This is My Why!

When I think of all of the kids that I have the privilege of working with at the Out of School Care Program, I tend to get emotional. I can’t talk about how amazing our program is without shedding a tear or two. Words cannot even begin to express just how proud I am to be a part of such an incredible initiative. If you have ever been in the “centre”, you know the feeling happiness and contentment that floods it’s way through your insides every single time you walk through the front door. It’s spiritual. I am so blessed to be doing something that makes me feel this way.

In preparation for a presentation that I will be delivering to the students, staff and faculty at Park Meadows School tomorrow in honour of International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD), I spent a lot of time thinking about the children I get to work with every day. What would I want them to know? What would I tell them and my fantastic co- workers?

I would tell them that I believe in them. I would tell each one that they could do anything they set their minds to. For a long time, I did not believe in myself, because I felt significantly limited by my physical challenges. I remember asking myself that if there were so many things I couldn’t do, then what is the point in even trying? I thought I was just setting myself up for disappointment. I was envious of people who could seemingly do everything so easily without having to consider what they needed to do next. Being on this incredibly rewarding and at times, what I thought would be a paradoxical journey has taught me that even though there are some activities that I will never be able to do, there are many activities that I can do by adapting to my surroundings and doing them in a manner that accommodates my needs. The reality is, we all have challenges - we all have something we can’t do, but if you spend your time and waste your energy dwelling on those challenges, you may never discover all that you are capable of.

This is why I share my story through writing and speaking. People tell me all the time that I am an inspiration, but the intent of sharing my thoughts, feelings and emotions is not so they can think of me in this way. I don't want people to think of me this way. I am just ordinary girl living an ordinary life. I decided to start a blog and share my story at events like IDPD because I want people to believe in themselves.

And I want our younger generation to be happy; I want them to love themselves.; I want them to chase after their dreams, try new things, and I want them to know that the sky is the limit when it comes to their potential. They are my inspiration.

This is my why.