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"Movin’ On" August, 1994

Katie’s Korner

LETTING GO OF THE PAST

I have been sitting in the chair for several years now. Sometimes it seems like I just became a quadriplegic and other times it feels like decades have passed. The one word I have tried to incorporate in my way of life is, "acceptance." Once you allow this word, the feeling it brings to become a part of your daily living, success in life, love and happiness will come your way. It almost sounds sickening, doesn’t it? But it will. I promise!

What you have to do is develop coping mechanisms to help you with life’s struggles. Mine are; crying, keeping a journal, seeing both a psychotherapist for my therapy and a psychiatrist to monitor my anti-depressant, and just reaching out for support. Don’t be afraid to ask for help. It shows great strength when you seek real and honest ways to improve your being. I feel secure with my past and look forward to my future. I used to yearn to get back to my past life. There are times when I miss the person I was. I was so busy living life, being on the go, learning, exploring and giving my all. Then it hit me. I am still doing all those things today. Granted, I’m sitting a lot more though!

Please don’t deny yourself from the wide gambit of feelings that we folks with disabilities have. Feel what you feel and learn how to deal. As Saturday Night Lives’ Stuart Smally says, "It’s ok, because I’m good enough, smart enough, and doggone it, people like me!"

 

Katie Rodriguez Banister works with audiences to embrace diversity
through motivational speaking and disability education.