"Normal is Boring"

In the process of looking for a job, there have been many times where I have felt angry about having a disability and said to myself or out loud, "I wish I could be normal." However, someone with a disability recently said to me, "normal is boring" and I thought, this is so true! I started thinking about all the things that would be different in my life if I were "normal" and I realized my disability has in part made me the person I am today.

1. If I were "normal," I wouldn't have met the amazing physical therapists that I have worked with, some of whom have become friends and even family.

2. If I were "normal," I wouldn't have the empathy that I have for people with disabilities.

3. If I were "normal," I wouldn't have the same relationship that I have with my family and friends.

4. If I were "normal," I wouldn't have met some of the amazing people that I did in college.

5. If I were "normal,"  I wouldn't know about Mitochondrial disease and be able to help raise money and awareness and be a part of the quest for a cure.

6. If I were "normal," I wouldn't have my amazing UMDF family that I feel such a connection with.

7. If I were "normal," I wouldn't have the ability to develop keen strategies to compensate in the areas that I struggle.

8. If I were "normal," I wouldn't have the same work ethic because I would probably be used to things coming easy.

9. If I were "normal," I wouldn't have met the teachers that long ago inspired me to become a teacher.

10. If I were "normal," I would take things for granted.

As Dr. Tyler Sexton, who himself has a physical disability, says, "We are all handicapped, mine the world can see but we are all struggling with something. . .my disability gives me credibility."

I strongly believe that diversity makes the world a much more interesting place to live, grow and work.

My question for you is, "How do you define normal?"

Written by Sydney Breslow 

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