Originally I wanted to write my next blog about cooking because everyone that knows me knows I have had many funny, disastrous moments in the kitchen. That will be the focus for next time! But my focused change when on one random day I was lucky enough to meet an individual that inspired me!

I met an individual who has been taking care of his brother since he was involved in a car accident a few years ago. Hearing his struggles made me think how important it is to think about the can and not the can't!

The statement is very general but when you think about it, it has a ton of meaning! What part of life is enjoyable when you and those around you focus on what you can't do, disabled or not this applies to everyone!  Every individual has something they can't do, for disabled people that list may be a little longer but if you focus on what you can do versus the cant then there is a whole big world of opportunity out there for you!  

I have spent a few moments in my life wondering why I was put on this earth disabled, but then I think about the fact that I was put on this earth like this for a reason and realize I have so much to offer this world! I have been so lucky; I have a great family, awesome, awesome friends, my mind and my mobility! So what if my legs don't work!! Let's think about this for a minute, because my legs don't work I can't run or climb stairs. That's pretty much it, all I have to say to that is SO WHAT?!

If I spent all of my time thinking and dwelling on what I can't do I would miss out on so many wonderful opportunities and adventures! By adventures I mean all the crazy things I have been lucky enough to try! For example: going down my grandparents steep driveway just because my grandpa told me not to do it and scraping my body head to toe afterwards getting a sponge bath in the sink crying I'm sorry grandpa over and over again,  going to the snow in a sled and falling face first in a ditch because my brother didn't catch me, climbing on a folding chair because my wheelchair won't fit through the bathroom door at a friend’s house and I had to pee, sneaking candy into the movies by sitting on it and riding a motorized bike with a train of boys on the back and flipping over and hurting my head even after my mom told me there was too much weight on the back or climbing on the counters because i was determined to reach something I couldn't! My whole point is that if you don’t try things you want to do you are missing out! There are many other things I have done in my laugh that I probably shouldn’t have done but I look back and laugh!

Besides the dumb experiences I have been through I have tried many things I didn’t think I would ever be able to do! I use to often second guess myself and not try things, now I get creative and try the things I never thought I would! Just to explain what I mean, a few weeks ago I went bowling! I hadn’t bowled in years and didn’t think I could without the ramp equipment they have, but i quickly discovered it was possible! I completely missed the pins, almost flipped over in the chair (Thanks Kim for holding the chair after that!) and got my fingers stuck in the ball at least 3 times, but I did it! I had so much fun and it was all because I put myself out there and took a chance that I may fail and it turned out to be a success! In the future I hope to learn how to ski and go on a zip line just to name a few of the future aspirations on my list!

All of these exciting and out right dumb experiences I have been through are what makes me who I am and if I focused on what I can't do I would miss out on so much!! So here's my advice: make a list of everything you want to do in your life and get creative! Make it possible, figure out a way so you can accomplish whatever it may be. Talk to close friends, brainstorm ideas and remember that it is absolutely possible!! Don't miss out on anything because someone tells you that you can't do it and most importantly stay focused on what you can do not what you can't! Don’t waste your time on thinking about what you can’t do; it’s not worth your time!

I realize this statement is different for everyone, I have always been disabled so what I can't do I don't miss and for others the circumstances are very different. So don't focus on what you can't do, find new interests and achieve the impossible!! Even if you aren't disabled, this applies to you too! Everyone has things they aspire to do and setbacks in their lives but anything is possible! Being different isn't bad, be your own person. Remember, you are who you are for a reason and you will make a mark in this world! It can all start by making a simple list! Bottom line, go for it do what you want, most importantly remember, it’s just a chair!