The greatest danger for most of us is not that our aim is too high and we miss it, but that it is too low and we reach it. ~ Michelangelo, artist, poet, and architect.
Billy Barty never learned to be small. He often said ‘To be BIG you must think BIG’ and he did. ~ Wesley Morse, brother-in-law of the three-feet-nine-inch tall actor and founder of Little People of America.
April 14, National Reach As High As You Can Day, is a day to reach for our dreams, aim high, or think big. Aspirational for everyone, but essential for people with dwarfism whose reach limitations touch every aspect of life. But first we must identify what we can’t do! Yes, you read that right. And here’s what I mean.
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- I can’t do everything, but I can do anything I want because my wants are filtered by a realistic understanding of my abilities. For example, not being able to kneel, run, or solve math problems stopped me from wanting things I can’t do. My inability to kneel ruled out pining for a plumber’s license; not being able to run suppressed my race to track athletics; and my inability to solve math problems stifled any urge to fly to the space station.
- I can’t accept limitations others impose on me. The uninformed may say, you can’t do that. Little do they know how motivating this is. Proving it can be done, spurs me on to show how wrong they are.
- I can’t do some things the same way as other people, but I can do those things differently. For example, I wash my hands in an inaccessible public bathroom by using the hand sanitizer I carry in my handbag; I reach items off a high shelf with a reacher; and I ‘walk’ distances riding a mobility scooter.
- I can’t believe the derogatory things people say about me. Whenever anyone has offended me, I try to raise my soul so high that the offense cannot reach it. Rene Descartes.
- I can’t always accept the status quo. For example, advocacy is needed to change inaccessible buildings and facilities like ATMs, elevator buttons, and self-serve gas pumps. Always remember, you have within you the strength, the patience, and the passion to reach for the stars to change the world. ~ Harriet Tubman, escaped slave and ‘Moses of her people’ in the Underground Railroad.
- I can’t accept discrimination. Being rejected because of my size is a barrier to knock down or bypass.
- I can’t always make it by myself. I may need help with some things, like opening a heavy door, reaching something, or changing a light bulb. And I’m okay with receiving help and giving help to others; it makes for a better world.
Finally, I can’t wait to see how aiming high leads you to achieve your goals. If you aim higher than you expect, you could reach higher than you dreamed. Sir Richard Branson, billionaire entrepreneur and adventurer.
For discussion of diverse disability issues, follow Top 100 Disability Blogs and Websites at https://blog.feedspot.com/disability_blogs/ and my Monday blog posted on feedspot.com and https://angelamuirvanetten.com/blog/.
2 replies on “Reach As High As You Can”
A great post, Angela.
Always wonderful to hear your inspiring ideas, Angela. Hoping you & Robert are feeling great!