Lessons I've Learned Along the Way
Notes From a Mind in Constant Motion
Next week, I turn 33 years old!
Here are 32 lessons I’ve learned in the last 32 years of my life!
Not everyone will understand you, and that is okay! Find those that do and appreciate you for who you are.
What makes you unique are the ways you are different, and there is nothing wrong with being different.
It’s okay to say “no” as a person with a disability; whether it is about taking on another project, going to an event, or just setting boundaries. Sometimes people with disabilities get viewed as non-compliant if they say no, but they have just as much right to do so as those without disabilities.
Connections to the right people make the world of difference!
Allow someone to speak even if they have trouble speaking.
Understanding your technology and access needs will help you be successful will get you further in life than the latest phone model.
Listen to your body and mind and take breaks as needed rather than waiting until you are completely exhausted.
Don’t let others decide what you are capable of.
There is a solution to every problem, sometimes it takes lots of brainstorming and solution proposing to find something that works.
There are a lot of educating people without disabilities about invisible disabilities, and that can be exhausting but also rewarding at the same time.
Don’t chase a racoon!
Choose to surround yourself with people and places that honor your brilliance and boundaries!
Gathering knowledge and sharing it is extremely helpful.
Fitting in is overrated.
30 years of advocating has taught me a lot of patience.
People with disabilities are underestimated more often than not.
Listening to understand is far more important than listening to reply.
Your story doesn’t need permission to matter.
Work with your brain and its strengths and weaknesses rather than against it.
Taking care of yourself and making time for yourself prevents burnout.
Using plain language and providing access needs is an act of respect.
Asking for help is a strength, especially knowing when to do so.
Chickens sing before they lay eggs.
Many people haven’t heard of dyspraxia before.
What comes easy for one person, will be hard for another person.
Hard work matters but so does the right environment.
My story is proof that change is possible.
You don’t have to be the loudest person in the room to be the leader.
It’s important to trust your gut or intuition because it’s often right.
You can’t convince someone to understand your experience if they aren’t ready to listen.
Finding joy can be simple like hearing a baby chicken sing their first egg song or it can be complicated, but it’s important to find it.
You impact more people than you realize, and some you haven’t even met yet.
