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The things Cerebral Palsy has taught me

On Oct 1 it was World Cerebral Palsy day (which is the first year i knew about it!) and it led me to reflect on who i am as a person with Cerebral Palsy and the lessons it has taught me which i thought i would share...

-do not listen to people who tell you that you can't do something because you will do it just to prove them wrong
-i am a lot stronger than i think
-even though i fall (literally) i will always get back up and keep pushing on
-always stick up for what i deserve
-i have more empathy for others especially those with any type of disability because i know exactly how it feels to struggle, to be looked at differently, and to be told you don't deserve a chance
-if you want to know if a person is good and caring just have them interact with me because how they treat me will tell all (such as if they talk to me like I'm normal or if they baby talk to me like I'm dumb)
-i often don't even realize i have a disability because it is just a part of who i am
-i sure have amazing friends and family who have the upmost patience with always helping me and never complaining
-i celebrate in the little things like yay! i got the water bottle lid open (haha), or i didn't fall today!
-i get to look back at my life so far and thank God for allowing me to become so much stronger. here i was as a little girl using a walker to walk, then using a wheelchair on long distance, and now using nothing at all.
-i get to raise awareness about people with disabilities because i have the ability to have a "normal", independent life and show others that those with disabilities are just like you
-i get to have amazing conversations about the marginalized and be a voice of hope for those who are struggling
-some days i wish i didn't have this disability but then the Lord uses it for an amazing opportunity and i understand His goodness in everything 

the list could go on but i am thankful of all the things Cerebral Palsy has taught me and there will be many more lessons as i progress on this path called life. 

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