What We Consider, Some are Forced to Live

Earlier this week, I asked my readers a question that I knew would prompt them to have to think about the horrifying possibility of being severely disabled. The reason why I asked the question was because I wanted my readers to actually consider what it’s like to live a life that many are locked into living every single second of their life. Yes, we can take a few minutes to imagine being disabled. But our daydreams don’t stand a chance against the person that is actually walking, or should I say “not walking” it out.

Since I started working at a vocational rehab agency as a counselor, I’ve learned to put my excessive complaining in check. Yeah, I might be blind. And trust me, that’s pretty bad. But my issues are nothing compared to some of the people that come and sit down in my office.

I have to visit with individuals that were born or either later in their lives became severely disabled. Mental Retardation, traumatic brain injury, Bipolar Disorder, ADHD, Spinabifida, and so on and so on. So many of the individuals that come into my office have learning disabilities, major depressive disorders, can only ambulate in a wheelchair, and need assistance with bathing, toileting, and dressing. It’s so sad…

I sit down and thank God that even though I’m blind, I can think, and think pretty brilliantly too. LOL Just kidding… Well, not really…

What I’m doing right now, writing, blogging, creating, conversing—Many of my clients cannot do that. So, I really learn to shut my trap and my mind down and stop all my dog on complaining about not being able to see. At least, and I mean the very least, I can walk, talk, think, smile, love, run, climb stairs, have sex, hear, smell, pick up my nephew and hold him in my arms, wipe my own behind, bathe myself, wash dishes, cook a meal, operate a computer, earn money, speak, make others laugh, and so on and so on. You get the point.

So, if you are reading this post, make a commitment to minimize your complaining. Yes, I know it's pretty easy to always complain. But it just ain't cool. Life really could be much, much worse. I wouldn't lie to you.

Disclaimer: In case anyone from my job is reading this post, I am not discussing client cases. I’m merely pointing out the obvious. I hope this post is not deemed as a breech in client confidentiality.