Throughout my time in college, I've learned so much; how to cope with classes, when or when not to take naps, figuring out that writing an essay email to a prof explaining how you screwed up and apologize isn't really worth it because you'll only get the simple "ok.". =/. But the most important thing I've learned so far is to make the absolute best of the life that we live.
My life has been such a roller coaster to this point. Adding in the fact that I have a disability doesn't help out whatsoever. It truly is hard to comprehend how easy it is to just give up, and to quit, which really sucks because so many people revert to that decision without seeing the other options. My disability has definitely brought me to the point at which I nearly quit too, but I don't.
The worst part about living with a disability is that people see that before they see me as a person. And it is extremely depressing. I have fallen into deep states of depression due to it at times in my life. It's scary...depression. I don't want to get dark right away in this post, but it seems to be moving there sooner than I thought. So ride with it, I guess. I wrote about living with a disability a few months ago, then later posted my Riley story after Indiana University Dance Marathon, but I didn't really go into the ins and outs of a daily mindset.
I've wanted to write something like this for the longest time, but always felt like it wasn't time yet. But I finally grew a pair.
I'm a devout Christian, and it drives me every day to make the most of every day and never feel like I waste a day. I've developed into being an early riser in the morning because of this mindset, and it screws with my sleep schedule most of the time
Every day I judged. I don't want to think about it, but it happens. I had a stroke at birth. A bunch of other shit has come because of it. I have Cerebral Palsy., had infantile spasms (baby seizures), have ADHD, anxiety, super duper emotional, and depression. The cerebral palsy has made way for 3-4 surgeries on my right leg to help me walk a little better. Even with a brace, I still walk with a little limp. I think of it more like a pimp limp than anything else. lolz.
It's hard to stay positive all the time, but I somehow do it most of the time. Okay so I really didn't get dark at all with this article, because depressing stuff isn't fun to think about. Let's stay positive!!
Every day i try and give it my all to be a positive energy to those around me; to give those around me the perception of "hey this guy has a really shitty situation going for him, but he's still happy. I'm happy for him. Wow he's kinda attractive too:)". I put myself in situations that bring me success, and surround myself with people that have the same outlook on life as myself. I guess that's one of the biggest reason why i do IUDM and Dance Marathons in general. You find the most selfless, caring, and energetic people in these organizations. That's infectious to me, and each and every one of my IUDM family members inspire me to be the best me I can truly be. I truly mean everyone. All 1900(?) committee members, fraternity pledges, and sorority babies. People say i'm and inspiration for what I've been through, but I'm just trying to show that there are so many things to be proud of and happy about in my life. If that inspires others, so be it.
I think it is so important to see the light in every situation in your life; both good and bad. It keeps you from falling into a state of sadness and is all around cool to do. Who doesn't like feeling good about yourself?? Me thinks no one. I want to end by saying that I love my life right now. I'm in a great place physically, mentally, emotionally, and in my faith. I love everyone in my life, and would not change a thing right now. Life is good. Small things make me happy. Good people make me laugh. And I have an amazing God that keeps me #blessed.
