The Decade Chairversary 

Holy Canoli! It’s been 10 years since I was in my motorcycle accident that changed my life dramatically! A DECADE living from a wheelchair! I cannot believe it’s been that long. Seems like yesterday I was participating in physical therapy to learn how to complete daily life functions or activities of daily living (ADLs). I often look back and think about how my life has been since that day. I look back at my thoughts and feelings going through my rehab; all my thoughts – positive, negative, and ugly. Trust me, there has been some ugly thoughts. But, I think all shades of thoughts are completely natural, it all depends on how you react and use thoughts that matter.
Throughout these ten years, I have had some amazing opportunities! I have attended Roll on Capitol Hill through United Spinal, twice, which is advocating for legislation that affects those with disabilities. I have participated in Miss Wheelchair Ohio, and if I won, I would have advocated for those with disabilities on a state level. I have been adaptive paddling MANY times and each time I am out there, I remember just how much I love the water. This was a great opportunity to feel “normal” again. But then again, what is normal?! Being involved in this group actually led to a greater opportunity, which, when I can, I will talk about. I have been able to attend United Spinal’s National Leadership meetings, twice, since I have taken on a leadership role within the Northeast Ohio Chapter, and through these meetings, I have met some amazing people from across the country!

I know I will continue to have amazing opportunities. For example, I was just elected (and waiting to be voted on) the Board of Directors for LEAP. LEAP is an acronym for Linking Employment, Abilities, and Potential and is an organization in Cleveland (my future home in the not so distant future!). I am very excited to see what opportunities this opens up for me and the people that I will meet.
As you know, I also started working at MetroHealth, as a Research Assistant, working on a grant to improve the lives of those with SCI. This has been amazing. Other than waking up super early to drive to Cleveland (an hour away), it does not feel like work. Sure there is paperwork for things that we do, but for the most part, I get to talk to new injuries every day. I get to talk to them about how they are doing in therapy, in recovery, and what they hope to do after leaving here. I am also beginning to develop a peer mentoring program, and volunteers will come in and give their experiences as a person living with a spinal cord injury. I cannot wait to see that up and running!

Your mindset and thought patterns really make a difference in how you live your life. You can’t live a positive life with negative thoughts (author unknown). That is why I have spent the majority of my “free” time these past 2 or 3 years really digging into personal development and cognitions. I also think that is why I related to Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) when I was learning about theories in my Master’s Counseling Program, and why I talk about it in almost every single one of my blog posts. You might get sick of hearing about positive thoughts, or changing your thinking pattern, from me, but in reality, it is so so so important.
Every year, I post on Facebook about it being my “Chairversary.” People aren’t really quite sure how to respond to that. Do you say Congratulations? Keep up the good work? I’m so sorry for you? (Um, NO, never that one!) But, really, what do you say? Well, I look at this in a positive light. Due to the severities of my accident, let’s be honest, I should probably be dead. But, I’m not. I’m a stubborn “son-of-a–” that refused to give up. I refused then, and I will continue to refuse to give up now and in the future. I view this day as kind of like my second birthday. So, I guess we could say “Happy Chairversary” because it is a happy day for me.
I meant to get this post up last week when my Chairversary actually was.  Due to life, that obviously didn't happen.  But, in the mean time, I did have my annual Chairversary bonfire.  This was a great night.  The weather was perfect and so many friends and family came to show their support and to hang out.  My mother and I were talking about the development of these parties.  In the first few years, people came as a reason to drink.  Over the years it has changed.  While there still may be some alcoholic beverages consumed, it is not the main reason for the night.  
Saturday night was spent remembering what we all have been through since my injury.  A trauma doesn't just affect the person that went through it.  It affects family and friends.  So many people stepped up to the plate 10 years ago to help out my family, while they were helping me.  So many people have stepped up throughout the years to help in a time of need, big deeds and small!  This bonfire every year means the world to me as my way of thanking those that are continually there for me.  How about we all try remember to thank those special people and them just how much they mean to us? 

And, as always…Let’s keep those happy thoughts and self-care going! Live honestly and passionately!