You are not alone
in your struggle to survive.

The world we live in today is a tough place. It seems we have to work very hard just to survive. We get busy and wrapped up in our own lives to such an extent that we forget we are not alone in this struggle. Or maybe we are aware of the others around us who are struggling as well, but we become so immersed in the perception of our own insufficiency, lack of perfection and inability to realize our dreams that we disconnect from those around us. One thing I’ve learned in my 36 years on this planet (well, there’s more than one thing but I will get to that later) is that no matter where you’re from or how you live your life, we all have issues, and if you stop to think about it no one’s issues are really more severe or trying than anyone else’s.

My entire life I have been told that because I was born with cerebral palsy and it’s a struggle for me to live my life every day that makes me an inspiration. If the wheelchair is inspiring, I think sparkles could be even more so.

In truth, finding the COURAGE to inspire both myself and others is something I CHOOSE to do. If you are looking in the mirror and finding yourself uninspired or without dreams, take a breath, and then look again. You are beautiful just the way you are, and it is up to you to see it first. You can make it happen one moment, one minute, one hour at a time.

For instance… I just noticed that my butt is invisible in that picture. Eh, that’s ok. Maybe laziness can also be inspiring in it’s own way. I have the courage to be butt-less.

Normal Person + Wheelchair = Inspiring!

Wheelchaired person + Sparkles = Amazingly, Fantastically Inspiring!

(Me going to the doctor) >> In INSPIRING wheelchair, going to bank, eating dinner.

I can tell you are inspired already!

INSPIRATION IS ALL AROUND YOU

I am inspired by firemen and policemen (and women!) who risk their lives every day in order to keep others safe. I am inspired by single moms who work two jobs just to put food on the table and keep a roof over their heads. Nurses and doctors, many of which have been a large part of my life because of my ongoing treatments, inspire me. I’m inspired by the kid that gets up and goes to school every day and does everything he can to focus on his studies and get ahead, when all around him there are bullies and distractions.

I could go on all day about the people and things on this planet that inspire me, and would probably never fall upon the idea that I myself am an inspiration simply because I continue life in a wheelchair. I would much rather be found inspiring because of the messages I have to share, or because someone finds my comedic ramblings to be amusing than because I ambulate daily on a chair with wheels attached.

The simple fact is that no matter what your walk of life, we all have struggles. I grew up a little differently than the average person but for the most I live my day to day life pretty much the way everyone else does, only on wheels.