an article

Doing the decent things.

The biggest barries people with disabilities encounter are other people. And from my perspective these days, no true words were ever spoken. Ignorance is one thing but disregard or disrespect for others' feelings is a totally different ball game.

Whoever said ' sticks and stone may break my bones but words will never hurt me ' must have had the thickest skin known to man. Seriously? You don't get affected by words people say or actions they do by you? that's virtually impossible I reckon.

Never mind words uttered to me months or weeks ago, I'm still struggling to shake off harsh words from a few years ago! Call me dramatic but whilst human actions may be possible to control, emotions are not so easy to hold back. And boy, are we humans dramatic.

I mean, EVERYONE has weak points at diferent times or for different reasons and granted, sometimes one may say the worst things when cornered, but I don't understand people who hit below the belt. That's just plain evil. Why would you rub salt in the wound, grind it in and cover it in cling film to keep the salt in place

The truth is, I believe we should take responsibility for our words and actions towards other people. Whilst how someone makes you feel may be you own responsibility, what the other party does to evoke such emotions is theirs. It goes beyond social responsibility, it's a responsibility each of us has as a human being.

Lessons learnt - if you feel you have been wronged by someone, speak up. Don't let it slide. Don't beat yourself up about it. It is not your fault and certainly okay to stand up for yourself. NO ONE has the right to make you feel insecure or inferior. And if you are ever confronted and called on something you may have said or done to another person, deal with it.

When you have been wrong, or done wrong, by someone, don't just keep quiet. Deal with it.


xx