Moving forward with positivity
This week we take feeling positive to the next level with our beautiful guest Sarah joining us on the blog.
In last week's blog we provided tips and discussed to how positively manage change and create a new routine.
She could have let her disabilities restrict her life; define what she can or can't do, or more- let others place restrictions on her life - but she didn't.
She didn't listen to they nay-sayers telling her what she can and can't do, instead she determined herself what she could do, and once she did, her potential was limitless. But Sarah says it was only possible by staying positive.
As Sarah tells us her story below, you can see that she has every reason not to be positive, and every excuse not to have a go at life. Naturally, like everyone, she has her good days and bad days, but she stays true to herself and stays positive. She also helps others with disabilities do the same.
We felt it's important to share Sarah's story right now to provide you with some inspiration and feel-good vibes.
Read our Q&A with Sarah below and be inspired!
Tell us a bit about yourself, what do you love and what are your passions?
Working with adults with disabilities teaching them life, social, emotional, physical, work, nutrition skills, computer skills, fitness, music therapy, and my work also helps them find employment within the community.
I have disabilities that some of my clients have. It’s not often that someone with disabilities works in a field to help people with disabilities.
My hobbies are social media (my Instagram @missxblondiee_ and Forcer (which is a revenue sharing social media platform where you can keep your own data and not have to worry about your data being shared unlike other platforms)), cheer-leading (I used to cheer for 13 years and I’m aiming to coach a special needs team this year).
When did you become aware of your disabilities and how have they impacted your life and the way you live?
Sitting in a room with a stranger asking me do activities that was so confusing to me.
It was hard for me to make friends, I was bullied, I hated school. I liked being around teachers more because they were the only ones nice and would talk to me.
I honestly think the educational system didn’t have my back.
When I was in all star cheer-leading I was quiet. I never told them about my disabilities. It was hard for me to make friends but I learned so much from cheer-leading, like teamwork and positivity.
What have been the biggest challenges you have faced, and how did you overcome them?
BUT I proved them all wrong. I graduated high school, I even graduated college. TAKE THAT!!!!
I was also told from an employer that I can’t have this job because of my disability. After graduating high school I decided to take a year off after they said college would be too hard for me. Finding employment was so hard. That’s when my mom enlisted human services workers to take me out and help. Although I’m grateful for them helping me i still didn’t get a job. So that’s when I decided to go to college, 4 years later.
How do you manage your bad days?
I can’t focus at all let alone get anything done.
When I’m at work and I’m having a off day I use all of my energy to focus and then when I get home I’m mentally drained.
But I get through it knowing tomorrow will be a better day.
How have you managed through the COVID-19 measures the Government has put in place?
Honestly, with me being stuck at home due to the COVID-19 Pandemic I’ve been having more off days than good.
For me routine is very important and my usual schedule is off.
I’m more tired than usual, and I miss work so much.
But I've been adjusting by keeping myself busy by doing home workouts and taking more time to spread positivity, which makes me so happy and also keeps me positive!
It hurts to imagine what others are going through right now, and that's why it's so important to me to spread positive messages.
What message would you like to send to others who have been diagnosed with autism?
Don’t ever give up! Every dream you have can be accomplished.
What message would you like to send someone who is interacting or looking after a person with autism?
Have patience and understanding.
Do you have any closing message you'd like to share?
SUCH a role model!! In a world full of fake role models it’s refreshing to see a real life one. My daughter, 14, was diagnosed with much of the same at 6yo. Struggled in many of the same areas. Educational system such a BUST. Moving out of state to try another system and praying it’ll work out for the best for her!! Love your message and Blessings to you!!
Beautiful!! My Instagram name is @mamabear1068
Thank you!!
Such a beautiful message thank you so much for sharing ig @thayarattay
Beautiful 💞 IG : lia.m669
Amazing message, beautifully written and shares the story of such a powerful, hardworking woman!! 💗