words and self-esteem

[Guest guest]

I am still thinking about some of the words used as we describe

ourselves. In my CMT experience, I have discovered that the more

negative words I use in describing myself or talking about my CMT

directly affects my self-esteem. When I use positive words or simple

language like 'I am a woman with an individual disability' this does not

have a negative effect on my self-esteem. It is simply factual, a

reality and self-accepting.

Referring to my feet as 'deformed' would certainly be negative and bring

me down. My doctors must be aware of this too, since I do not hear it

from them.

Having a positive self-esteem is important to me because it keeps me at

a low stress level. I also do better work with a positive self-esteem

and am a better person to be with.

Referring to others as 'apelike' or using other words for others who are

differently-abled not only undermines their self-esteem, but it also

affects me, as everything I say, my ears hear and tell my brain...it is

just more negative garbage that affects everyone's stress and mine too.

As children, my brother and I were taught not to tease in referring to

my feet,

operations, CMT, etc. Also as children, way before the American's with

Disabilities Act, we were taught not to stare or ask questions regarding

someone in a wheelchair " what's wrong with you " .

Folly, it is also very important to my self-esteem to be as independent

as possible. I discovered the use of a Pik Stick last year for 'hard to

reach places' (my cabinets are simply high and out of reach) You might

want to look into this. http://www.pikstik.com

About kids, disabilities and teasing

http://www.easingtheteasing.com/page2.html

http://www.normemma.com/arrlstc.htm

http://www.disabilitycentral.com/activteen/magazine/news_views/news_views_12.htm

~ Gretchen