Blog Carnival: On Being ‘Simply the Best’

In this disability blog carnival entry, I’m supposed to write about my reaction to the phrase “simply the best.” Honestly, ever since I read the topic, Tina Turner has been singing “you’re simply the best” in my mind.

But tacky ‘80s lyrics aside, there’s something to be said for understanding what it takes to simply be your best when you have a disability.

For example:

• Going to college was not an option for me. It was mandatory because I wheel into a room. I think it’s true to say that most people need a college education these days to get the type of job they want, but it was doubly important in my case. To be my best I need good credentials.

• On a snowy day taking a cab is not a luxury. It’s a necessity. To be my best I have to be able to afford accessibility.

• A lot of the time doing simple everyday things takes me twice as long as an able-bodied person. To be my best I accept that, determine what’s really important, try to make good choices, and sometimes miss out on sleep to keep up.

• I’m lucky to have a wonderful family that always encouraged me to do my best and never let me use my disability as an excuse. To be my best I need and have family and friends who challenge me, support me, tease me, and keep me honest.
  

Take a look at more "simply the best" blog entries.