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Acceptance

For those of you that follow me on Instagram or Facebook you have probably seen my yoga videos that I have been putting up. On the recent one I had a friend comment about how much she loved my openness and confidence. This really got me thinking about what a road I have been on to get me to where I am at today.

Back when I was a senior in high school I got nominated the most inspirational senior. Now when you are nominated for this award you have to write a speech and make the speech in front of the whole school at an assembly. I remember when I first found out I started bawling. Like what? People think I'm inspiring? At that time I was NOT comfortable speaking about my disability. In fact I couldn't even read the speech my principal had to because I was a wreck and was far from confident in myself.

Even halfway through college I was not comfortable mentioning my disability. It was like the BIG elephant in the room. It made me nervous and I thought people already see that I am different or walk weirdly why do I need to discuss it?

FAST FORWARD
To where I am now. Blogging about my disabled adventures, posting videos of my yoga journey. Even posting videos of myself talking. I would have NEVER and I mean NEVER have thought I would get to this point if you knew me back in high school. I mean back then even when I saw myself in a video I would cringe and turn away. I didn't want to admit that I was different let alone see proof of it on a video.

It just reminds me of the phrase the Lord makes everything beautiful in its time. Yes it took time to get to where I am at and to be honest with you I don't really know how I got to the acceptance that I have today. I think part of it is I have changed my perspective. Ever since I became a special needs teacher I have seen so much shame and trying to hide our imperfections. I have realized that more people need to see what it is like to have a disability. More people need to know that it is okay to ask questions and to wonder and that in all honesty we would rather have you ask then stare or gossip. 

So yes I still watch the yoga videos I post over and over again but I do that to make myself realize that I am beautiful and I am capable of achieving my goals. Yes I may look a little different but you know what the Lord has made me beautiful in HIS image and that is all that matters. Also it is my hope that through my openness of discussing my triumphs and downfalls that all of you realize that we disabled individuals just want to be seen and just want others to understand we are just like you.

So thank you for all the beautiful comments you pour over me because it really is what keeps me  going and what keeps me so open and willing to share my story. 

Comments

  1. Jodi WilesSeptember 4, 2018 at 9:14 PM

    Thank you for sharing your experience. I know you're helping so many others grow in their acceptance.

    ReplyDelete
  2. UnknownJuly 1, 2020 at 8:27 PM

    Hi Nicole, I have just read you blog from a link on Todd Williams Post. I am a PT and mom to Kellan, my eight year old son who has spastic diplegia. Your words resonate beautifully and I thank you for your blog.Keep on sharing!

    ReplyDelete

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