Inspirational?

First, this is not a criticism of anyone, just an analysis and hopefully a positive message...

So, has anyone called you inspirational, for well, just being you?

I have, twice, both quite recently. I have in the past, but I think its different this time because they are friends and they mean it in a genuine and lovely way.

Now, all my degree training, and my general disability activist stuff is screaming at me going, you shouldn't be taking that inspirational crap. You'r just living your life, but slightly differently. Yes, fair enough, if someone claps me for going to the loo, or getting up in the morning and starts calling me inspirational they are likely to get a slap.

But should you dismiss the whole inspirational, brave argument by that one sweeping 'supercrip' idea? Well, I don't think so. I think its important to take praise when praise is due to you.  By simply dismissing someone saying you are brave or inspirational because it is patronising is, in my opinion wrong. After all, there aren't that many people I know who have to put up with the stuff I do from the world I live in on a day to day basis, and still get up the next day with a smile on my face.

If I am truely making people think differently about disability, or about how to live your life in general, and inspiring them to change or take action, then I don't find that word cheesy, ironic or misused. It is being used in its correct context in its correct time.

If, (as I did last week) get on a train in rush hour and have a panic attack because of the way I was treated on the train, but still make it to national disabled students conference, then yes, call me brave. It did feel like climbing mout everest let me tell you. And if when i get to that conference I took part, spoke up, and got elected to represent disabled students nationally, then yes call me inspirational. Don't be afraid of the use of the word because I am disabled and I might get offended by you patronising me, I wont.

I will get offended if you do misuse the word in a pat me on the head, didn't I do well kind of way. It is all about context, and the meaning behind the word. As an invisibly disabled person its not often I get treated like that, but I guess what I am saying is:

Don't judge me by your standards, judge me by my standards. And very often I will deny to myself the impact I am having on other people, and it is really important for me to hear that I am making a difference, that it is all worth it. If I make a difference to one person its worth it. To inspire someone could be to inspire the next great leader, or world shaker. Don't be afraid to say it, just make sure you say it for the right reasons and with the right intentions.