Whispers of Hope – Karen Lynn-Chlup

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I am Only One Person

Time and time again I think to myself how different this world is than when I was a child.  How different it is since I was a young adult just starting on my journey.  And how different life has changed and is today.

I am only one person, but it would be so nice to see people giving of themselves freely and unconditionally in a genuine way, or to see acts of kindness shared more often.  I am only one person in this world we live in, and I will continue to make a difference in man kinds life in which ever way I can.

What Can I Do

This morning I received a Google alert on learning disabilities, and, oh how I wanted to participate and get involved, and work with these people and share with them what I know to enlighten them.  However, the position was in England I believed.  It was being part of a council and having  a voice for all people with LD to make legal changes in our system, and laws, and to help individuals with learning disabilities.

If people would learn to take our word seriously, that would be such a blessing!  Not only for all the millions and millions of individuals, but to get real, honest feedback from people who have paid the price mentally, emotionally, or physically, instead of thoughts who have never experienced having a challenge like this at all.

This would be a sincere humbling  if organizations, companies, our government, legislation, and leaders would take a positive step forward to hear our voices and put us on committee’s and councils to change the way things are now…  It would be a gift to all society and man kind if we were heard and truly listened to.

It would be even sweeter if we were compensated financially for our knowledge and really taken seriously.  I personally would fight the good fight to bring all kinds of change to make a huge difference and impact for others as I have done for myself-  First I would stop categorizing us with people of down syndrome, mental retardation, ADD and  so forth.  I would also find a much better word to describe us.  I would not use degrading, heart-wrenching titles  and labels such as: developmentally delayed or disabled.

I would do all I could to first de-signify people who never chose to be disabled in the first place, or to be labeled.  I would start by finding real human ways and approaches to treating us with dignity and respect.

Music in Mind and Body

Music and Dance have been a gift to my life ever since I can remember.  I began dancing at the age of 3 1/2 years old.   And from the moment I heard my very first piece of music, and performed my very first shuffle bal-change, I knew the difference it was making in my life.  It brought a peace, love, and joy to my inner being as well as a self- worth and confidence that have helped me in so many other goals and dreams I have achieved throughout my life

Not only by listing to the sounds and rhythm’s of each music, and melody presented to me, but through share willingness and determination to execute these steps and techniques,accurately, even though my body had a physical impairment and challenge of Cerebral Palsy, did I, or was I able to weep and see not only me developing my abilities, but conquering the challenges before me.

These daily and weekly lesson’s brought to my body, mind, and soul something I have carried with me all these years later.  It all began way back when.  But before any “expert” knew what positive affects and effect’s it would have on a persons spirit and life, let alone a person with a physical disability or learning disability – I knew the benefits it gave me.

I know how music, and dance have straighten my body, brought peace to my heart, and helped me to develop my coordination and so many other things the “experts” talk about today.

I am only me.  I may not have financially been able to conquer my education, or get or be given a degree, because of some “knowledgeable person” who tried to dictate what they wanted for my life.  But I have soared, attained, and accomplished goals in my life, without this “piece of paper” they call a degree and I am an expert in my own right.

I know more through personal experience than most “book learned people”. I know first hand how music and dance have helped me.  It has not only been physically, but it helped me with my learning and with my thought processes as well.

Never Stop’s

I’ve been on automatic pilot for the last week everyone! I have been writing letter after letter, now, and  pounding the pavement while making myself visible by writing letter after letter about the work I do and want to do. If any of you have tips about marketing and networking in a special specific field, would you be so kind as to write me.  Thanks.

Getting Around A System That Doesn’t Work

Dear Readers, how awful is this! I got to thinking today how “every” aspect of a disabled or special needs person’s life is scrutinized by “Helpful Experts” who assume God like powers over our goals, our dreams, our thoughts, our abilities, including our wishes to have a livelihood of our own.  How dear they step in front of us and block the way of our natural flow.  Everything from a career choice, to how we put on our shoes and socks.  Better yet, how we even go to the bathroom, is subject to morbid interest and thorough examination. It is critical, meticulous and malicious. Yet, they seem to pull it off.

Our genuine desires as human beings, to led happy, productive lives is intentionally disregarded as they fail to consider our expression of success and happiness.  We are never really taken into real consideration.  Even if we have some kind of challenge, as a disabled person, our desires to attain our goals or degrees, aught to be recognized and respected.  Even if it is just going into work.  It would be a joy to have a say so in our destination which society pays no attention or heed to.

