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Noticing the Blessings in Everyday Life

Chronic illness can dramatically alter life perspective. If there’s anything I’ve learned from having mitochondrial myopathy, it’s gratitude for my surroundings. I guess I’ve developed a kind of mindfulness from days spent inside my house trying to regain energy. If I’ve drained too much energy, it can take…

Breaking the Stigma of Asking for Help

A lot of people think that asking for help is a piece of cake. A walk in the park. But I’ve learned, not only from experience but also from watching other people, that it’s not always that simple. Even now, after living with mitochondrial myopathy for 14…

Making My Bathroom Wheelchair-accessible

Renovating your home for wheelchair accessibility can seem like a daunting task. You would not be wrong. It is an overwhelming project and some people don’t know where to start. The cost can also be intimidating, too. It may not be affordable when you’re constantly paying your medical…

Fitbit Is Not Just for the Able-bodied

Fitbits aren’t just for able-bodied fitness gurus; they have many more features than just counting footsteps. As I was out on a shopping trip with a friend a couple of months back, I realized she was wearing one. I immediately thought, “Oh, she’s just trying to be more…

Finding the Balance Between Style and Comfort

Being wheelchair-bound and still stylish can be the ultimate challenge. It’s hard to find that balance between style and comfort, especially as a woman. The average, able-bodied female millennial has enough trouble going into a store and finding a garment that not only looks good but also makes…

What I Use to Prevent Neck Pain

I’ve had bad posture my entire life. Growing up, I didn’t know why I always slouched so much. I just knew that I was comfortable that way. Years later, I realized that it’s because of the muscle weakness caused by mitochondrial myopathy. Last year was the first…

How to Buy a Wheelchair-accessible Van

For the first couple years of having mitochondrial myopathy, I used a manual wheelchair to get around. But when the time came to receive my first power wheelchair, my family realized that they would not be able to lift and fold it into the car. So, we started…

Growing Thicker Skin

It’s inevitable that people will treat you different when you’re in a wheelchair, whether that works in your favor or against it. It’s nice when people open doors for you or offer to help you with something. But then there are the stares. Being in a wheelchair while also…