Dear Diary,

Last week, I spilled my guts about The Anorexia Bully. That diary entry shook me to pieces. Memories and more memories came flooding back. I remembered things that I wished I could forget.

In this post, I want to remind myself of how I became a “DitzAbled Princess”. I want to share tricks and tips with you on how anyone with a disability—or not—can feel like royalty, too. Even if sparkly—not silver—spoons are more our style.

1) You are what you think.

Thoughts are powerful and contagious. Through them, ideas form, materialize and spring to life. It’s great to be mindful of your behavior. Strategizing your choices is in your best interest.

However, donning the cap of a harsh critic is a definite no-no. Let’s face it. People are busy. They don’t have the time to lift you up if you’re constantly putting yourself down. Be self-sufficient. Think positive thoughts and they’ll subtly create an upbeat attitude.

If you constantly regard your disability as something unfortunate, your mindset will embrace and accept this idea. A true “DitzAbled Princess” regards her disabilities as her fortune. They force her to think outside the box. Her disabilities make her stand out in the sea of ordinary folks. They make her unique, and an indispensable part of society. Without her disabilities, her worldly outlook would be totally different. She wouldn’t be the person she is today without them.

2) Dress the part.

Yes, we all know that true beauty is skin deep. True, true, true. However, this doesn’t mean we should walk around looking disheveled. Your exterior package is the first thing to greet the public. Whether you like it or not, people get an impression about you upon first glance.

Proper hygiene, a nice haircut, and a clean well-thought ensemble can make all the difference in the world. Remember, having a disability isn’t a fashion faux pas. It’s just your individual slant on doing things differently. A “DitzAbled Princess” will go as far as to treat her mobility aid as a must-have accessory. If she has to rely on it, the device should look good by her side. So, go ahead and jazz up your cane, crutches or walker. Swoop up your wheelchair car. Add flare to your mobility device and make it a royal part of you.

3) Grace and courtesy.

Every day of my life, I have to deal with chronic pain. It can really hurt. OUCH! This doesn’t mean that I have permission to act like Oscar the Grouch. Sure, I need assistance to get some things done. So, what? Rather than being miserable about losing some of my independence, I can be grateful to those folks who chose to lend a helping hand. A simple acknowledgement or a gracious thank you card can go a long way. Manners are equally important. Obviously, there are some things out of my control due to my health conditions. However, as a “DitzAbled Princess”, I have to concentrate on what I still master. I can be polite at the dinner table—even if I can’t open the door for someone else. I can be a welcoming host—even if I can’t hang up piles of heavy coats. Bottom line: Manners don’t go out the door with a disability.

4) Pick a cause and advocate.

For generations, royal families all over the world are known to take part in charitable causes. Having a disability doesn’t lessen your voice. Perhaps, volunteering outside your home is a no-go. Most of us, don’t have heaps of money to donate. But, there are other and more valuable ways to help. Research causes close to your heart. Select one, and find out how you can contribute. If there’s a will, there’s a way. Helping other people—even furry animals—will empower you. You will be contributing to the greater good. This, in turn, will help your self-esteem and overall morale. In the end, everyone wins!

Becoming a “DitzAbled Princess” isn’t an exclusive club. Anyone and everyone is welcome to join! What are you waiting for?

Love,
The Original “DitzAbled Princess”
Jewel Kats xoxo

Find your perfect Wheelchair Van

Select from thousands of wheelchair vans for sale from hundreds of nationwide dealers

The Mobility Resource has one of the largest selections of Dodge, Toyota, Chrysler, Honda, Ford, Chevrolet wheelchair vans

View All Wheelchair Vans