Can I love my mobility aids?

Yes you can and you bloody well should!

Finding The Good Stuff

Just because I'm disabled and chronically ill does not mean I should forever and always hate my life. Yeah life sucks and our illnesses are absolute f**kers most days but to me although a battle, its about finding the little things that make us smile along the way.

I've always had this view even before I became ill. I think it's probably down to fighting the depression part of BPD alongside luckily having a strong will in my soul that enabled me to think 'Come on... there's gotta be good stuff too!' There has to be' and anyone who has experienced depression or anything similar will know how difficult it is to see or find those sparks.

As the great Robin Willaims once said 'You're only given a little spark of madness, and if you lose that, you're nothing. Note from me to you... don't ever lose that cause it keeps you alive'.

And as harsh as that may seem, I whole heartedly believe it. In my darkest times I've always 'somehow' been able to pull myself up eventually. And I believe it to be that little spark. Whether you call it madness is your choice ;)

Anywho... where was I... (ADHD brain, my bad) ah yes... should I love my mobility aids?

FUCK YES!

Without them we would struggle, no? Do they make your life that little bit easier? So why can't we love the darn things?

The Favourites

My favourites ( yes I have favourites! ) are my shower seat, walking stick and bathroom stool.

As you may be able to guess, some of them may include the colour pink. Not the shower seat mind. Amazon only supply them in white...

Society has lead us to believe/feel that buying or obtaining a mobilty aid is 'giving up'. Well that thought process can get in the bin! Deciding to buy or source a mobility aid is not giving up, it is in fact recognsing you might need abit of additional help and that is absolutely okay and actually a boss move. You hop in the car if its too far to walk no? Does a child or toddler use a pushchair because it's too far for them? Do we scowl or stare if the above is applicable? Do you see where I'm going with this...

But while you're making this step and if you have the means to, why not add your personality to your aid? Whether it be in your favourite colour, added decals/stickers or something a little more out there.

Again for the shower seat, that couldn't be personalised but I think that contraption is badass in itself. It lays across the bath almost like one of those trays you'd put your candles or book on and you can perch your bum on there and it holds your weight.

Perfect for if you've not got enough energy to stand but definitely need a shower.

Another addition to my bathroom was my little stool on wheels. This little badger is a god send. It's on wheels so you can perch whether it be by the sink or my bathroom cabinet. And if it gets in the way at all, I can just kick/push it to the side.

It also has a lever like a normal bar stool or office chair that allows me to adjust the height depending on what I'm in front of or the activity I'm doing (get your mind out of the gutter!)

This again is perfect if I need to continue hygeine routines but don't have the stamina or energy to stand.

Now for the absolute piece de resistance. My absolutely stunning Neowalk walking stick! This bad boy is of course a luxury but damn am I grateful for her! She makes me feel so cute while helping me not fall on my face. Which is a massive bonus ;)

Oh and she gets hella compliments too! If that doesn't make a girly feel seen/confident especially when they're struggling... damn maybe nothing will? (I kid of course)

I personally went for 'The Gatsby' with a pink fennel. I wanted something to go with pretty much any outfit but with a pop of pink.

The bag was a lovely gift from my mum but it just reaffirmed to me that I had made the right choice with my stick. Is that silly?

I of course do not condone buying everything in sight that makes you feel happy or good about yourself, I mean girl... we don't have all the money in the world, especially when a lot goes on things like additional needs/aids especially when some of us are unable to work.

And with that, I want to stress that you don't have to buy these items either. Alot of them you can get through occupational therapy and/or charity help. Scope UK is an amazing charity and online space to get help and advice for this.

In Conclusion

I want people to understand/feel/know that they can damn right love their mobility aids, whether bought, gifted or hand-made. If they make you feel even a slight bit better or confident and give you your spark back here and there. Then fucking run and grab them! (Ahh FFS, you know what I mean).

Lots of Love as Always,

Em xxx