13 Things CP Teaches You | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Health and Wellness

13 Things CP Teaches You

Here are 13 things that you learn because of your Cerebral Palsy

157
13 Things CP Teaches You
Emma Brown

Sometimes Cerebral Palsy is a blessing, a curse, and maybe even both. Here are a few things I have learned:

1. You are not your CP (but sometimes you are).

When you have CP (Cerebral Palsy) , or any disability, the number one thing that people say all the time is " don't let your disability define who you are." But, when you live with it all the time, it's hard not to. So, sometimes that's okay.


2. Keep your friends close, and your best friends closer.

One of the most important lessons I learned early on was about friendship. Sometimes, people are friends with you out of pity because of your disability. Let me tell you right now, if you are reading this and someone's face pops into your head, drop them like a hot potato because they are so not cool. That being said, keep the ones who are always there for you and the ones who are super genuine because we all need each other. ( Shoutout to all my real friends for being so awesome).

3. Falling sucks, but it's a good way to meet cute boys.

When it comes to CP, falling is inevitable. Unfortunately, we fall in the most ungraceful ways possible. But, it has it's advantages. Sometimes, we fall infant of really cute boys who will help you up. Ladies, chivalry is not dead, it's just hidden in the good ones.


4. Embrace the parking, you need it.

One of the coolest things we receive in light of our disabilities is really close parking. ( if you park in a parking spot and don't have a permit or a disability, shame on you). Ladies and gentleman I cannot stress enough how this is not embarrassing. It's awesome and you should use it to your advantage


5. If people think you are drunk or a zombie just go with it. Let's all be honest with ourselves and say it's easier than giving our spiel about how we have Cerebral Palsy.

I mean I love a good joke, and let's be real it's pretty funny.

6. Find others who also have CP.

It really helps to know you are not alone. If you are interested in finding others with CP or you can follow the link to Teen CP. Shoutout to the CP Chick Squad, and to all my friends with CP and other disabilities.

7. It's okay to make fun of yourself.

Sometimes we are our own worst critics. So, sometimes it's best to just roll with it and laugh with and at ourselves because with or without a disability we are pretty darn funny.

8. Be Smart. Sure, you can do anything you put your mind to, but don't push yourself.

When I was younger I was taught that I could do anything anybody else. Which is so very true. But at the same time, we have to understand our limitations. For example, I probably can't run 5 miles non-stop.

9. I heard this quote from Abbey Curran once. She said "I have CP, but CP doesn't have me."

I don't think this is correct. I think it's great motivation. But sometimes CP has me because it sucks that my muscles are tight all the time.


10. Shoes are important. Make sure you can walk well in them.

(This one is for you, mom), From one CP girl or guy to another wear shoes that keep your foot in line. If you have AFO's wear those. As uncomfortable as they are, they really do help.

11. ASK FOR HELP.

Personally, one of the biggest things I have trouble with is asking for help. I know we think that we already ask for help a lot, and so it would be horrible if we asked for one more thing. But, sometimes we need more help and that's okay.


12. Stretch.

I don't do it as much as I should, but when I do, it feels a lot better on my muscles and I can bet it does for you too.

13. Be Yourself.

The best way I can think to describe this is with the help of Dr. Seuss.



Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Featured

15 Mind-Bending Riddles

Hopefully they will make you laugh.

187469
 Ilistrated image of the planet and images of questions
StableDiffusion

I've been super busy lately with school work, studying, etc. Besides the fact that I do nothing but AP chemistry and AP economics, I constantly think of stupid questions that are almost impossible to answer. So, maybe you could answer them for me, and if not then we can both wonder what the answers to these 15 questions could be.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

Most Epic Aurora Borealis Photos: October 2024

As if May wasn't enough, a truly spectacular Northern Lights show lit up the sky on Oct. 10, 2024

13122
stunning aurora borealis display over a forest of trees and lake
StableDiffusion

From sea to shining sea, the United States was uniquely positioned for an incredible Aurora Borealis display on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, going into Friday, Oct. 11.

It was the second time this year after an historic geomagnetic storm in May 2024. Those Northern Lights were visible in Europe and North America, just like this latest rendition.

Keep Reading...Show less
 silhouette of a woman on the beach at sunrise
StableDiffusion

Content warning: This article contains descriptions of suicide/suicidal thoughts.

When you are feeling down, please know that there are many reasons to keep living.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

Power of Love Letters

I don't think I say it enough...

456535
Illistrated image of a letter with 2 red hearts
StableDiffusion

To My Loving Boyfriend,

  • Thank you for all that you do for me
  • Thank you for working through disagreements with me
  • Thank you for always supporting me
  • I appreciate you more than words can express
  • You have helped me grow and become a better person
  • I can't wait to see where life takes us next
  • I promise to cherish every moment with you
  • Thank you for being my best friend and confidante
  • I love you and everything you do

To start off, here's something I don't say nearly enough: thank you. Thank you, thank you, thank you from the bottom of my heart. You do so much for me that I can't even put into words how much I appreciate everything you do - and have done - for me over the course of our relationship so far. While every couple has their fair share of tiffs and disagreements, thank you for getting through all of them with me and making us a better couple at the other end. With any argument, we don't just throw in the towel and say we're done, but we work towards a solution that puts us in a greater place each day. Thank you for always working with me and never giving up on us.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

11 Signs You Grew Up In Hauppauge, NY

Because no one ever really leaves.

25792
Map of Hauppauge, New York
Google

Ah, yes, good old Hauppauge. We are that town in the dead center of Long Island that barely anyone knows how to pronounce unless they're from the town itself or live in a nearby area. Hauppauge is home to people of all kinds. We always have new families joining the community but honestly, the majority of the town is filled with people who never leave (high school alumni) and elders who have raised their kids here. Around the town, there are some just some landmarks and places that only the people of Hauppauge will ever understand the importance or even the annoyance of.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments