Introduction:
As we celebrate World CP Day, it serves as a poignant reminder of the journey I’ve embarked upon, reflecting on my life and embracing my challenges. I have been reflecting this month. Over the past few years, I have found myself experiencing life through the eyes of a hot air balloon as I navigate new stages of my life. This journey is viewed differently by others than it is by me. The majority of the time, people look at me and assume she hates her life. Despite having cerebral palsy
Despite occasionally being annoyed with my life, I’m not hating it. I mean, it’s like connecting a modern computer to a 90’s modern one
Metaphorical Balloon Ride:
Imagine soaring through the sky, suspended by a hot air balloon, with nothing but the breeze and breathtaking views to keep you company. On the surface, this may seem like a serene and tranquil experience, but beneath the gray bandage that covers the vibrant colors, lies a different story. Cerebral Palsy, an invisible disability, has shaped my life in ways I could never have imagined. As the gray bandage obscures the green hues of the balloon, my physical limitations do not define who I am or limit my potential. With the great support I receive from my friends, my family, and my boyfriend and his family, I couldn’t ask for a better support system, not to mention my service dog Hobbs who makes my adventures even more interesting.
Navigating Life’s Curves:
Just like a hot air balloon, my life is not linear. There are unexpected twists and turns, ups and downs, and unexpected obstacles to navigate. Each day brings a new adventure, and I am grateful for the opportunity to learn from each lesson that comes my way. Some lessons have been the best, while others have been challenging. However, just like a pilot adjusts the trajectory of their hot air balloon, I have learned to embrace and adapt, never allowing the difficulties to hinder my determination.
Despite my struggles with navigating life curves, I always remember that just because there was one severe rainstorm while riding in the hot air balloon, I still ended up somewhere beautiful which gives me a story to write about each and every. “Journey of Reflection: A Personal Tale of Cerebral Palsy, Advocacy, and Transformation” is the book I wrote about every single adventure I’ve taken over the past year, which reminds me that we still have a long way to go, but it doesn’t mean it ends. It just keeps going.
It’s like the saying goes, “Every storm cloud has a silver lining.” Even when life gets tough, there’s always something positive to take away from the experience.
The Power of a Mindset:
Each day as I navigate through the world, I try my best to view it through the lens of a hot air balloon. People often find hot air balloons to be the most amazing and beautiful sight. But what if we carried that mindset with us every day, despite the difficulties we face? What if we looked at the world as if we are all suspended in a hot air balloon, filled with wonder and appreciation for the beauty that surrounds us? I believe that if we embraced this mindset, we could make a significant impact on the world.
Conclusion:
On this World CP Day, let us celebrate the diversity of the human spirit and the beauty of a life lived with Cerebral Palsy. Let us remember that every journey, no matter how challenging, has something to teach us about ourselves and the world around us. Embrace the lessons that life presents, and never stop exploring the beauty that is waiting to be discovered. Together, we can make the world a better place, one hot air balloon ride at a time.
