People have told me I’m a strong person, but what is strength?
I think true strength is persevering through events that are beyond our control
I’d like to share my thoughts on what the word “strength” means.
The United States has had one president who used a wheelchair: Franklin D. Roosevelt. During his time in the political spotlight, he did his best to conceal his disability. Many believe he did this to project an image of strength to the public. Roosevelt seemed to fear that being seen as a wheelchair user would be perceived as weakness.
Nearly a century has passed since FDR was elected president, which makes me wonder how society would view a wheelchair user in a position of great importance today. Perhaps a more important question is: How do we define “strength”?
Many people have told me that I am a strong person. Some have even called me the strongest person they’ve ever met. Yet, as I type this, I am unable to raise my hands off the keyboard, dress myself, use the bathroom, or feed myself. I cannot walk, get in or out of bed without full assistance, or lift a glass of water to my mouth. Clearly, those who know me see strength as something far beyond the physical.
Living with limb-girdle muscular dystrophy has taught me that strength comes in many forms: It involves character, will, heart, mind, and spirit. FDR seemed to possess all of these qualities, yet when it came time to face the public, he chose to conceal his lack of physical strength. Unfortunately, this set a precedent for disabled adults, missing the opportunity to show society that lacking physical strength is not a weakness.
True strength is revealed in how we persevere through events that are beyond our control. Therefore, I consider my strength to be perseverance.
We all get up each morning
As my disease has progressed, my mindset about living hasn’t wavered. Like everyone else, I set goals — both big and small — and find ways to achieve them. Living with muscular dystrophy means I must be creative, focused, headstrong, passionate, relentless, and flexible. When you think about your own life and goals, you may realize the same: We all get up each morning, try our best, and repeat.
Strength has nothing to do with muscle, but it can be destroyed by a lack of motivation.
Strength isn’t defined by living life in a seated position; it’s defined by perspective.
Strength isn’t about how much I can (or cannot) bench press, but about how hard I push when I’m in the game.
How we play the game of life defines our strength. I believe society is slowly realizing this, as more disabled adults are no longer afraid to be seen as FDR once was. People like Michael J. Fox, Stephen Hawking, and Andrea Bocelli have shown that being disabled isn’t something to hide, but rather something to celebrate — a testament to a life lived with strength.
Note: Muscular Dystrophy News Today is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. The opinions expressed in this column are not those of Muscular Dystrophy News Today or its parent company, Bionews, and are intended to spark discussion about issues pertaining to muscular dystrophy.
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