I Am Legally Disabled
“Legally disabled” refers to individuals with physical or mental impairments that substantially limit a major life activity, are recorded as having such an impairment, or are perceived by others to have such an impairment, as defined by laws like the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). For Social Security disability benefits, a legal disability also requires an inability to perform substantial gainful activity (SGA) due to a medically determinable impairment expected to last for at least 12 months or result in death
That is the definition, well the official definition according to the law. Why do I say it like that? Well, primarily because disability may look different than you expect. Once upon a time we might have only considered people in wheelchairs or who were bedridden to be disabled, thats so far from the case today.
The Current Generation Of Disabled
In my case, I have Cancer-Lung Cancer to be exact and I’ve come to find out while I qualify as disabled, others do not. Not all cancers qualify and I don’t at all agree with that. It is my belief that all Cancers should be covered because of the legacy of Cancer treatment. Certain Cancers however aren’t expected to be cured.
Aside from that: Chronic Disease has become, I hesitate to say a epidemic but 6 out of 10 people have a Chronic Illness. Let that sink in. It is unbelievable to me. Many of those people don’t receive any help so you may not even realize it in your own life. Who do you know with a chronic condition? Do you Know?
My general thinking however leads to letting you know what it’s really like living disabled.
The Lifestyle I’m Learning
Chronic Fatigue & pain I feel would be leading causes behind becoming disabled today as the very least. For me the treatments saved my life but left me struggling with fatigue which for many makes working full time and generally impacts mobility. I know for myself the primary issues I live with are fatigue and brain fog.
I had to learn to live life slower. Today, I really believe it is how we are meant to live. If you look at other countries the work structure is alot different. Ofcourse places like Asia embrace a work culture and may even work more than we do but that may be changing. Many countries now are adopting or trying the 4 day work week. Some countries enjoy bigger breaks in their day for wellness.
I have had to embrace more rest and that hasn’t been an easy transition. What happens though, you come to learn to prioritize your well-being- which we definitely are not taught. Everything doesn’t have to be a race but everything matters.
You put more attention to your habits especially food and exercise. It’s constantly looking at what is good for you in the moment. Personally, my morning rountine is all about me before I even think about work-I ask myself if I’m good. My skincare, my breakfast, my medication, my exercise. Only then I can push it outward.
I found it really helpful to time everything. If you listen to your body, you will know how much time to give activities and what buttons you can push within yourself and what you can’t.
Joy becomes a strong motivator. I figure I have enough to deal with I am going to chase joy every chance I get. Try new things, take up hobbies-whatever makes me feel good in a life that challenges me. That being said, living frugal is a necessity. It tends to clear out what you really don’t need because there is a thinking process even a revolution in your brain that doesn’t tolerate clutter.
It’s been challenging but I’ve learned to love what’s changed or like Steven Colbert said, “I’ve Learned To Love The Thing I Most Wish Hadn’t Happened.
