Overcome Attitudinal Disabilities the Sudha Chandran & Deepa Malik way

Every one of us has the challenge to overcome. What are you trying to overcome? Give it a thought....how many of us have figured out what is it that is blocking us? Self-doubt? When we say we cannot, we are doubting our own abilities! Sometimes all it takes is a powerful, "Let's try!" Honestly, disability need not necessarily be physical, it could also be a mental block that makes you doubt your ability!

Two inspirational women, who have amazed me & proved it is all in our attitude that we lead our lives and that makes all the difference. They overcame the doubts starting with themselves & turned deaf to those around them especially those who questioned their capability. One is a famous dancer /actor and the second believes, "Sport goes beyond competition. It's more about a means to fitness, self-esteem, and a healthy identity in spite of disability." A recipient of the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award highest award in sports in India at 49.

What is it that makes them special for me?

SUDHA CHANDRAN:

An accident robbed the leg of an upcoming dancer. She was heartbroken. One of the earlier recipients of the Jaipur Foot which was not a very flexible model. However, Dr. Sethi, the doctor who created the foot had in an interview, recalled how the emotion with which he was asked by the young Sudha if she could dance he had to say, "YES". His reply & her grit pushed her to achieve what even the designer of the Jaipur foot thought was impossible. He was surprised to see her push herself because she believed in the YES he replied.

She taught me what Benjamin Snow said, “Disability is natural. We must stop believing that disabilities keep a person from doing something. Because that’s not true . . . Having a disability?doesn’t?stop me from doing anything.”

DEEPA MALIK

"Use the skills that I have got. Do not focus on what I have not.

Of course, I am aware of my limitation. Yet, I am a part of God’s wonderful creation."

William E. Lightbourne's words ring true for the inspirational Deepa Malik. Fortunate to have met her, it's amazing how much she believed in herself! She was still not the internationally renowned Para Olympian when I met her, but after listening to her, am not surprised she is who she is today. She tried every sport she had not tried before after she was bound by her wheelchair. Her confidence and sense of humor are the hallmarks that proved to me that everyone is limited only by what they think they CAN do.

What they commonly taught me is :

If we look beyond what exists is where one's true potential is.

Beautiful, articulate, and loaded with self-confidence,

They believe that self-belief is a secret ingredient that many definitely miss

Who you are and how you can reach is your preference.

Get out of your comfort zone and stop playing the victim

Beyond the limiting thoughts is the limitless attitude

A choice you have when you face life not just on a whim.

Living and showing us the best one is that of gratitude.

What disability are you trying to overcome today? Would love to know.

Two amazing women showed me that all you need is self-belief and courage. It's refusing to play a victim to being the hero of your life!