"Empowering Your Passion: Unleashing Potential and Overcoming Disabilities through Strategic Pursuit

Living with a disability throws up challenging situations, and it can often feel like it a major obstacle in the way of pursuing the things that you are passionate about. It is possible to overcome these

limitations often they are mainly self imposed limitations, your mind just tells you that you can’t do it or by not having the correct equipment available. Despite this limitations you can still find ways to pursue your passions despite your disability. Here are some strategies that I have found to be helpful in overcoming my limitations ( I understand everyone has different limitations so some of these tips won’t be beneficial to all):

• Prioritize your health: It is important to make your health a top priority getting the correct nutrition, managing fatigue, do things to make yourself comfortable and pain free - during the daily morning battle to put on my compression socks, like trying to fight a wet octopus with one hand tied behind your back now that is an image, I know it relieves the tightness and pain in my legs, Do I skip this morning fight some days? Yes of course I do. Do I feel guilty I have cheated on the morning routine? Yes. Should that guilt exist? No it shouldn’t but I’m trying to tell myself that this is okay and that is necessary to sometimes pick my battles wisely. Getting enough rest is also a key factor in prioritizing your health (One major tip I can give if you are struggling to get enough rest is to invest in a decent mattress), take those naps when you need them and don’t feel guilty about it, hydrate regular, as well as seeking help when it is necessary (physical health, mental health help or just help with everyday tasks) By prioritizing your health, managing your energy levels you can ensure that you have the energy and stamina to pursue your passions or life goals.

• Find creative solutions: If you are finding it difficult to pursue your passion in the same way that you used to, try to think of creative ways about how you can adapt and research the adaptive equipment that might be out there.

• Break tasks into smaller pieces: If you are feeling overwhelmed both physically and mentally by a large task, try breaking it down into smaller, more manageable tasks. This can help you to stay motivated and avoid the dreaded burnout. Fatigue is an ongoing battle for me trying to stick to my physical limits but my mind still thinks I can still do everything it used to, its a fine line between pushing myself enough yet trying to avoid the boom bust cycle or to make the pain worse.

• Be flexible: Finally, it is important to be flexible and willing to adjust your goals as needed. Your condition may require you to take regular breaks or make adjustments, but that doesn't mean that you are unable to still pursue your passions, things you enjoy doing and attain the life goals you have set yourself.

• Seek support: Living with a disability can be isolating, but it is important to remember that you are not alone. Seek out support from friends, family, or a support group. This can help you to stay motivated, socially fulfilled and remain connected to your passions.

By seeking to prioritise your health, finding creative solutions to problems, breaking tasks down into smaller manageable tasks, seeking positive support when you require it, and having the ability to remain flexible, you can overcome the societal and physical limitations of your condition. These little tips have helped me to realise I can still pursue my passions with confidence. Remember, life may not always be easy, but it is always possible to find joy and fulfilment in your life despite of your condition.