[hockeydahc]

I seemed to have been overlooked by the "recruiters" that I thought should have come and signed me up for something. I was never informed of sports groups, or even the support group until I asked my SCI doctor of what activities are out there. That was 4 years after my injury. During that time I was playing rpg games online and watching movies all day long. I hardly left the house, I was afraid I'd not be able to get to a bathroom in time if I needed it, or that I'd get made fun of, or worse yet, get pity. Always afraid of the "what-ifs" no matter how unrealistic.
In all truthfulness, I saw a breif article on the movie Murderball in a magazine and watched it. That showed me guys with less function having the time of their lives. From then on I was determined to have that much fun. for me it was sled hockey that really boosted me into good self esteem. It gave me an activity, a group of peers, and something I was excited by that I'd want to talk about. I play sled hockey now, and have taken on a responsibility of trying to find others that may not know about the sports available. I took an art class in clay and pottery, and it's been a great way to meet people. I have even gone skydiving(tandem), and can't wait for the next time. Sometimes you only have to approach things differently, not cut them out altogether. My biggest accomplishment was a weekend trip out of town. seems mundane, but it was a big step out of my comfort zone to be away from home, my safe zone. It was a fun weekend and I survived without incident, and it showed me that there's no need to worry, that most of the time theres never going to be a problem.
Get out there... don't wait at all... and talk with other people with a similar condition. Get with some of all "ages". Make it a point to ask the questions you need to. They're all dealing with similar problems. some better some worse, but all can relate somehow.
I hope this helps.
Chad