Try new things and challenge yourself! Living with a SCI
Life is truly an adventure. I love challenging myself and trying new things. As much as I hate being in a wheelchair, I do have to say I have tried and experienced a lot more activities than I think I would have done if I hadn't had my injury. I did a lot of activities prior to my injury, but have had the chance to try them and re-learn them with my disability. It's been so fun and such a challenge at times.
I have done rock climbing twice, surfing, kayaking, water skiing, tennis a few times, golf, taught cooking classes, traveled to South Africa to meet my birth family, 3 or 4 5k’s, been a Guinea pig for paralysis equipment, adaptive yoga, learned to sew without the use of my feet, traveled a lot, been to a shooting range, created all kinds of desserts and cakes from weddings to birthdays, catered events and most recently did archery and handcycling.
You have to learn to accept the way your life is and the plan God has for you. You may not see it right away or you may lose sight of it at times, but as long as you are still alive, you always have a purpose. This doesn’t mean losing hope that you may walk again or something like that, but don’t let that get in the way of living your life now. Be present as much as you can each day and try new things as much as possible.
I don’t think you will ever stop having bad days/weeks, but that is life in general. It’s not just because of your SCI that you’re having a bad day. The bad days due to falling, bowel and bladder accidents, etc.. will become fewer and farther between. Before you know it they will be once a month and become less than that as you learn to navigate your new life. I have always said my SCI and being in a wheelchair has been like being a baby all over again; learning all the things you used to do just in a different way. It could be an adventure if you allow yourself to think that way! Allow yourself to be happy no matter your circumstance. Sometimes that’s hard, but it can be done and you can do it!
