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It’s been 25 years... And let me tell you, it's been interesting! Sure, I've faced the usual challenges of navigating the world on one less leg and getting cozy with my wobbly walker. But in life, we all face real hurdles. And in my life, there is no exception. The ones that sneak up on you? It’s the stigma and the psychological dance that comes with the hurdles. Let's dive into the details of what we resilient amputees deal with, illuminating the unseen obstacles that play with our emotions. Stranger 1: Hey, did you get shot? Stranger 2: Were you in the military? Ah, classic lines. But my personal favorite has to be, Stranger 3: You're kind of cute for a person in a wheelchair. 🤔 Is that a compliment? And then there are the curious kids, eyes wide, staring at me and my walker like it's the coolest thing they've ever seen. "Mama, what happened to his leg?" To which my favorite parent comeback is, "Don't worry, honey, he'll get his leg back in paradise." Well, thanks for the reassurance. Now, explaining my situation has led to some gems. Me: I just had a boo-boo, and they had to cut my leg off. Simple, right? Unless I’m talking to an especially annoying kid who never listens. Then I drop the... "The doctor took my leg because I was bad, and he'll do the same to you if you don't behave." Yeah, that one scared my friend's daughter so much that, even as an adult, she still rolls her eyes at me. In my wild 20’s, I had some especially annoying juveniles testing me, thinking I couldn't do a thing because of being in a wheelchair. Let's just say, I took pride in proving them wrong, even if it involved a quick backhand or bending them over my walker in an aggressive wrestle move. My family thought it was hilarious (those kids deserved it). I've mellowed out since, though, lol. And then there are the concerned adults, who don't know exactly what to say, so they whisper, "Do you mind if I ask what happened to you?" No, I don't mind that at all. What does get on my nerves is when people try to set limits on what I can achieve. Relative: Are you trying to show off?” Ummm, no. I just don't limit myself. If I'm at a social gathering and music is playing, I dance, if there's work that needs to be done, I find a way to help get it done. Seeing someone, amputee or not, giving 110% can either inspire or intimidate folks. Me? I don't see myself as disabled or handicapped. "Handicap" is for parking spaces, not for a guy who's able, but with a few quirks, just like everyone else. I once wrote, "I've achieved more with one leg than some people with two legs in three decades of living. So why must I explain my accomplishments to be admired and respected?" Sure, there are more stigmas to share, but let's keep it positive. We all face stigmas, whether it's about race, size, color, poverty, gender or age. Now, let's clear up some misunderstandings. (This is not a stand-up-and-hear-my-rights, or I-must-be-heard kind of blog. But there are some misconceptions that need fixing.) Amputees aren't all about physical limitations; I hit the gym and have been told I'm stronger than I look. And no, we're all not dependent on others. My military dad made sure I got up and faced the world. I even walked across the stage on my walker for my college degree after being sidelined by a pesky bedsore. Dependence? Not in my vocabulary. Pity parties? No, thanks. Once I adjusted to life with fewer limbs, I didn't want anyone to feel sorry for me. Life happens, people get sick, and yeah, it took time to adjust, but it isn’t about that pitiful life. There's this misconception that amputees are emotionally fragile. Guess what? People have come to me for moral support in the past. And career limitations? Nope, not buying that either. I've got a degree in accounting, have been working in the accounting field since '03, and then decided to kick it up a notch by starting my own business, One Foot Two Shoes. (My dad threw me the idea to sell one shoe to amputees. Genius, right?) Social isolation? Nope. I'm a people person, and isolation would drive me crazy. I live my life as a Roadrunner. (I was given that name and used it as a my stage name during my Spoken Word days.) Uniform experience? Nah, not all amputees have the same tales. Our experiences are as diverse as everyone else's. Constant suffering? Another misconception. Although many do experience chronic pain (my heart goes out to them), I, personally, am not in constant physical or emotional pain. If it weren't for cancer and its complications, I'd probably be the picture of health. Now, let's talk about the weight of judgment and isolation. We're all a bit touchy about what others think, right? Remember the kid in school who was the funniest looking? They would use humor as a diversion from the fact that he was not attractive, poor and socially awkward? And then there are those toxic relationships where people intentionally hurt you just to feel good about themselves, and to prove they're not all that hurt themselves. The bulliED turn into bullieS because they currently have the power. It's a crazy cycle! Fearing judgment and insensitive comments creates psychological barriers. It really messes with your head. It makes some amputees want to hibernate from social interactions. But guess what helps? Empathy and Education. Break down those barriers, create an inclusive environment, and let people be seen for their abilities, not just their differences. Now, body image and self-esteem struggles – it's not just an amputee thing. Society loves to throw the idea of the perfect shapes and sizes at us, but there's no perfect anything. Embracing diversity and challenging beauty standards is key. Adapting to a changed appearance is tough, but it's all intertwined with societal norms. Embracing diversity and challenging narrow definitions of beauty? That's the real power move! Empowerment over pity, folks. Feeling down? Sure, but don't throw a pity party. 'Bad association spoils useful habits,' and your energy affects everyone around you. Shift that narrative from pity to empowerment. Understanding and supporting productivity in everyone to thrive, proving that strength isn't just about overcoming physical challenges; it's about building resilience and determination. How? By building your relationship with and search for God. See what His plan for the future is. I’m not pushing religion but increasing my faith in God's promises for what this world will become has given me hope. In conclusion, this journey of amputees isn't just about losing a limb. It's about facing challenges and finding strength. It's a reminder to reflect on our own biases, appreciate individuals for their courage and resilience, and break down barriers. The amputee's journey is one of adversity, humor, and incredible strength. Cheers to the human spirit – it's a real force to be reckoned with! To comment on the article email: info@onefoottwoshoes.com Click to check out Nijo’s first book: LYRICAL GUMBO . #Amputee Life #Resilience #Overcoming Challenges #Stigma #Psychological Barriers #Humor in Adversity #Empowerment #Diversity #Ability #Walker Life #Inspirational Stories #Self-Esteem #Breaking Stereotypes #Judgments #Social Inclusion #Personal Growth #Coping Strategies #Positive Vibes #Adapting to Change #Individuality #1foot2shoes #Lyrical Gumbo