The Girl Beneath the Surface

What do you think when you hear my voice? Did you know that I’ve often felt that I didn’t have a choice? I had to write out all my dreams across the page, because not everyone understood my speech. I’m still writing, fighting to be heard for my message that is constantly being redefined.

Misunderstandings on my condition still occur on a daily basis, and ignorance is still something I am unable to eradicate. Disability is not a lack of ability to have intelligent thoughts and express those thoughts. I want you to know that the world can be afraid of what they don’t understand, but I want to tell everyone that they don’t have to be. Reach out those branches of curiosity in your mind and learn, because you have no excuse when the information is right there at your fingertips.  Don’t be too apprehensive to seek me out and ask me questions. Just because I walk differently than you and struggle a bit more with everyday physical tasks does not mean that I am less capable of dealing with the realities of life. I’m sensitive, so what? Personal attributes are not the result of disability, and my physical condition has never defined me. Be honest with me, I promise I can take it.

Cerebral palsy is a part of me, but how could it not be? I’m not in constant pain, only when walking too far do I feel the strain. Even then, I don’t dwell on it too long. How could I when I’ve never known another way of life? Just like everyone else, I find my ways to get along. Being labelled as different in this way allows me the unique perspective of seeing others from the inside out, inside of the outside in, and I find that constantly refreshing. We have all been brave, we have all been inspiring, and it doesn’t take a disability in order for one to embody that. If the world doesn’t see that wonderful individual you are beneath the surface, SHOW them. Share your gift until they understand the essence of who you truly are. Encourage them to believe that they are capable of the same act of strength.

The girl beneath the surface wants to tell the stories of the misunderstood and the unseen. This is what she was born for, why she hopes that her words lead the way, even if she is not taken seriously when she speaks. She can’t be deterred any longer, for it is time to turn up the volume on the truth. The fighters and the dreamers are here to shake up the rest and remind them of the dreamers buried within.

I hope that I can give you my message in a way that will bring you one step closer to choosing love instead.