Positivity and Recovery

A while ago, I transitioned through a massive journey that involved an astronomical amount of resilience and self-empowerment. My recovery and the challenges along the way have certainly changed the course of my life, but with time to accept and acknowledge those challenges, I focused on the lessons I learned and the strengths I developed, even though my growth, at a snail’s pace, allowed me time to overcome my hurdles. Grounding myself and checking in on my feelings and emotions has been a critical part of my recovery journey to ensure I am safe in my life. Finding that inner resilience to construct a positive narrative, which involved many things that were, in part, a definite gamble.

Throughout my studies, I found a way to positively construct a new narrative for my life. As the years of study progressed, I found that applying what I had learned made all the difference. I am constantly surprised by how neuroplasticity and the adaptability of our brain offered me those 'aha!' moments when I least expected them. It certainly was a combination of things, such as externalising my challenges so as not to feel overwhelmed, the use of storytelling techniques to reframe my experiences, to build a sense of purpose and growth, and to engage with others emotionally and with a genuine regard, focusing on positive outcomes and a renewed framework for my life, with authentic and genuine approaches to people in my ongoing therapy journey.

Unfortunately, today, we can see that regardless of the circumstances, people with a disability find it much more difficult to adapt and feel included in society. There appears to be so much anger, violence, division, and intolerance in society where people only talk; they rarely listen or stop to think and reflect. Reflecting on these issues for the disability community prompted a few questions: Is society aware of these current challenges that people face? Do we really have empathy towards others? How can we really help those who need help? For me, these are critical issues for many of us, yet our minority voices are often ignored, or we are not listened to. Perhaps we can all change how we approach people, whatever their background and disability, with more empathy, understanding, and a sense of empowered inclusivity.