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The Differently Abled Person’s Guide To Living Life To The Full!

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Being differently-abled can be full of challenges. However, such challenges needn’t prevent us from living a full, satisfying, and meaningful life. Keep reading to find out more. 

 

Embrace your independence 

 

While not every differently-abled person has the level of independence they would prefer, there are often still things that we can complete successfully for ourselves. Indeed, making sure that we build these activities into our daily routine can help keep us focused on what we can do, rather than what we can’t. 

 

Of course, sometimes over-enthusiastic carers and loved ones can get in the way of allowing us to live to our full potential. However, it is worth having a potentially awkward conversation with them about when they are overstepping our boundaries. After all, autonomy should always rest with the individual that is being cared for. 

Connect with people that can empathise 

There is a big difference between sympathy and empathy for those of us that are differently able. Sympathy is mostly about the able-bodied commiserating with us, and can at worst feel condescending and patronising. However, empathy is about connecting with a person that has a similar life experience and can truly understand the challenges and triumphs we face. 

Indeed, sometimes just a look or a social media post from someone that has been in our position is all we need to feel understood and heard, even on the most challenging of days. Connecting with those that have gone through similar challenges can also be very inspirational, and allow us to learn from their mistakes without needing to experience the pain of making our own. 

Don’t forget to exercise 

Exercise is essential to the well-being of all people, differently-abled or not. You may even find that the disability services in your area offer recreation and sporting facilities that are perfectly adapted to your needs. However, there are a few things to remember when it comes to exercising as a disabled person. 

The first is that so many exercises and activities can be adapted for those of us that are differently able. This includes cycling, rugby, basketball, fencing, and even dance. Also, just because a sport has an adapted version available in your area it doesn’t mean that you have to play it. The most important thing is to find something that you genuinely enjoy because exercising regularly becomes so much easier to do! Even if it does take a bit of extra planning when you are differently-abled. 

Use your experience to help others 

It may sound a little cheesy, but there is a lot of meaning that can be gathered from using your experience with disability to help others. Indeed, there are many options to consider here from blogging about your experience, to activism, to volunteering with causes close to your heart. Of course, there are always plenty of opportunities to get involved in fundraising as well, whether you want to bake up a storm and sell sweet treats, or enter a city marathon! 

 

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