Do you know what I’m sick of seeing? ‘Oh <insert persons name here> is so lovely despite their disability’. As someone that identifies as disabled, that one word, ‘despite’ infuriates me so much. Why can’t they just be lovely? What does their disability have to do with anything? Using that shitty little D-word is so problematic and I will always challenge it. It implies that having a disability is something we all must overcome, something that we shouldn’t let affect us, but do you know what? Fuck that.

My disability is the biggest part of my life, it controls everything; not because I let it but because I have to consider every scenario before going somewhere or doing something. It’s not a negative. I mean, no jokes here, the constant pain is a negative but I’m not angry that I’m disabled. Having a disability isn’t a bad thing in my opinion.

So, since I’m a ranter and I’ve seen this ‘despite’ bullshit a lot this last week, I thought I’d reel off a list (I do love a list) of reasons why I’m awesome because of my disability, not despite it. Excuse the narcissism but I hope this incites some self love in those of you that happen to stop by.

1. I’m strong af
   I’m in pain everyday and still getting up and kicking arse. Most days I only make it to the bathroom and back to the bedroom but I got this shit.
2. I’m a good listener
   I’m always a DM/tweet/text/phone call away.
3. I’m friends with all dogs
   Everywhere I go, if I look at a dog the owner will stop and let me have a cuddle. Wheelchair perks.
4. I’m empathetic
   I will do my best to help someone, and never compare my situation to theirs. It’s really important to me to never disregard someone else’s feelings/pain/illness.
5. I can appreciate the small things
   A kind, out of the blue message, a hug, a letter – I’m over the moon when someone thinks about me.
6. I can swallow fifteen tablets in one go
   Skills.
7. I’ll make you laugh with crip humour
   I have quite a sick sense of humour and I’ll always make light in awkward situations. You want me to run over your ex in my wheelchair? It’s on.
8. I’m constantly learning
   Learning about myself, my body, my conditions, other people, their impairments etc.
9. I’m an awesome friend
   I’m always awake so you’ll have someone to talk to. I practically live in my pyjamas so you don’t have to spend any money going on nights out, we can stay in and watch Netflix. And if we do go out you can hang all your shopping on the back of my wheelchair.
10. And a cheap date
    Did someone say disability concessions?