Everyone living in our modern society has obstacles, challenges and responsibilities to face. All of these shape our lives in unique ways, but for people living with disabilities, these pressures can feel insurmountable at times.
It is for this reason that a healthy and positive outlook on life is essential for those who are living with a disability every day. Staying positive can be tricky – and that is why we have listed out favourite tips to guide you below.
Tip 1: Surround Yourself with Positive People
Being surrounded by negative people can impact your outlook on life, no matter how positive you are yourself. However, having a few understanding, reliable and kind friends around can definitely improve your day to day life. Find friends that can see past your disability and are honest with you without fearing that they are making things worse for you. Making friends when living with a disability is a challenge in itself, but it can be extremely rewarding if you choose to surround yourself with people who support and uplift you.
You should also try to connect with people in a positive way. Interacting with disabled people can be intimidating to some folks, who are left doubting themselves even if they do want to engage. In this case, you could try making the first move and talking to them to see if they have any questions. This way you can socialise and teach people about your condition, while they get to learn and re-evaluate what they know about disability. Talking about Bingo Australia is also a sure-fire way to make friends quickly!
Tip 2: Set Expectations Carefully
This applies both to yourself and to others. Try not to measure yourself up against others, because chances are that they are not facing the same personal difficulties and circumstances that you are. Only you can know your abilities and your limitations, and you should always work with them for best results. Push yourself to achieve realistic goals that will improve your life (like becoming healthier, looking after your body or rehabilitating an injury), but don’t be hard on yourself if it takes you longer than expected or if there are interruptions along the way.
It’s also good to remember that there will always be people out there who will doubt you because of your disability. Do not pay them any attention. Move at your own pace, and don’t push yourself to try and reach unattainable goals just to fit in or to make other people happy. You should also know that there is no shame in battling or failing to reach a goal. Assess what went wrong and try again when you feel ready. Mistakes allow us to learn, and even failing can be considered progress.
Tip 3: Make the Most of Things
When your ability is impaired in some way, the best thing you can do is focus on what you do have working for your advantage. Instead of focusing on your physical or mental limitations, focus on the things that you are great at, your passions, and whatever makes you feel good about yourself. This could be a specific talent, your creativity, or an ability that you have worked hard to perfect.
Remember that your disability does not negate your right to enjoy the same opportunities and pleasures as those around you. It might be harder for you to date, socialise, gain an education or find a job, but there are people out there who are ready and willing to help you achieve your dreams. You have something unique and special to offer the world, and it is essential to nurture it to maintain your sense of self-worth while learning to live with a disability.
