Guest Author - Jessica Steinmetz

I know of people with disabilities who live their lives not totally accepting their disabilities. They constantly search for a cure instead of living life. Have you ever asked yourself when are you going to accept yourself?

When I was younger, I had a dream that one day I would walk. I planned it out in my mind about how I would surprise my family and friends. It was a wonderful fantasy. Now I do hope that I will be able to walk, but I realize that day might never come. I don't want to waste my life away fantasizing about how my life could be without Cerebral Palsy.

I believe accepting your disability and limitations is important. You can let go of fantasies and begin to deal with reality. One reality might be that exercising is good and helpful. Exercising might not cure you. My reality is that I might ever be able to walk, but my life will be as good as I make it.

A disability doesn't have to be a negative thing. Disabilities is one aspect of who you are. Try to use it to your advantage. Make the disability an ability.