Free as a Bird.

You are not your body; you are the eye. When you see the spirit, you are free of the body. The human being is an eye- the rest is just flesh and bones. Whatever your eyes see, you are that.

– Rumi-

This week was easily one of the most memorable weeks of my life for several reasons. Not only did I get to spend time with some of my favorite people, in the entire world, my co- workers, but one of my biggest dreams also became a reality.

There is a part of me that has always felt that my spirit does not match my circumstances in the sense that I have so many things that I want to do, but sometimes, my body works against me. I spent a great deal of time depressed. I let my thoughts of fear and doubt occupy my mind, because how I was supposed to carry out my ambitions from a wheelchair? It took me a long time to realize that the answer to my question held a simple answer.

Choice.

Even though I don’t have control over what my body does, I have control over how I react to my challenges. I can choose whether I am going to let those infamous feelings of fear and doubt tie me down. Fear is bigger than any disability. It can stop us from doing what our heart wants. When we let go of our negative feelings, the freedom we have always dreamed of becomes a reality. The freedom to appreciate and live life to its fullest capacity, regardless of what you have been through. However, that being said, I also realize that there are going to be some things that I just cannot do, but that is okay. Don’t let those moments discourage you. Life is better spent focusing on what we can do, rather than what we can’t. Always remember that it is not a reflection of you and your spirit. It is about how you see yourself.

Looking back, I have had and witnessed so many amazing moments in my life that have left me feeling euphorically happy, but nothing, nothing comes close to the feeling that floods through my insides when I fly down the mountain in my sit- ski every Saturday. I feel as though I am a bird who has been released from her cage, ready to fly free again. This past weekend, I achieved my goal of going unteathered for the first time ever down a short stretch of mountain. It was one of the most incredible things I have ever experienced. It is something I will never forget.

Fly free, my friends!