February is a month when the theme of love is everywhere, especially with Valentine’s Day around the corner. For me, this time of year always prompts reflection on what self-love truly means. It’s about falling in love with your own story and then finding someone to share that story with. As someone with Cerebral Palsy, my journey to self-love has been deeply intertwined with my experiences growing up.
During my preteen and early teen years, there was little representation for people with disabilities, especially Afro-Latinas, in mainstream media and literature. I often felt out of place and longed to fit into the mold of what I saw on television—blonde hair, blue eyes, and fair skin. I also struggled with my body image, burdened by the scars from my surgeries.
Over time, I learned that these scars tell a powerful story of resilience and strength. Embracing my journey and discovering what makes me love myself has been crucial. My body, with its scars and imperfections, tells a unique story. I remember being the awkward girl with wind-swept legs and crooked teeth, the “ugly duckling” in sixth grade who needed braces and glasses by eighth grade. These moments taught me to love myself and my journey.
Fast forward to now, sharing my life with my fiancé, Cody, has been another part of my journey. I faced rejection and hard times, but I learned to understand what I truly wanted in a partner. Cody and I were friends for ten years before falling in love. My journey to self-love made him appreciate my story even more. He’s the inspiration behind my books, including “The Miracle of Love: Finding Austen” and “Beyond the Scars,” available on Google Books, Barnes & Noble, and Amazon.
Many people ask me how I found the inspiration to write these stories. It comes from understanding that every chapter of life, good or bad, has a story worth telling. When you reflect on your own life and find reasons to love yourself, you’ll attract a partner who appreciates you in the same way. My life experiences have shaped my writing by providing authentic stories and emotions to draw from, infusing my work with genuine depth and relatability. Growing up with Cerebral Palsy and navigating a world with limited representation taught me the importance of diverse narratives, which I strive to include in my books. Each challenge and triumph has added layers to my storytelling, allowing me to craft characters and plots that resonate with readers who may see themselves reflected in my words.
It’s not always easy to fall in love with yourself, especially when dealing with the challenges of Cerebral Palsy. I’ve had my share of bad days, including recently as I prepare for surgery. But I remind myself that loving myself is part of the journey. Celebrating your journey, whether you have a partner or not, is essential because your story is worth loving.
As an author of disability fiction and young adult romance, I’ve learned that every experience shapes who we are. Loving yourself and your journey is the key to finding love with someone else. So, this Valentine’s Day, celebrate yourself, your journey, and the love you have for who you are. Shine your light on this earth and be proud of the person you are becoming. Once you love yourself, you’ll make an impact and inspire others to do the same.
