It is Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) Awareness month. Looking back, I have always lived life on the edge, a love for adventure and chasing thrills. But twelve years go after a car accident that could have been preventable and left me paralyzed– I felt the thrills were over for me.
Living with an SCI, I had to fight and overcome physical and emotional challenges I’d never imagine. From the simple task of getting dressed in the morning to being a present mother to my only child’s life were obstacles to overcome. I resisted the outcome of my injury.
I was angry, I was sad, and I was ashamed. I was mentally and physically out of order for a couple of years with no desire to get back into “normal” life. After the physical wound of my injury healed, I knew the deeper wound to heal was the one in my heart. The guilt I carried was heavy. I felt guilty for bringing this upon my daughter, my family, and friends. Sometimes, I still feel the burden lingering. I cannot change what happened to me, but I can choose what I do with the outcome of my life.
I believe the only way to make up for the guilt I carried was by changing my negative attitude and being open to this new way of life. My goal was to make life better and easier to navigate this injury for myselfand my loved ones. When someone gets injured or goes through a life-changing tragedy, it not only affects the individual but family and close friends as well.
After some years of living in my misery, I decided to get on track with life. I wanted to be a nurturing mother, a strong woman, and a positive example of how to move on with life after a life-changing tragedy. Before my car accident, I served as a mentor to young girls in my community. I dug deep in my being to return to that fearless woman I once was, at least as close as I can get. I was positive, outgoing, active, but most importantly, I was thriving in my community and making a positive impact.
My motivation and strength to never give up stemmed from a mother’s love for her child and vice versa. I wanted her to have a mother she was proud of and to continue seeing me with her set of loving, admiring brown eyes just as she did before this injury. I am her most important mentor. From one accomplishment to the next, life with a spinal cord injury becomes tolerable and more joyful for everyone around you. The heavy burden placed on your loved ones lessens as you strive for independence and contribute to taking care of yourself and your mental health.
When you learn to let go of what was and begin to accept what is, you will be open to new adventures and thrills with your family and friends! With a new perspective on life and understanding of this injury (SCI), you will see the beauty in everyday little things and hopefully find happiness through it.
“I hope you live a life you’re proud of. If you find that you’re not, I hope you have the strength to start all over again.” F. Scott Fitzgerald
#sciawarenessmonth #overcomingdisability#wheelchairlifeandstyle #disability #pushliving
For more resources on SCI / Lifestyle click on the links below:
https://pushliving.com/category/lifestyle/
https://www.instagram.com/cynfotos07
https://www.facebook.com/MovingEvolution.ME