Tuesday, September 3, 2013

Strengths

Hi!

The semester is in full swing again, and that means staying up late writing papers, eating not so great college food, and hanging out with my sorority sisters, and roommate.  For one of my classes, we had to write about strength. Specifically, my personal strengths.  I thought I would share my thoughts with you!  Enjoy!


Strength.  To me, this word is more than just a word that can tell or show how physically fit someone is.  Strength is about how emotionally secure someone is.  Are they able to overcome the curveballs that life throws at them?  Are they able to see the good in a situation that on he outside looks horrible?  Finally, do they show growth when they come out of a situation?    That is when a person’s inner strength shines through.
            As I was growing up, my parents always used to tell me that it is important to be strong emotionally.  I have had to overcome so much adversity in my life.  I was born with Cerebral Palsy.  This condition makes it difficult for me to walk As a result, I rely on a wheel chair so that I can get where I need to be.  To people on the outside that do not understand the situation, think that that must make me sad at times.  I would be lying to you if I said I did not get sad sometimes, but this is the life that The Lord has blessed me with.  It is up to me to see what the positives are in my situation.  The strengths.  Even though He has shortchanged me in my ability to walk, he has also given me many blessings.  He blessed me with intelligence.   He also  blessed me with the ability connect with people and form friendships.  To some this may seem trivial, but to me the ability to form strong bonds with others is paramount.  If I did not have this ability, it would much more difficult for me to ask for help.  Strength.  We all have it inside of ourselves; it is up to us to find it.  Even though situations may seem grim at times, they do not stay like that forever.  It truly is all about perspective and a person’s ability to be resilient.

Sunday, August 11, 2013

The Pageant!

Hello all,
       I am so sorry I have not posted lately!  This summer has been so crazy.  I went to the national Ms. Wheelchair, USA competition!  That week was probably one of the best weeks of my entire life.    I have made friends and memories that will last a lifetime.  I didn't take the title, but I am so happy I took the opportunity.  I learned so much about disability, my life, and myself in general.  I am so blessed to have met the amazing ladies that have changed my life forever.  It was so great to get a new perspective.  That week in Ohio was great for my psyche.  Back at home, I am not around people who face the same obstacles as I do.  We were able to share how we all overcome adversity in our own unique ways.  It was awesome for me to just feel “normal.”  I didn’t have to look up to everyone when I was speaking.  That was a first! 
            As for what I learn about life, and myself , I learned that you don’t have to apologize for what makes you YOUnique.  I am so proud of myself for even going after the crown!  Five years ago, there is NO way that I would have done that!  I am so proud that I did.  I also now know the importance of listening to those who have your best interests at heart.  You see, I am a very stubborn woman.  I am so used to trying to do things myself, that I hated asking for help.  But I learned that asking for help doesn’t make you less capable, it actually has the reverse effect.  I didn’t even think it was possible, but that week made me love myself even more than I did before I left!  So grateful and blessed.
Until next time,
~C

Saturday, February 16, 2013

What a Difference a New Semester Makes!

Hey everyone,
 I apologize for not posting lately!  I hope everyone is doing well.  I sure as hell am!  As you all may know, I moved back on campus this semester.  At first, I was a little nervous because I didn't want it to be like last semester.  I can say with 100% certainty, that I AM SOOOO MUCH HAPPIER THIS SEMESTER.  I seriously cannot even begin to describe the amount of joy I have around campus this time around! I have a fantastic room mate named Laura.  She makes me smile and laugh daily!  She is the epitome of a sweetheart.  She is a pre medical student, and also a twin!  (I wish I was)  Sometimes, her twin sister Lauren comes to stay with us on campus!  It's super awesome when she visits.  Those two ladies are awesome; no joke!  I also took another chance this semester at rushing a sorority on campus!  I had a fantastic time during rush week this semester.  I was nervous about rushing again, because In the fall when I rushed, I did not receive a bid.  I figured that I would give it one last shot and I am so glad I did!  I am now a member of the Gamma Pi chapter of Phi Sigma Sigma!  I cried like a baby during bid day!  I swore I wouldn't but I did!  I love my sisters so much.  Never have I felt so "like" everyone else.  My sisters always want to make me feel part of the chapter!  My sisters and I are even doing the color run in may.  Since I can't run.. my sisters are going to take turns pushing me the whole way, while we get paint thrown at us!   My sisters  don't judge me because I am different!  That is truly one of the greatest feelings ever.  In my life, I am often looked upon as, "the girl in the chair"  They just see me as a fellow sister! I am so thankful for my sisters!  I love it!  I am so excited because tomorrow is new member pinning!  So many new opportunities are coming my way!   I am so thankful!

Until next time,
~C