FunctionalRox

Dear Reader,

You faced hardships and setbacks that others could never imagine, possibly even started unexpectedly, or as a small child, or even as an infant. Your resiliency shined through. You overcame obstacles placed in front of you when you were far too new to the journey to have to do so. Whatever setback you were handed, you found a way to learn, function, adapt, and keep going.

That resiliency does not stop now and you cannot allow it to stop.

Your hard work does not end. It is okay to rest. It is okay to take breaks, to live life, to do the things you love. But do not mistake rest for the end of effort. Hard work is a lifelong requirement for everyone, regardless of what they are handed in life, easy or hard.

Setbacks are a natural part of life – physically, emotionally, mentally. That is why continued effort matters. If you allow setbacks to consume you, you limit your ability to continue to live the life you worked so hard for. Sometimes, especially as children or young adults, we have people who enable us through those setbacks. They step in and make life easier by doing the work for us. But one day, those people will not be there. Your life is your responsibility, you must take leadership for your own life, instead of allowing others to do the heavy lifting for you.

Impairments, health issues, disabilities, and challenges are not something to be ashamed of. They are simply the cards you were dealt, without choice. The question is not what you were given, but what you choose to do with it. Will you sit with the cards and allow them to play you? Or will you play the best game you can with what you have?

Those are two very different mindsets: letting life control you, or taking control yourself.

There are countless stories of people who achieved what was once considered impossible because they believed in themselves. If you set physical and mental goals, work toward them consistently, acknowledge setbacks, give yourself grace, and then get back in the fight without a rigid timeline, but with the commitment to be just 1% better each day, you will progress to becoming a better version of yourself.

So be honest with yourself.
Are you setting goals?
Are you working toward them?
Are you giving up on yourself?

I want to see you succeed. I want you to believe in yourself. But only you have control of what is next for you.

It starts with believing on yourself. Then it takes discipline and creating the good habits that will guide you to where you want to be. It also means finding the tools you need to succeed. Life offers a large toolbox, and your goal should be to fill it with the tools you don’t yet have. Unlimited resources!

There are tools to help you. Your body is a tool. Education is a tool. Physical therapy is an incredible resource. There are communities, online and in person, filled with people who share your struggles and understand your journey. You can work with the kids who are where you once were, and in seeing their resilience, remember your own.

Because that was you. Look how far you have come since day 1!

How amazing is that? How amazing are you?! Rhetorical question 😉

You are capable of more than you realize. You always were. And you’ve already proven it by being exactly where you are today. Keep it up.