21 Things Learned in 21 Years with Cerebral Palsy

About life, love, and cerebral Palsy:

1. Nobody’s diagnosis or symptoms are the same as your own; everybody feels and experiences things differently.
2. No one handles pain the same. While you and your friend may both have hip pain as related to your cerebral palsy, you may power through it and she may stay in bed. Coping skills are not always a weakness; nor a strength.
3. You don’t have to do everything your able-bodied peers do. It’s okay.
4. Lots of things in life aren’t fair, and that fact will seem doubled by your circumstance. Worse, is when you speak out about all the wrong done to you, people will tell you again that “life isn’t fair” as if you don’t already know. They don’t understand that your fight is double theirs.
5. Life is a journey and it may take you longer to complete your education or get your driver’s license, but that’s fine because no matter when you complete a milestone, it’s still a milestone.
6. Don’t let your disability hold you back.
7. Your disability does not define you.
8. “Quality of life” is what makes you happy and comfortable, not your doctor. Fight for it.
9. Sometimes people won’t understand your view and you won’t understand theirs, but don’t think about it too much.
10. Nine times out of 10, people want to help you but they may not know how.
11. You won’t be “forever alone.”
12. You can do with your body what you want to. Want purple hair? Do it. You’ve earned it.
13. You know your body and yourself better than anyone — you don’t have to say “yes” to every medical treatment you’re offered, do your research and be your own advocate.
14. Always advocate for yourself. I know it gets hard and may seem not worth it. It always is, eventually someone will listen.
15. Taking care of yourself mentally and physically is so important; make time for it.
16. Take comfort in comfort food and eat it as often as you like.
17. It’s okay to go out and it’s okay to stay in, you know what you need to do when situations arise. Also remember no matter what option you choose, you can change your mind at any time.
18. You can still get a good education, have a good job, and live the life you’ve dreamed of. Life is what you make it.
19. People will judge you for the choices you make, for who you love, for what you put inside your body (food, drink, or otherwise), for what you wear, for what you look like, but they have no idea what it is like to be you. Therefore, take their opinions with a grain of salt. They’re probably not worth a second thought.
20. Trust yourself. You do know what’s right for you — no matter how much you think you don’t — and you’ll make the right choice with the knowledge you have.
21. Have hope and be happy, always. It’s easy to forget that life is a short trip.

Note: Cerebral Palsy News Today is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. The opinions expressed in this blog article are not those of Cerebral Palsy News Today, or its parent company, BioNews Services, and are intended to spark discussion about issues pertaining to Cerebral Palsy.