"My Disability Defines Me, But I Own It." James Geiger is, the Sorcerer Supreme

On Friday, during an appearance on Gabe Leal 'Unfiltered Live,' James Geiger said something incredibly profound right near the end of the broadcast.

In fact it was so profound that it stopped me in my tracks, caused me to shift in my seat and make sure I heard him right. When I realized I had, I was in awe.

His comment came right as Gabe was about to close out the show. As Gabe started to go to his outro, James interrupted him, not wanting to leave without getting his thought across. Paraphrasing to the best of my recollection, James said something along the lines of

"I saw the comment someone posted about my disability not defining me. They are wrong. It DOES define me. It has an impact on every single aspect of my life. I can't ignore it. It's there. I just choose to accept it because it is a part of me and I am proud of who I am."

'WOW,' I thought.

I wondered if the true power of what he said would reach those that needed to hear it.

What James said, on first appearance does not seem so prolific. BUT, it is the subtlety that takes it from another line used by Neurodiversity and Disability advocates to something special.

Unsure what I am talking about? Here is the difference.

For years, those of us that are neurodiverse talk about owning our 'superpowers.' We speak to acceptance but not definition.

For example. I accept that I have ADHD. I accept that I have anxiety and depression. I use the gifts these differences have given me but I will never claim that I am defined by them, because I want to be known for who I am in my heart first. I struggle to get people I want to be close to, to see through that wall. It is only then that I know I have true friends.

In James saying that he is defined by his disability and that he loves himself disability and all, he is essentially telling people to judge him both my the cover as well as what is inside.

I have met very very very few people in my entire life that are able to embody that ideal.

For those into Marvel, that is Sorcerer Supreme level.

In the moment that James made that remark, I realized I have a long road left on my journey. He gave me something to think about that has the power to change my outlook.

It is scary. Straight up scary.

To say your disability defines you means that you have to accept all those that do not understand, may never understand. There are looks and comments. there is gaslighting and ego driven tirades that people go on whenever they see something or someone different.

I don't think James was saying or would say that it doesn't affect him, but when we do as I have done and say that I am not defined by my disabilities, it gives me an excuse an out to fall back on and protect our hearts from the pain that comes our way.

It is courageous on so many different levels.

I don't want to keep going with this article for no reason, so I won't go on too much further.

What I hope is that James comment makes people think. Some people are going to 'get it' immediately. Others, they will not comprehend the difference that I am referring to or think I am speaking in semantics. If that is you, I ask you to sit with yourself.

Thank you James.