[twalk6]

Hello everyone,
I'm glad I found this web site. I have finally found a place where people can relate to my situation. Here's a little about myself:
At the tender age of 14, I experienced a life-changing football injury which resulted in paralysis from the neck down. What were meant to be my high school glory days turned to temporary defeat. In my eyes temporary defeat does not mean permanent failure because "nothing beats a failure, but a try."

Nevertheless, I struggle with the physical limitations of living with paralysis from the neck down. I still have the desire to do things when I choose rather than waiting on others. If I have learned anything from this situation it’s patience. I have dealt with anger, denial, bargaining, and depression. You know, the stages of the grieving process. I wouldn’t say I have accepted my limitations, but adapted daily activities to create a new lifestyle. I believe life is given to us. Style is how we choose to live it. I try to live my life to the fullest despite limitations. I strive to focus on things I can do to prevent frustration and depression which manifest from focusing on things I can’t do. Is it easy? No. I'm reminded daily, just like you, that I can't move my limbs.

However, there are people in my life to help me with things I cannot do. Have I felt I'm a burden on them? Yes. Do I dislike asking them for help? Absolutely. They are in my life and I'm in their life for a reason. I have discovered many of them choose to be in my life and not there out of necessity e.g. friends & family. Have I always looked at life like this? No. There are still times that negative thoughts cloud my mind e.g. thoughts of not being good enough & FEAR (False Evidence Appearing Real). I like to refer to them as stinkin thinkin. The biggest barrier I have had to overcome is between my ears. The negative thoughts of living life paralyzed from the neck down. Can anyone relate?

I have learned if my circumstances are to change. I must first change the way I think. As a result of utilizing the assistance of other people, positive thinking, and having a burning desire to succeed. I have a master's degree, own my own business, and work part time as a counselor. I'm not telling you this to impress you but to impress upon you the ability to live a quality life despite limitations. I look at having a disability as giving me the ability to do things I could not do without it. It's just a setback preparing me and you for a major comeback. Sorry for being long winded. I'm just excited about finding a community of people I can relate to. I have not been around many people with a similar injury where I live.
twalk

[pistol_pete]

Hi Twalk,
Noticed you hadn't had any replies of welcome so I'll kick it off (so to speak).
Welcome to the site. Everyone here seems pretty friendly. I've only been posting for a couple of weeks myself.
It sounds like you're an old hand at the SCI thing. Hopefully your experience comes in handy.

[SnoFl]

Welcome, twalk

[JesseB]

welcome to the forums twalk!

[Santa Cruz Soul Surfer (LRO)]

Hey, welcome to the show that never ends!

[E-DOG]

Just goes to show you,
enlightenment can be just a football accident away.

I could listen to you and be happy or I could listen to myself and stay bitter.
Let me think about that for a minute.

Meantime, back to our show.

The Adventures of Sargent Simon's Gaggle o' Good Natured Gimps n' Gimpettes Goin' Round and Round.

E

[CR_L1]

Welcome from the UK,

[alex4bs]

welcome to the forum which never sleeps maybe the most global you will come over im alex from sunderland north east coast england. probably the eldest only 70 years young

[maisy1996]

Hi twalk welcome to the forum!

[Yasko]

Welcome abroad!

[tspence]

Welcome twalk...didnt see what part of Texas your from,but anyway just wanted to say hello from east Texas

[CollegeGirl]

Hi twalk! Make that 3 of us! I'm from a small town Northeast of Dallas. Good ol' Lone Star State!