STANDING STRENGTH

WHAT’S IN A DAY ?

Warmth

Will fade

If shadows stay too long

In the corners of life’s home

Raise the blinds if you can

Tilt, and secure the shutters so

Angle’s of light might soften

The harshness of the past - or not

A shine might appear in areas

Bringing a glow of meaning to the clutter

A day can bring so many filters

To look at life through

A day can bring so much.

A day can bring about me noticing so much - as someone who has been in the thick of The Disability Royal Commission and the NDIS Review I am moving into 2024 feeling like I have contributed as much as I could for the greater good.

My first stand after my stroke in 1993 was about 3 seconds, I was collapsing at every point. I remember the deep recognition of the strength I would need to continue.

Just over 12 months ago I had an assessment - for part of that assessment, I was asked to stand straight up with my back against a door. The effort of this left me feeling slightly sick and very sad at how uneven and tired I felt in this position. It was at that point I wondered what it might be like to feel good about my “standing strength”.

If there were more medicalised terms for this - I didn’t want to know about them because I had already committed “standing strength” to my focus. I was visualising the many areas of my day where I’d be more effective and feel stronger. How long has this impacted my life?

There’s been lots of work and commitment between then and now - so for anybody who wonders about the value of NDIS for people, know that ethically I’m working on everything all the time to lift me up to have a good quality of life, be in a position where I am actively contributing in life where my strengths are recognised, valued and not be a burden on society. The dreaded B word……it hovers around closely.

I made lasagne the other night, standing at my kitchen bench, grating vegetables to add to the meat. I suddenly felt that my “standing strength” had improved dramatically since last year’s assessment. Even the way I was holding the grater had improved. I could go on and on about the benefits of the constant dedication to keep me in a position of growth.

So thanks to the NDIS I am standing stronger, and grating more effectively, and even though I’m getting older - it doesn’t mean I can’t rejoice in the small wins which to me are massive wins. If that gives some indication to those who are doubtful about the need for the NDIS, or why somebody who appears as able bodied as me might need it - I hope that those people never have to experience the need to regain everyday activity like walking, talking, eating or breathing again as an adult.

It all happened a long time ago - the body keeps the score - and I am so grateful I can continue to re-write the future from the doom and gloom predictions about my future which were given back then.

It’s a very personal journey about what helps someone recover and I’ll shout out a few of my go-to’s as I’ve navigated life on the edge.

In the words of D-Ream 1993 “Things can only get better” Even when things have gotten worse - I will play that song to remind me the “Things can only get better”

Patricia Neal - Hollywood actress from the 1960’s, stroke survivor

Enid Blyton - So many wonderful books I read when I was young to fuel my imagination and belief in the future.

Touching the Void movie - a true story about Mountain Climbing and rope cutting.

Dolly Parton - her smile, longevity, humour and self belief is catchy!

Anyone who dared to dream and when that dream didn’t go to plan - they got up and dreamed again……

Thank you to this gorgeous giraffe for being my “Standing Strength” model!

Sue