The Lion and the Lamb of having a disability

March is often referred to as the lions and lambs, about the weather. The lamb days are sunny, warm, and pleasant. The lion days are cold, dreary, and not pleasant. Having a learning disability has been like the lion and the lamb. The lamb days bring peace, content, and happiness. The lion days, but bring more difficulty and displeasure with having one. Each of those days has been important and has shaped me into the person I am today.

My lion days are the hard days when I struggle with having a disability. My limited hand dexterity makes it hard to open jars and doors. It can also cause objects to slip out of my hands. Dyscalculia makes it hard to budget, pay bills, and calculate a tip. My visual perception makes driving impossible and affects my eye-hand coordination. I have support from others and strategies to help me be able to handle it

Other times, the lion's days are not the disability but how others view it. Others told me that I could not do anything, and limited my potential. People also said I could not learn, go to college, have a job, get married, or have the life I wanted. None of these achievements has come without extra work and support.

I have also had those who dismissed my disability because of my success. I have had others tell me that because I have achieved so much, I have overcome it or it has disappeared. I have had success in many areas, but I have one or some areas that will always give me difficulty. I may also have limitations and tasks I cannot do.  People tell me I do not look disabled, and think that they are complimenting me. I have had to explain that some disabilities are not visible, and having one is not a horrible tragedy. Others have bullied and picked on me for having one. I had to learn not to let their words define me and to be happy with the person I was.

My lamb days are the easy and gentle days with a disability. The strategies that I use to compensate for having one are working. I can perform tasks with ease and I not struggling. I soak in the sun of my accomplishments. I can relax and enjoy the day, I also cherish the warmth of being around those who love and support me. I could not have achieved as much without the love and support from family and friends. 

During my lamb days, I also got the chance to engage in activities that I enjoy and am good at, such as reading, writing, and photography. I also get to experience growth in these areas and the opportunity to enhance my skills.  I also love to share my story through public speaking and in peer support groups.  I do not feel frustrated when I am doing these activities. Instead, I become empowered, happy, and fulfilled. I focus on what I have and enjoy it. 

 If March comes in like a lion, it will go out like a lamb, and vice versa. My disability once came in like a lion that I thought would devour me. Instead, it strengthened me and helped me advocate with a mighty roar. To my surprise, lamb days also came. Learning how to manage my disability brought success, empowerment, and happiness. Life does get better.  Forever, I will have lion and lamb days with one.