The last year and acceptance of living with Cerebral Palsy
It's been almost a year since I shared my story on this global platform. It was the beginning of the process of self-acceptance. At the time, self-love wasn't part of this process.
Until last year I thought I would never be able to be loved by someone other than my family. I threw the blame at Cerebral Palsy for my lack of self-esteem and by an issue of the non-inclusive society to which we are inserted. But it didn't take long to realize that I was enough. Communities for people with Cerebral Palsy and other disabilities was the light that lit up my head and warmed my heart.
But I made the mistake of believing that when I accepted myself, the world would accept me. Make no mistake, self-acceptance makes our journey lighter but it doesn't make us unbeatable. This became very clear to me when I came across a situation where I was humiliated and offended in an environment that I saw as a comfort zone. And I thought: If in this environment where everyone knows me, knows my story, I go through this kind of situation, I will have to spend the rest of my life, wherever I go, aware that it can happen and that it will be difficult.
But I know that at least, these battles can be peaceful and happy because they are not individual, they are for the entire community.
Welcoming Communities
These are groups that give me so much support and strength. I'm happy to be a part of this and with open arms to talk to whoever needs to talk.
Some of them are:
- I Am Possible Community (I'm an Ambassador)
- Valerie Lawrence Thriving with CP
- Kelly's Choice Inc.
- Thoughts on Difference
- Nossa Casa.org.br
