Journeys of discovery

Welcome, welcome. As many of you have remarked, I have been a tad inconspicuous in the blogosphere over the last two years. This is in part due to getting involved in various projects and opportunities. But no fear, I hear you rejoicing from the rooftops — he is back! The Idiosyncrasies of a Disabled Human aims to take readers old and new on a journey of infinite discovery as we chew through the issues most important to you.

The last eighteen months have been a journey of discovery for many people, with more ups and downs, twists and turns than a spin drier. I have been no exception to this rule. When I was told I was going to be one of the nearly four million people in England required to shield, I felt like I had received a court summons — this during some of the nicest weather in recent memory. But in this post I want to shine a light on how I used this time, positively, practically and creatively, to unlock new hobbies and interests. So buckle in, fasten your seatbelts and as the title suggests, let me take you on a journey of discovery which will most certainly not disappoint.

The Journeys of Discovery Trilogy: I

Think of the scenario. You are on your own on a desert island when everything around you seems to be closing in. Yes, you've guessed it, no desert island here — but infinite possibilities remain for one’s mind to be constantly stimulated. This includes the prospect of hours of Zoom, Zoom, Zoom (other platforms are available) or wallowing in endless self-pity. But no: this lad is going to see this as a Willy Wonka’s box of the finest chocolate and embrace every opportunity that comes his way. 

Embracing change or status-quo-ing

I want to level with you. You’re probably all thinking, “Change and all that jazz? Scary thought indeed.” But people, as the old adage goes, change is as good as a rest. And so, with this in mind, let’s delve deep into this Pandora’s box of embracing change or status-quo-ing. Personally, I’m unable to be a hermit: I have to adopt a full-throttle attitude of embracing every opportunity. This naturally leads for some individuals to a feeling of deep unadulterated anxiety. My attitude has always been: I should never let anything pass me by, for I may never get another tomorrow. I choose to live for today and in the moment, and appreciate every blessing that comes my way. So with this mantra, I went forward completely emboldened, embracing every opportunity and refusing to status-quo. 

Strategic manoeuvres

Whilst attempting to hold my own and strategically manoeuvre like a chess pro, I quickly came to the realisation that in order to get to my destination and call checkmate against my incarceration, I would need to broaden my horizons and fast. And so my mind set to work. I was scanning one day, as you do, on what is sometimes wittily referred to as Bookface (Facebook). A long-term friend of mine tagged me in a post about a wheelchair dance group. The barriers and shutters immediately went defensively up as I tried to rail against this suggestion. The more I thought about the idea, the further away I wanted to run from this ridiculous proposal. As a dedicated Salisbury FC fan, I couldn't help but think of the ribbing my football mates would give me if I started taking up something so la-di-da. 

But then I remembered when I was in a coma with a collapsed lung, my gallbladder having been removed and my odds at living being put by my anaesthetist and church friend at 20%. It was then that I had a prophetic dream and God spoke to me, saying: if you manage to pull through, I don’t want you to say no to any opportunity. Before that dream, I had stayed within my comfort zone, even though I’m a massive extrovert and thought that I would try anything once. 

Remembering this, I reluctantly agreed to try a session on Zoom. During the first session, my back was as tense as a metal rod. But gradually I allowed my body to sink into the rhythm like a hot bath. When in-person classes resumed, I was once again nervous at the new start. It felt like my first day of primary school after finishing nursery, but I soon slipped back into the rhythm. Despite being the only male in the adult group, before I knew it, I was loving the classes. I learned that dance is for everybody if you’re only willing to embrace it and surrender your body to the rhythm. Now dance is part and parcel of my life, and it can be for you too, and benefit your physical and even your mental health. The moral of this tale is to embrace every opportunity that comes your way, never tell yourself something is beyond you, and always seize the day and the blessings that come your way.

https://www.movemomentum.co.uk/liberate-dance