Enjoying the second half of life...

Since I am learning how to enjoy a new life with my disabilities, I had to learn to accept that life for me is different from the life that I once knew.  I had to learn what I no longer can or should be focusing on and instead focus on the things that I CAN do.

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All humans will develop disabilities in their lifetime!  Some disabilities are physically obvious like balance disorders. Disabilities can be internal like heart conditions or neuropathy. Sometimes they are mental like depression.  Often they require medication to control symptoms and frequently are complicated by other side effects and symptoms.

 

Many disabilities either have or evolve both physical and psychological components. We must learn to "break the cycle," prove to ourselves that our physical health is repairable and realize that our disability does not have to define us. Often, physical dysfunction leads to psychological dysfunction. Likewise, psychological dysfunction can determine and limit physical function.

 

Learning to separate physical and psychological functions are vital tools for anyone's toolbox as they go through life. The body and mind are intimately integrated and affect each other positively or negatively. We all have the power to decide how we choose to be affected throughout our lifetimes.

 

Our physical health is more than just the absence of disease and dysfunction, but determines IF (or to what extent) we are able to enjoy the rest of our life. Our emotional, spiritual, intellectual, social, and occupational lives are all affected too.

 

Our psychological health determines how we enjoy our lives and is dependent on our physical health for constantly refreshing our brain with blood carrying oxygen, nutrients, water and carrying away waste toxins.  This process keeps our brain physiologically fit and fosters good pyschological performance.

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A primary drivers in my life are learning how prevent further disability (I have enough already), understand my limitations and constantly improve myself both physically and mentally.  I love the opportunity to work with others and help them overcome their own limitations, I view it as therapeutic! Please text me at tavoehl@asu.edu