Post 4: Coming to Terms with Being Disabled

Living with Chronic Illness, Autism, and Facing the Disabled Label

I've always had "issues." From as far back as I can remember, my body has revolted against me. As I've gotten older, it's only gotten worse. It's a known fact in my business that I'm on the Autism Spectrum, and that comes with its own "loveliness," but that's not the whole story. I also deal with chronic pain, fatigue, and honestly, way too many allergies for any one person to juggle.

Getting Officially Labeled "Disabled"

Back in 2019, the government finally gave me the official label: "disabled." I was told that when that happened, I'd feel a certain kind of way about myself. I didn't, not then. But now? Now I'm being slapped in the face with it. My body is NOT happy with me, even though my brain still says I can do all the things.

Coming to Terms with Disability

Coming to terms with being disabled hasn't been a straight line. Some days, I accept it and build my routines around it. Other days, I try to push through and pretend nothing's changed. Usually, my body wins that argument. There's a weird grief in realizing your limits are real and not just something you can "willpower" your way out of.

Building a Disability-Friendly Business

Naming it, calling myself disabled, has been both freeing and frustrating. It lets me be honest about my needs and set boundaries, but it also means facing the reality that I can't always do what I want, when I want. My business is built around those realities: flexible hours, planned rest days, backup plans for when my body says "nope."

Still Figuring It Out

I still have days where I struggle with the label. Sometimes I resent it. Sometimes I feel relief. Most of the time, I just try to work with what I've got, and give myself permission to adapt, rest, and try again tomorrow.

If you're wrestling with the word "disabled" or what it means for you, you're not alone. It's messy, it's complicated, and it's okay if you're still figuring it out. I'm still figuring it out, too.