“It is our choices that show us what we truly are, far more than our abilities” is a quote by J. K. Rowling that holds so much meaning to me. If you think about it, we are the choices we make every single moment, aren’t we? We may not have much say in choosing what life brings to us, but we sure can choose how to respond to it. We’ve all heard of this multiple times, but it only made sense to me when I found myself face to face with choices to make that required all the strength I could muster.
Recently I noticed that while I talk about things I like on my blog, I’ve never spoken about something that has been a major part of my life for several years. I never felt it was necessary to talk about my life on a wheelchair and the struggle that came with it. I realized that this long journey has been very eventful so yes, I do need to share what I learnt because all good things are meant to be shared right?
When I was told that I had injured my spinal cord, I was too young to understand what that actually meant. I thought I’d be up and about soon enough. As time went by and I had to learn to adjust to life from a new perspective, it dawned on me that it might never happen. I wouldn’t walk, run or dance again. There would be several things I wouldn’t be able to do again. It was a roller coaster ride of course, not just physically but mentally and emotionally too. I eventually made peace with it. Over the years it became clear to me that the journey never gets easier. But when you stop resisting, oh you do get stronger. As new challenges come up, you are also equipped with everything you need to face them. Life has perfect timing, you see.
Not all free stuff is great 😛 Some time later I developed nerve pain that came as a freebie with spinal injuries. The constant gnawing pain that never shows signs of taking a break gave and still gives me sleepless nights and days where every existential question pops into my head with several moments making me feel if I’ve reached a breaking point. But like they say, after a storm, you’re able to see things more clearly. That’s how it is. Each time I am caught in a storm I pull myself together and think about what it is trying to teach me. Trust me, the answers come, sooner or later.
Life is so brief that it becomes vital to find meaning in it. That meaning is found in how we choose to live those tiny moments that make life. It is not what you do but how and with what intention you do it. One thing I truly believe in is dreams and our ability to make them come true. Nobody can make your dream come true, except you- your will power, your attitude and the effort you put in. Today, 10 years after living with my injury and chronic pain, I am writing about it. I am writing about the potential I never thought I would develop. I have been able to do quite a few things, defying the belief of several people who questioned the abilities of someone on a wheelchair. I am able to work, give wings to my creativity and imagination, – to name a few. I live a dream I dreamed of- only because I made the choice of not giving up.
I believe in dreams, the ones I see when I am awake, the ones I see when I am asleep.
Seeing my dreams unfolding, I understood that as long as your heart and mind are in the right place you can achieve anything you could possibly imagine. We are all given the opportunity to use our battles positively no matter how difficult they are, and create a space we love being in. Don’t wait for the chaos to end. Dress up super fine, show up every day and embrace the chaos, then you’ll see,
…amidst all the chaos life happens. Miracles happen. And how phenomenal it is when it happens by sheer serendipity! It is quite like a handful of magic is blown towards you and life just happens. It happens… beautifully.
If you enjoyed reading this post and you’d like to know about all the jugaad that makes me rock and roll, you can read this post I wrote for World Disability Day. This post is rolling like me to Blogchatter’s Blog Rolls and is written as part of the #MyFriendAlexa campaign powered by Blogchatter.
THE LITERARY AFFAIR 
Thank you for writing this dear. May you be more and more splendind in the years to come. Lots of love leha😍😘🤗
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Thanks so much, I wish the same happiness to you:)
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I am so proud of you, Leha. So, so proud! Super heroes have a cape and you my lovely Leha, have wheels! Let them take you to where your dreams lead them.
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Thank you Mayuri, you make my wheels sound so cool *races at lightning speed* 😛
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That’s inspiring read and boost up positivity in me. Indeed the outlook that we have towards our life plays an important role. You can be happy in room house with positive attitude. #dewreads
#MyFriendAlexa
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Am so glad:)
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Don’t wait for the chaos to end is going to be my new mantra – thank you for that!
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Yayy! thanks Suchita
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I didnt know this aspect of you Leha.. and now that I have read your account of the thing and more importantly how you have dealt with it I can just say “More power to you girl.”
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Thank you Judy, right back at you, more joy and power 🙂
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So nicely worded. And so inspiring..yes it’s always our choice how we respond. Love reading your writings. More power to you and your own. May you keep inspiring
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Thanks so much Ruchi.
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This is so inspirational Leha. When the going got tough for you, you got going. More power to you :).
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So many of us wait for the chaos to end. We think life is waiting for us beyond the bend, after the storm, when everything is easy and smooth. I have realised lately that the chaos is also life and that if I look at it the right way, it’s another path, another discovery.
Lovely post Leha. You inspire with your positivity 🙂
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Thank you Sona, yes even I used to believe we have to wait for the calm, but sailing through the storm has its own beauty.
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I’m so proud to call you my friend, Leha! You are an inspiration. Tons of love and best wishes to you.
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Thank you so much Sonia 🙂
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Inspirational Write up. Keep up the good work.
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I am reading this post at a juncture where I am in chaos and suddenly, I think I got my perspective. Thank you so much for writing this post. Truly inspired and so, so proud of you.
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Am so glad it helped you Ninu, that was the intent. Thanks so much:)
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Your words touched me Leha.. You are really a super woman! May God bless you and give you all the happiness in the world.. Keep smiling 🙂
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Thank you so much Amina:)
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Leha, you are awesome! Your honest post is so inspiring. Wishing you loads of happiness always.
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Thank you Aesha for the wonderful support:)
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Much more power to you Leha! You’re an inspirational figure for many and I’m fortunate to have been connected with you. You’ve taken things into your hands and your strong will power is the force behind this. Next time we meet, Vada Pav and Missal Pav treat from me 😉
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Thaaank you so much Atul. And yes, anytime is vada pav and missal time 🙂
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Thank you for sharing the Leha. This is very inspiring post.
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Leha, my dear, this post came as a huge revelation to me. I do not how I missed the earlier post where you wrote about your condition. And I’m so glad you did because I’m sure there will be so many people including me who will look up to you, hope, dream, and take courage. Hugs! #MyFriendAlexa #TinasPicks
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Thank you so much for your kind words, Tina
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