[Miracle1986]

how do you decipher between the two?
I know in my heart that it is my decision whether I am going to be a "disabled person" or if I choose to be a person... who just happens to have a disability, but for whatever reason, no matter how hard I try, I can not get myself out of the "I am disabled... I am broken... etc" mindset.

I remember when I was growing up, my parents would say "You can do anything anyone else can do, you just may have to do it a little bit differently." I never believed them... so I never tried a lot of things that I wanted so bad to do... I regret that every day. But in my mind, I wasn't going to be able to do it anyway, so what was the point in trying?

I'm sorry for ranting and complaining. I know there are people that are a lot worse off than I am
(my husband likes to say I got the "decaf version" of CP)...

[Leed]

Hi Miracle ~ I love your husband's saying! That's pretty cute.

I'm Irish, and boy are we stubborn ~ I have ALWAYS wanted to do things for myself, even when I shouldn't. I make my daughter crazy sometimes, but now that she's moved away she can't nag me about it. I've been a CP'er for 25 years, with severe spinal problems and darn it I HATE asking for help. I've always hated it, and I suppose I always will.

It may take me longer to do some things but I'll eventually find a way to get something done. The things that DON'T get done aren't that important anyway. I used to stress out about the fact that you could eat off my floors ~ well, I don't think I'd try that anymore. They get cleaned, but not as often as they used to. LOL

So I know what you mean Miracle. But I've decided I don't want to stress out over that either. I've spent my whole life stressing out ~ I think I'll stop and smell the roses. God bless. Hugs, Lee

[Miracle1986]

Thank you for your response Leed.
I am fast approaching 25 years with CP (January 15)

Gah... I wish I had your "I'll do it myself" attitude... but I am... lazy I guess?
I'd just assume let someone else do it for me. You offered? Then by all means... go right ahead!

[Rhiannonsmoon]

Dear Miracle,

The way I see it, and feel, someone who is disabled can't work and is unable to work as in my case now.

Having a disability means a reduced capacity to work, which is how I used to be. I really urge everyone with a disability to work even the most minimum amount because if & when you reach the disabled stage you will be glad of that to think back on and feel good about I don't regret working while I could, it seemed to lengthen my disability phase,

Rhiannon