World Cerebral Palsy Day
Today, September 4th, is World Cerebral Palsy Day. According to the World CP Day website, "It will change the lives of people with cerebral palsy (CP). The theme for this unique day is 'Change my world in 1 minute'. There are 17 million people around the world with cerebral palsy. A further 350 million people are closely connected to a child or adult with CP. This website is a forum for people with cerebral palsy to express what they need to make their life more independent or more rewarding. "The website also gives people with CP the opportunity to make these ideas a reality...People with CP, their family and friends can visit this website and suggest ways to improve the quality of life of people with CP. Each idea is posted on the website as text or video and will only take one minute to read or watch. During September, everyone is encouraged to go online, review the ideas and vote for the concepts that will have the greatest impact on people’s lives.
"At the end of September, the World Cerebral Palsy Day Panel will select the best ideas, solutions and inventions for people with cerebral palsy."
You know, I wish I had an astounding, earth-shattering, life changing minute of an idea that would fit the bill here. But I don't. All I have to offer is the life I live every day and the two blogs I maintain (this one and my digital art showcase Gallery Celesta). I've been a student, a disabled advocate, a journalist, an editor, an astrologer, a prognosticator, a cook, a musician, a podcaster, a web designer, an artist, a wife, and the patron saint of all lost and neglected dogs. Despite my best efforts I can't do things at anywhere near a "normal" pace, but I strive to accomplish as much as I can. Not for the sake of others, but in my own attempts to be the YOLO (You Only Live Once) queen. I've made countless mistakes, partied way too hard, pushed my luck, had many lapses in judgement, and mishandled many situations - but I've learned from those mistakes and hopefully become a better, wiser person as a result.
During the course of my 50+ years on planet Earth I have seen attitudes about Cerebral Palsy change, mostly for the better. Political Correctness has led to hushed whispers instead of direct questions and ridiculous labels that are designed to be inoffensively banal. I am more offended by averted eyes and hesitant behavior than by questions and sincere offers of assistance. Those of us with CP have to come to terms with the fact that other people can't accept us if we don't first accept ourselves. Far too many of us feel they are defective, ashamed, not good enough to be a part of the world; or bitter, angry, hostile and resentful towards the world. It's neither the world's fault nor yours that you are the way you are. It is your responsibility to handle what you've been dealt as best you can. If you think highly of yourself than others who agree will come into your life and those that don't will fall back. Most importantly, if you love yourself it won't matter; life is just easier and happier.
I suppose that's my World Cerebral Palsy Day idea. Love yourself more, be proud of who you are, and strive to be happier and wiser with each passing day. This is where true, lasting beauty begins - from the inside out.
Oh, I almost forgot, always look fabulous. Try it; you'll like it!
