to say hi. I mean, I know I talk a little awkward at times, perhaps (my friend is shaking her head as I said that), but you know what, to me, as I hear myself talk, I don't hear that weird tone. That was just a random thought. Sorry... back on track! Of course, people that know me are going to say "you don't talk funny. I don't hear it!" Come on, guys! Those of you who know me, know that there is something unique there that I just don't hear myself! Anywho, focus, Kamie, focus!

So, I am just saying, what does walking have to do with it??!? Apparently, quite a bit in today's world! I have to work a ton harder just for people to take me seriously as a grown individual, honestly! Having a disability makes it difficult for people to want to give you chances with jobs, promotions, and once again, to be taken seriously! You are automatically considered less than the average person walking on two feet. Just for once, I would love to go into an interview, meeting, etc.. and ask the question "what does walking have to do with it?" Disabled doesn't mean unable. It's just different abled. Let me say this again. DISABLED DOESN'T MEAN UNABLE. IT'S JUST DIFFERENT ABLED"

I would honestly like to see someone of importance, someone of superiority answer that question to my face and answer it without hesitation or try to dumb it down. It doesn't stop there. I am not just talking about in the workforce or interacting with everyday people. I am talking about good, fair, and honest chances that you would give the person standing right next to me. Chances in life, friendships that perhaps, I have

not allowed to happen because... maybe I feel in my own head that I am just a burden... it's a constant battle that my soul is up against on a daily basis. I need to get over it and figure out a way to make "me" work with people. Does that make sense?

Maybe.... just maybe, I need to change my way of thinking. If I do that, then the right friends will come along into my life. That's what they say, right? I'm not socially awkward, but I do tend to hesitate myself when doing stuff with or around people... certain people that is. So, I guess it's true. Maybe, I am hindering myself, and I need to get out there and stop second guessing myself. I guess that's how you start.. there are people that are going to accept you, and there are people who will most definitely not accept you. Everyone is not for everybody, so why should I expect anything different? Who knows what will be? These are just my thoughts on paper. I just want the universe to know that just because I am different abled, does not mean I am unable, and I am not just some weird alien from outer space. No, it's not always just about being able bodied and walking... it's about finding someone willing to take a chance with you... whatever that means, right? Times like now when I am writing thoughts like these, I really wish I were still fully able... like I was about 12 years ago before my second back surgery. I didn't need any physical help, and for some reason or another, I didn't appear to be as much of a burden on someone as I do now. I really don't try to go there. People say all the time that I am not a burden, but one can easily say that. Living it every day is something completely different that I can't explain 100% I am still able, by all means of the word, but just not maybe in everyone else's senses of the word. Boy, do I miss 12 years ago. I wouldn't even have to ask for physical help for anything... not even travel. I would go by myself with no problem! I am used to that! It doesn't bother me! I just want people to get the message that you should never judge a book by it's cover or assume anything! Not just disability wise, but in any other category of today's world! I know it's hard for us as humans, but now more than ever, the way that today is, you should be more open and accepting and loving and kind. Just be good humans!

I am hoping that maybe this blog will get to someone who needs to hear this message! I want to get into this subject a little more on future blogs. Hope you find it easy to read and get an understanding of where I am coming from... not just for me but for other individuals!

Keep sharing the blog entries! I love the comments! Keep them coming! I will be blogging more, so come on in the room and find a seat! Let's have a conversation!

For now, I am sending all of my love! Please hit that subscribe button! Take care of yourselves and each other! I appreciate you all so very much! Be Well!

~Kamie~