I was too vulnerable to be vulnerable
“Every story deserves to be heard.” If one message that I could give to the disability community around the world, this is what I would like to say to you. Hello from Japan! I’m Miku (IG: @m_lifewithwheels ) and I have Cerebral Palsy. I’m also a licensed social worker and disability advocate to be a cultural broker for the Japanese and disability community all over the world. For the longest time, I’ve never shared my story related to my disability because I felt it was not worth it. I thought my story was not enough to inspire others because it could be vulnerable sometimes. Yes I’m proud of who I am today and I was not ashamed of my disability either but I just couldn’t do it.
The truth is we are all vulnerable and powerful
After all these years, my mind has been slowly changing. I learned that a true story is what we need to hear. We all need to know the truth instead of trying to be a “perfect” role model. I do believe that disability does not define who you are and it doesn’t hold you back to have a happy & meaningful life. I know that. Meanwhile, we also have struggles. We could be vulnerable and feel alone sometimes and that’s okay too. It’s not because we’re disabled but just because we’re human. I’ve been afraid to share those parts of the truth because I didn’t want to break people’s hopes that they looked at me for. But I’m doing this anyway so that I can tell you’re not alone. Being vulnerable does not mean you’re giving up on your hope. It’s just a part of your journey. We all have happy, joyful, exciting, sad, vulnerable, and beautiful moments. All experiences or emotions are valid and I hope this makes you feel seen. YOUR story deserves to be heard.❤️
