06/02/2026
Something I don’t talk about enough is that confidence and grief can exist at the same time. I’ve adapted to this new life I've been given, but there are still many moments that make me aware of everything that has changed.
I recently got home from an incredible trip. I had the opportunity to see incredible places, that some people may never see in their lifetime like Yosemite and Sequoia National Parks.
I feel very fortunate to have the chance to see such incredible places but I can't say that my disability doesn't hold me back because it does. I felt myself multiple times just wanting to be able-bodied again. I wanted to participate in the hikes and trails that weren't accessible. I wanted to stand for pictures and not feel out of place. I wanted to not feel consumed by the chronic pain that I feel on a daily basis.
It's really, really hard when your disability takes over your mind and starts affecting your mental health but that really does happen. I hate feeling different, out of place, and like I'm slowing people down. I am fully aware that everyone has their own needs, able-bodied or not but in the moments where my disability consumes my mind it's really hard to accept the weight of my disabilities and chronic conditions. It's hard to accept that I can't participate fully even when I truly want to.
I share this because many people ask how I am so confident when deep down I have so many mind consuming insecurities that might just not come off to the public or through social media. I want to be confident, feel strong, inspire others, and be proud of that but it isn't that easy.
This is just a reminder that confidence and grief can exist at the same time. Disability can happen to anyone, at any time. You are not less because of your disability. You deserve to love, be loved, and take up space exactly as you are.