Deal with Negative Thoughts | Sudhanshu Ji Maharaj
Remember! You are ‘Specially-Abled’
“… for every disability you have, you are blessed with more than enough abilities to overcome your challenges.”
-Nick Vujicic
The emergence of negative thoughts in the mind is natural. You are having a good day, happily going along your routine, trying to do something when suddenly, a tiny thought crosses your mind: “What if I fail?” And then you react, “Let’s give up and stay away from embarrassment.” And there you are, feeling sorry about yourself, and dejected. Sometimes, it goes on in a cyclical manner.
It happens to the best of people.
And unfortunately, if the person is already dealing with some kind of disability, then you can imagine how difficult it would be for him to stay away from negative thoughts.
In special needs people, a series of negative thoughts result in a more disabling chain reaction. Each ensuing thought drives their mind towards a deeper downward spiral, leaving them totally helpless. Such negative thoughts make their life even more challenging.
Disability is Just a Physical Condition
Understand that any kind of disability is just a physical condition that can be dealt with the help of strong willpower. You will come across endless examples wherein disabled people have shown exemplary talent and created a name for them all over the world.
Who can ignore Arunima Sinha’s achievements? She is the world’s first female amputee to scale the highest mountain peak, Mount Everest. Sudha Chandran, Ravindra Jain, Stephen Hawking, Helen Keller, Ludwig Van Beethoven, are some of many amazing people who did not allow their physical limitations to subdue their enthusiasm.
Do read about Nicholas Vujicic. Due to a rare genetic condition, he was born without any limbs. But even this could not stop him from being one of the most iconic motivational speakers.
In fact, there is no dearth of examples. All these brave men and women won over their bodily disabilities and before that, they won over the negative thoughts.
Thus, remember that limitations are in the mind and once overcome, the physical disabilities shall be rendered powerless. It is important to start with acceptance and then empowerment of the mind.
Accept your Condition
At times, it could be extremely tough to accept any disability because acceptance feels like a failure—hanging on the boots in the battle of life and fear of a bleak future.
Understand that refusing to accept reality keeps one tied in the circle of negativity. It prevents one from moving forward, bringing positive changes, and finding fresh goals. So, accepting the disability with dignity and moving ahead is the way to win over life.
Do Not Suppress your Feelings
Well, ‘acceptance’ doesn’t mean that one has to ignore and suppress inner feelings. It is natural for humans to avoid pain. Yet, work through your sadness by allowing yourself to feel it completely. Then you shall become ready to deal with it. Allow yourself to experience your feelings completely and do it without judging yourself.
And in the process, it’s alright to go through various emotions—from intense grief, rage, regret, and sadness to doubt. This is perfectly alright.
Just believe that your emotional, as well as physical pain, will become less severe and you’ll start to find it normal and during the process try to sow positive thoughts in your mind.
Start Searching for New Ways in Life
While it’s true that any disability changes life in big ways yet it won’t help if you stay stuck in that situation. With self-assurance, imagination, and a willingness to try new things, you can minimize the impact your disability has on your life.
Educate yourself about what you can do with the available resources and technologies. Take advantage of your education and abilities. When you take charge of yourself, you’ll begin to feel less powerless and more empowered.
If you need a helping device, like a prosthetic, or a wheelchair, have one and make your life easier by using it. Set realistic goals, be patient and move ahead in life with new skills. Your skills also help you in removing negative thoughts.
Stay Connected with Positive People
You may want to withdraw from people and isolate yourself. Try not to do that. Associate with people with an optimistic attitude towards life. It will make a world of difference in your outlook towards everything around you.
Nurture caring relationships, spend time with family and friends and often set aside your disability for having some fun.
Volunteer
Volunteering is a nice way to feel productive and the best part is- it’s something you can do even if you have physical limitations. Choose a beautiful cause that you want to support and get involved in that. The activity will fill your life with unlimited positivity and possibilities.
So, do not stop your journey in any circumstance. Take your disability in positive stride and keep moving forward. And along the way, develop new hobbies, and a healthy balanced lifestyle. Nature and society will recognize your potential and one day you’ll feel that indeed you are not disabled but ‘Specially-Abled’.