Fearlessness, Focus, & Freedom: Life with Cerebral Palsy

Being asked what it’s like living with Cerebral Palsy is a loaded question…..Mainly because I was born this way and didn’t have much say in the matter. Knowing that fact doesn’t mean I view Cerebral Palsy as a negative it just means I recognized the importance of self-acceptance early in life.

Let me explain, my parents were teenagers when I was born in July of 1987. That in itself was problematic but that’s a story for another time. My journey from the hospital to home is a story in itself but I’ll keep it simple. I was born 1lb 7 oz and the road ahead was long and winding. For context purposes, I will provide a brief description of what Cerebral Palsy is or as it is known amongst the warriors, CP.

The simplest definition is: Cerebral Palsy (CP) refers to several types of movement disorders that are caused by an early brain injury or disturbance in neurological development. The symptoms of CP impact people differently, including the parts of the body that are affected, and to what degree (crpn.org) I should also clarify that there are various types of Cerebral Palsy.

The most common is Spastic CP. It displays itself in three very specific forms, diplegia this type affects the lower half of the body, Hemiplegia (the type I have) affects one side of the person’s body. (my left side) and lastly, quadriplegia which impacts all four limbs. (both legs and arms)

For further emphasis, I’ll list the other types of CP and at the end, I’ll provide a link in case anyone wants more information. Dyskinetic CP, Ataxic CP, and lastly Mixed CP. (crpn.org) All things considered; I think you all get the point.

When asked to write this blog, I have to admit I wasn’t sure how to approach this subject as you can see I figured it out. Now to answer the overall question, What’s it like living with CP? Living with Cerebral Palsy is an adventure I wouldn’t trade for anything in the world!

Sure, I faced adversities delayed walking (childhood) wearing a brace, (childhood I hated it) in high school having to wear a cast to straighten my leg without surgery (that didn’t work) the first procedure I had I was six, (the goal was to lengthen my Achilles Tendon so that I didn’t walk on my toes anymore) that worked.

The two surgeries I had as an adult were to help manage swelling and pain after walking long distances and to reposition my toes because I walked on them. Oddly enough that (walking on them) didn’t hurt. (this also worked) I still have pain regularly because there is no cure for CP. It comes with the territory but it’s a lot better these days.

I also have some learning difficulties, with math mostly but seriously, does that count? A lot of people struggle with it lol, but I digress. The way I handle living with this “disability” is by having a strong sense of who I am, not limiting myself in any way, and more importantly, I embrace having it because I can’t change it. That doesn't mean I don’t have bad days because I do.

I move more slowly since the last two surgeries, I have a metal plate in my left foot, and boy do I feel like a grandmom especially when my foot hurts; one of a few things is happening, it’s about to rain (old people problems lol) I’ve been sitting in one place too long, or my favorite when my foot locks up; it’s not as scary as it might sound it just happens sometimes I have some trouble using my left hand too, for example, it’s hard to do my hair especially when I use my left hand to assist.

(Thank God for sisters who do hair). Anyway, let’s close this out, shall we? How do I deal with living with Cerebral Palsy? By living out loud! Refusing to let others define me! I suggest you the reader do the same live life on your terms. Fearlessness + Focus = Freedom. By Candis Johnson

FEARLESSNESS- No limits I think this quote best sums up what I’m saying. “The eagle has no fear of adversity. We need to be like the eagle and have the fearless spirit of a conqueror!” Joyce Meyer

FOCUS- When I was a kid my great-grandmother always said don’t worry about things you can’t control. I understood it then but as an adult, I live by it. I focus on my dreams and goals which are far greater than any “disability” and also the people, places, and things that remind me that life is a gift. “Live life to the fullest and focus on the positive.” Matt Cameron

FREEDOM- Freedom is being open about my disability, not letting anything or anyone myself included tell me what I can’t do. To put it plainly, “Freedom lies in being bold!” Robert Frost

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@misscandis36

For more info about CP use the link below https://cprn.org/?gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjw05i4BhDiARIsAB_2wfAE8MGXAEI4MyXh90ZJcnM-bf-_DxFxsO76cdTt1j7t1lppRIiG958aAo2sEALw_wcB