Embracing Disabled Joy: Finding Gratitude and Fulfillment in Every Moment

Living with a disability often presents a unique set of challenges, but that doesn’t mean joy and limitations can’t coexist. **"Disabled joy"** isn’t just about finding happiness in spite of a disability—it’s about embracing peace and contentment with one’s journey. While society tends to focus on struggle and pity, joy flourishes in the lives of disabled individuals, just as it does for anyone else. Whether it’s developing new skills, building strong communities of support, or overcoming obstacles, joy is an integral part of the disabled experience.

September has been the busiest month I’ve had since my health stabilized. My days were packed with doctor’s appointments to ensure I stay well, late nights spent working on homework, Friday nights at football games, and weekends surrounded by the people who mean the most to me.

One evening, as I sat in the front seat of my best friend’s car, with the sunroof open and music playing, I looked at the sunset and my friends around me and thought, *"Thank you, Jesus."* These are the moments I longed for just two short months ago, when my summer was spent driving from appointment to appointment and spending most days on the couch.

When I’m fully engaged in a moment—whether it's studying late at night or singing with my friends under the stars—I remind myself to savor these experiences. It’s easy to get caught up in what’s next, but I’ve realized that the joy I feel in the present is what sustains me through the harder days. It's equally easy to spend too much time dwelling on the past—living in regret or wishing it had been different. But I’ve learned that both focusing on the past or worrying about the future robs me of the joy that exists in the present moment.

"You can't wait until life isn't hard anymore, before you decide to be happy."* — Nightbirde

"Today I choose to do the things others won’t, so tomorrow I can do the things others can’t."* — Jerry Rice

This year, **choice** has been the biggest lesson I’ve learned. I’ve had to approach things a bit differently than my peers to ensure that both my medical needs and schoolwork are taken care of so I can spend more time living fully. Every day, I make the intentional choice to focus on what I can control—whether that’s managing my health, staying on top of my studies, or simply finding joy in the little moments.

Gratitude is something I now practice consciously every day. Whether it’s jotting down three things I’m thankful for or simply taking a deep breath and appreciating the beauty around me, I’ve found that gratitude transforms how I view my circumstances. It reminds me that joy isn’t something distant—it’s here, now, even in the midst of challenges.

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Living with a disability often presents a unique set of challenges, but that doesn’t mean joy and limitations can’t coexist. **"Disabled joy"** isn’t just about finding happiness in spite of a disability—it’s about embracing peace and contentment with one’s journey. While society tends to focus on struggle and pity, joy flourishes in the lives of disabled individuals, just as it does for anyone else. Whether it’s developing new skills, building strong communities of support, or overcoming obstacles, joy is an integral part of the disabled experience.

September has been the busiest month I’ve had since my health stabilized. My days were packed with doctor’s appointments to ensure I stay well, late nights spent working on homework, Friday nights at football games, and weekends surrounded by the people who mean the most to me.

One evening, as I sat in the front seat of my best friend’s car, with the sunroof open and music playing, I looked at the sunset and my friends around me and thought, *"Thank you, Jesus."* These are the moments I longed for just two short months ago, when my summer was spent driving from appointment to appointment and spending most days on the couch.

When I’m fully engaged in a moment—whether it's studying late at night or singing with my friends under the stars—I remind myself to savor these experiences. It’s easy to get caught up in what’s next, but I’ve realized that the joy I feel in the present is what sustains me through the harder days. It's equally easy to spend too much time dwelling on the past—living in regret or wishing it had been different. But I’ve learned that both focusing on the past or worrying about the future robs me of the joy that exists in the present moment.

*"You can't wait until life isn't hard anymore, before you decide to be happy."* — Nightbirde

*"Today I choose to do the things others won’t, so tomorrow I can do the things others can’t."* — Jerry Rice

This year, **choice** has been the biggest lesson I’ve learned. I’ve had to approach things a bit differently than my peers to ensure that both my medical needs and schoolwork are taken care of so I can spend more time living fully. Every day, I make the intentional choice to focus on what I can control—whether that’s managing my health, staying on top of my studies, or simply finding joy in the little moments.

**Gratitude** is something I now practice consciously every day. Whether it’s jotting down three things I’m thankful for or simply taking a deep breath and appreciating the beauty around me, I’ve found that gratitude transforms how I view my circumstances. It reminds me that joy isn’t something distant—it’s here, now, even in the midst of challenges.

As I move forward, finishing my senior year of high school and planning the next chapter of my life, I look forward to creating more meaningful moments with the people I love while continuing to strive for my dreams.