The Value of Patience and Love.

My Dad always says we learn something new everyday whether we realize it or not. I have definitely found this statement to be nothing short of the truth, as I have learned many valuable lessons throughout my life. As I sat down and pondered about what I should write about in this blog, I realized that I have learned from the experiences that I encountered this past week.

1) Patience is the key to success

Having Cerebral Palsy has taught me that in order to achieve independence, I have to be patient. When I finally accomplish a goal that I have been striving to achieve for a long time, I feel like a kid on Christmas morning. This week, I learned how to put my leg braces and running shoes on independently. Even though I sat on the couch for almost an hour trying to get my foot inside my shoe and tie the laces, I was bound and determined to do so and, I was not going to surrender until I accomplished my goal. Despite my physical challenges, I want to be as independent and self sufficent as I can. I know I still have a long journey ahead, but I am determined to succeed. I am just going to take it one step at a time

2) Love is the most important thing

Love for me has two componets. I have aknowledged that I would not be where I am today without the support and encouragement I have recieved from my familly and friends. My family and friends have been there for me through every single challenge I have encountered throughout my life.

However, I think love is also taking the time to focus on ourselves. Everyone has challenges or "disabilities" if you will some of which are visible, and some of us have challenges that lie beneath the exterior. I think that it is important to focus on the positive aspects of our lives because if we choose to focus only on the negative, we will lose the motivation that is needed to keep moving forward, even when life proves to be difficult.

One of my favorite quoetes is by a man named, Nick Vujicic.

" If I fail, I try again, and again, and again. The human spirit can handle much worse than we realize. It matters how you are going to finish. Are you going to finish strong?"