Even though I knew I was different most of my life, I had difficulty accepting it. I am different; that is who I am. It is not a life less lived. It is a life that I choose. I make the best of what it is.

I was often noticed for the many things I did wrong throughout my life. People saw what was wrong with me without giving much praise for the things I did right. People expected things to just happen. They led me to believe I had the power to do what I wanted. Alternatively, I do what others wanted me to do. I was made to not see that my disability obstructed me. It was not something to use as an excuse to avoid things I didn’t want to do.

There were countless times I was hard on myself, not thinking this life was worth it. I put myself in precarious situations many times. I put myself in danger, thinking it wasn’t worth existing. Those that loved and supported me the most did what it took. They guided me on the right path. They showed me the direction, so I could see that I was worthy of the opportunities I was provided.

It also took those who recognized my potential. They understood that certain opportunities were dismissed because of past incidents or documentation. This made them have reservations about my potential to be successful in something. Those who loved me believed in me. They cared for me and had seen my potential firsthand. They persisted, affirming that I had what it took to fulfill what was set for me to do. I did what was put in front of me without regard for the way my challenges made them to be.

Through it all, there are times when I don’t think that I am living life as I should. It can be hard to put away the things that were just not intended for me. This makes me have to do things differently than what the rest of the world does. I feel anger and hurt. It happens when people see me as different or less than because of what I can bring to the table. Even though it’s hard to escape the hurt when it’s felt, I know it’s crucial not to show anger. I do not want something I can’t have because of what someone thinks, believes, or sees me as.

Deep down, my life is my life. I am beyond grateful. I am blessed to have the opportunity to do the things I do. My life is defined by how I see it and not what someone else thinks or believes. I live life knowing that I am living my best life. I am who I want to be. I live in the way that is best for me. I am the only one that has to be happy and accept me for me.