This infuriates me to no end, as time, and time, and time again, I have strived, and attempted, and fought for every ounce and every bloody achievement that I have made today.  These years of fighting with a system that does not see us as worthy to listen to, have indeed left their scars.

If only our struggles were given the same importance as other suppressed people, it would make life a whole lot easier.  Instead, precious years have been frittered and thrown away, down right wasted, trying to get around artificial barrier’s of the worst kind.  My dear friends, this struggle is often hidden from people who do not experience it directly, but is no less real.

If I can bring this idea into your heart’s and minds then my life long work and struggle has been worth the while.

What we go though as Disabled People

The hardest part about having a disability is that no one really take us seriously.  It is like pulling teeth to be heard as we wish to be heard, and taken into consideration and regarded like the rest of the world. Too many times, we as “disabled individuals” are payed no attention too, ignored, over-looked, and “be programmed” to being nice little individuals, which turn into Convenient robots. This being, because they fear we will loose control and embarrass them.  Thus, we who have Cerebral Palsy, a learning disability of Dyslexia, and or any other type of disability are; tossed a bone to keep us pacified, and are patronized, and are regarded as a problem, rather than a asset to our world and our community.

We too often are looked down upon rather than regarded as someone with importance, worth, or value and worthy of attention.  We are plighted beyond words because it is easier to ignore our abilities to focus on  details.  Time and time again I have been aware of others viewing me as a helpless, victim, and not the intelligent, confident person, that I am.  We find acceptance from the public and professionals when we are cute little children, and are not a threat to society.  But we grow up, have a mind of our own, and desires to fill, that acceptance immediately fades away into nothingness!

Outcome

I do not know what will come of all the letter’s I’ve sent out in the last couple of days to promote myself, and my abilities as a public speaker- but what ever it is, I know that I did not sit back on my tush doing nothing!  I know I have moved forward. I know I have put myself and my abilities out there on the line.  I know way down deep, within myself, that I have gone beyond and taken all the action I know how to take-  I have done my part in thought, spirit and deed- and, there is NO WAY that I am going to stop reaching for that dream of mine! I am going to achieve, and conquer, and keep moving forward to reach MY mountain top, and make it happen for myself.  Some how, some way it will be reveled to me!  Just like everything else in my life…  I just hope it does not take forever!  I see many disabled speakers out there.  But none who have gone thought what I have with Cerebral Palsy and a learning disability, nor fighting for my life. And they are out there speaking and making a living for themselves.  So why CAN’T I!!!!  I’ll be very honest with myself, dear blog, It would be very, very sweet if someone recognized my true gift and what I have to give to other people and our world to make this a better place for all. It would be a dream come true!  It would be the pinnacle of pinnacles, after all the experiences I’ve gone through.

Determined

I will make this happen for myself too- just like everything else in my life-  I am as determined as determined can be to move forward with anticipation and recognition with my public speaking career.  And even though I have shared and spoken before, many a times, and filled many a rooms with encouragement, hope and empowerment I will keep on keeping on till that someone sees and recognizes my potential and what I have to give to the world.

Learn

Recently, Over and over again in the news and media, I keep hearing and reading about how they treat “Us” individuals with learning disabilities.  After all these years, I still see how they tend to degrade people with LD, and disregard our needs and desires as human beings. They treat us with little or no respect, still.  Even after all these years they segregate and label us for there OWN convinces!  This outrages me!  What can we do as a team?  What can we do as individuals with LD to put a stop to this?  What can we do to make our voices heard and to effect a change in this world and society?

I have been told…in strength there is numbers.  How can we, ourselves, begin a movement towards bettering life and the world around us!  Tell me?

Cleansing of the Heart & Soul

Today has been a day to reflect upon my life and to let go of my past.  Once again, I have written my feelings down, only to release them from my being, and to gain strength and knowledge to live my life in a different way.  It is time to let go so that my body and mind have the opportunity to heal and regain its vitality, its  beauty, its serenity, and the peace of mind that is my due birthright.  I let go and send my love out to everyone!  Especially those who I feel have taught me the most valuable lessons around…:>))))))))))))))))))))))))))))