Two of the best days of my life aren’t what I ever expected them to be

Last week I told someone that two of the best days of my life were the day I became the #2 Inspirational Speaker of the Year at the Speaker Slam Grand Slam, and the day I gave that same speech at @giovannimarsicoofficial's DestinyFest (formerly Archangel Summit) to an audience of 1,000+.

Both days I wore an absurdly sparkly top, received a standing ovation (!), and was celebrated by incredibly kind audience members. All of those make for a good day by themselves.

But the part that I still can’t believe is that two of the best days of my life involved telling HUNDREDS of people about the disability I was born with, and hid as much as I could for 30+ years.

I’ve been ✨open✨ about my muscle disability for 2.5ish years now, but I still remember what a scary, nerve-wracking transition it was.

There used to be a time I figured I’d never talk about it - and I was fine with that. I didn’t see the point of talking about it, I didn’t feel like I was missing out on anything - that was just life.

I thought if people knew about my muscle disability, they’d think I was using it as an excuse or see me as less capable.

But I can see now that I wasn’t nervous about existing with a disability and people knowing about it - I was nervous about their assumptions and ableism. I was nervous they’d ONLY see me as a person with a disability, as opposed to a person with a
✨personality✨

Now, through my speaking, I love that I get to share my perspectives on life with a disability, and encourage others to embrace what they’re hiding about themselves to share their own unique perspectives too.

Because every time someone steps up and says who they are, the world becomes a better, more interesting place. 💫

Disability Pride Month is a time to normalize discussions around disability and listen to how people feel about and live with their own, so I’m excited to see more recognition of it in July! 💃🏽💞✨