Pauline Victoria Aughe

Did you wake up today upset, sad, frustrated or afraid? Many people, those with and without disabilities, wake up each day greeted by these negative emotions. They may wonder what the meaning of their life is, whether or not they really matter and whatever happened to their dreams of living an exciting life full of passion, purpose and possibility. You’re not alone and it doesn’t have to be that way. It is easy to fall into a complacent routine of survival. But that is a choice and I’ve had the same choices to make. Each one of us can point out tragic or unfortunate circumstances beyond our control that we have to live with. I was born without arms and legs. I could easily say, “I didn’t ask to be born with a disability. I didn’t ask to be stared at or stereotyped, or judged based on my appearance.” However, with the little I was given I chose to live significantly in all of my small and big victories. And you can do the same.