Seeing the World as a Place of Possibilities
John-David on asking “How could I do this?”, finding another way, accepting help, and choosing goals that matter to you.
When you live with cerebral palsy, people sometimes notice what might be difficult before they ask what you want to do.
They see the challenge. You see something you would like to try.
I understand that challenges are real. I live with them. Some things take me longer. Some require a different approach, extra practice, or help from someone else. There are frustrating days, too.
But I want to have a say in what is possible for my life.
For me, that starts with being curious enough to ask, “How could I do this?”
Give yourself a chance to begin
In the spring of 2017, I decided I wanted to earn my black belt in Taekwondo.
I knew it would be difficult. I also knew I wanted to try. I could not answer every question about how I would get there before I started. Some answers would only come through training.
A goal like that gives you plenty of opportunities to discover what needs work. A movement may be difficult. Progress may be slow. You may practise something many times and still need to practise it again.
I have learned to give myself time to learn.
If I judged every goal by how well I could do it on the first day, I would miss out on a great deal.
Be willing to find another way
During COVID, training meant practising on my own in front of a camera.
That was a different experience from being together in class. It required adjustment, and it was not always easy to keep going. But it gave me a way to continue working toward something that mattered to me.
Sometimes that is what possibility looks like: making an adjustment so you can keep participating.
It might mean changing how you practise, using a different tool, asking for clearer instructions, or breaking a task into smaller steps. You may need to experiment before you find an approach that works.
There is value in being able to say, “This way is not working for me. Let’s try something else.”
Ask questions about everyday barriers
My interest in the kitchen has given me another reason to think about possibilities.
A task that seems straightforward to one person can present a real obstacle to someone else. The shape of a handle, the position of a work surface, or the way an item needs to be held can affect whether someone can use it comfortably.
Those details deserve attention.
Could a tool be easier to grip? Could a task be done with fewer movements? Could a different design give someone more independence?
These are the kinds of questions behind Barrier Buster. I want to explore ideas that could make kitchen tasks more accessible and practical.
Living with a barrier gives you a perspective worth sharing. You notice things that other people may overlook because they have never had to think about them.
Let people help
My family has helped open many doors in my life. Their time, patience, and support have given me opportunities to learn and take on challenges.
I am grateful for that.
Doing something meaningful does not require doing every part of it alone. A teacher can help you adapt. A family member can encourage you through a difficult stretch. Someone with different experience can suggest an approach you have not considered.
Accepting help allows you to put your energy into what you want to accomplish. It also gives other people the opportunity to be part of the journey.
Make room for difficult days
Seeing possibilities does not mean feeling positive all the time.
You can be frustrated by a barrier. You can be tired of explaining what you need. You can decide that today you need a rest.
Some barriers also require changes from other people. Accessible spaces, useful equipment, and a willingness to listen all affect what someone can do. Encouragement matters, and so do practical changes.
I want people to look at those changes and ask what they could make possible.
Choose something that matters to you
Your goal does not have to impress anyone else.
It might be preparing a meal with greater independence, learning a skill, joining an activity, or sharing an idea you have kept to yourself. What matters is that it has meaning for you.
Start by finding out what you need. Ask questions. Try a manageable step. Give yourself room to learn and change your approach.
Cerebral palsy is part of my life. So are my interests, ambitions, relationships, and choices.
When I look at the world, I want to keep seeing things I can contribute to, enjoy, and explore.
And when something catches my interest, I want my first question to be: “What would help me give that a try?”