After almost 10 years of living with a disability - it's time to finally start an honest dialogue with the public. Trust me, I never thought I'd utter those words. I've spent so long trying NOT to talk about it. Anyway, this is not for my own benefit, i.e. I'm removing myself from any association with Gen N (Gen Narcissism) and promise you I won't be publishing selfies every two hours. This is for other young people in a similar situation - really, anyone who has unwillingly been stamped or branded with the 'disabled' label and the 'awww' (sad face) that goes with it. We need to remove the stigma around disability. My life is not over: I work, I studied, I socialise, I have very very very late nights, I cook, I shop, I travel and just like everyone else, I have my off days too. After a recent discrimination experience (I guess you'd call it) with a potential job in QLD, I was compelled to act - not march in protest but communicate. Change was imminent...but in the form of what?
Change came. I did it. Hit the road (well, the airport) and found myself in Melbourne.
After the suggestion from my friend to move, I spent a couple of weeks on 'what if's' and another few days convincing friends (and myself) it was the right time to take the plunge - it was set in motion. Yes I know - Brisbane to Melbourne, still in the same country, just a different state, not that big of a deal. I'm a Cancerian - the sign that is known for indecision, so it was a big deal. I sometimes call Mum if I can't decide on whether to have a pasta, rice or chocolate dinner.
So timing, timing is always a bitch but in this instance, it just felt right. Approaching 30...not sure if 'approaching' is the right word, it's in two months. Anyway, 30 usually signifies changes - if it's not a baby, it's gotta be a big move. I chose the latter. Obviously.
A friend said to me a few weeks ago "Wow...you've got the chance to totally reinvent yourself in a new city...you should shave your head or become a lesbian or something like that". I agree, to a somewhat lesser extreme. You can reinvent yourself whenever you choose - it doesn't have to depend on geography. My version of reinvention is simple - live life for myself - other people's opinions don't matter. Some wise person once said: Expect the best, be prepared for the worst, f*ck what others think and do your own thing.
Words to live by.