“dis” - “abled” - what the hell?
Life as ok. Last weekend was amazing. I saw what I had asked for and gottten. What I manifested in my life by asking. And I spent the entire weekend happy. Everything went so well. So well in fact, that I am stepping down (FINALLY) my klonopin. Yep, the highly addictive drug that kept me from jumping off high buildings, kept me from feeling the wires running through my body and twisting me into knots, I am finally working on the goal of eliminating it from my life. It is only possible because I’ve lessened the anxiety in my life, and learned to cope with what is left. So on Sunday I took only 3/4 s of my dose (yes I have the permission of my pdoc). Next week I will take it down to 1/2 and as long as everything keeps going well, I will be done by Christmas and no longer addicted. My gods that is such a relief.
As I was walking out of work tonight I was thinking about the sermon that our Minister had given last Sunday. No, I was not there, but a friend was. She told me that he talked about the word “disabled” and what it means at its roots, as well as what we do when we label people that.
I could be considered, because of bipolar to be “dis - abled”. My son certainly fits the bill. But what does that mean? “Dis” - the opposite of, in opposition to; “Abled” - capable, fit…
I certainly don’t see my self as the definition of that word. And I don’t think I would see any one else as that either. As Kirk apparently spoke to, we each have gifts and weaknesses. We are all able, and disable to do different things in our lives. It is what makes us human, and helps us learn and grow. It is what gives variety. So why when it is a physical, sometimes visible thing, does that make us suddenly less capable than others.
Why do we have to have labels, categories, reasons, barriers, separations, walls, hatred, prejudice, fear…
Why do we separate ourselves on opposite sides of things, feeling all the differences and none of the sameness? I don’t know. But I know that it makes for a lonely life…
I am glad I no longer stand alone and that I have found people I love, and love the people I’m with.
g said on Nov 16, 2006 @ 11:05 am
Labels are just a common means of grouping things together w/ comon traits so as to facilitate our understanding. True labels tend to lead to generalizations and could possibly cause hate but then exceptions even w/n a label do not become the norm. Hence I guess even labels are a democratic institution and the majority wins and if the majority are really not able then that group as such gets that label.
And its also true life is not all black and white but then the language does not really provide for us to express the shades of gray that make up life with any justice and hence we tend to limit ourselfs to the cut and dry black or white model.
Thats my 2 cents on the 2 q u asked in the blog and even thought they mayhave been rhetorical I thought I’d opine.
I chanced by your blog from ravens and I found it thought out and well written, something I cannot say about mine! Kudos on the good work!
Have a nice day
Peace be
G
Saphyre said on Nov 16, 2006 @ 6:35 pm
Thanks for your thoughts and stopping by G - blessed be to you as well.
Redsnow said on Dec 13, 2006 @ 9:31 pm
I have recently discovered that, while there is no proven evidence of why, people experience withdrawal from antipsychotic medications. Not everyone of course. When I started to back down my medication at first I was fine but all of the sudden I started getting dizzy and stuff. So if you feel bad don’t give up! If you feel like jumping of buildings don’t listen to me.