Let’s face it, we’ve changed. We are not the same people we once were before we became disabled. Our disabled circumstances have changed us from the person we used to be. A lot of times it’s for the better. We understand life more. We deal with the challenges. We learn to be more patient. We have most likely become attuned to life’s trials and tribulations.
We long for what could be but accept the here and now. We understand our limitations and do our best to move forward. However, some people move in the opposite direction. They become bitter, depressed and turn on life. The disability has hardened their soul and sucked the life out of them.
How to change. It’s difficult to change from the inside out. I mean… you just can’t tell yourself you’re going to be happy. That might work for five minutes. The best way to change your attitude is through your behavior – the outside-in approach. If you don’t feel happy, act happy. If you don’t feel loving, act loving. In short, act the way you want to feel, not the way you feel. And yes, I am saying put up a façade around others. You’d be surprise how behavior can affect your attitude. Fight for your well-being.
No, it’s not wrong to feel bad, unhappy, sad, disappointed, depressed or any other detrimental emotions. It’s all part of life. It’s feeling these things ALL the time that’s the problem. People don’t want to be around someone who’s a downer. It gets old very quickly and they probably won’t be around you too long. Be upbeat! And when these people are surrounded by your positive energy they’ll be lifted up and in return you’ll be elevated. Hopefully over time and through your actions you’ll suppress unhealthy feelings and convince yourself that you are happy. You are loving. You are good. I know this may seem radical but why take the alternative? Even with a disability, you deserve the best for yourself.
