Self Worth & Disability

Summary

In this heartfelt video, Emily shares her experiences with living with a disability, discussing the challenges of self-image, productivity, and comparison to others. She reflects on how her Type A personality and previous focus on being highly productive have clashed with her current health struggles, leading to frustration. Emily emphasizes the importance of self-compassion, acknowledging that one's worth is not solely defined by productivity. She encourages others facing similar struggles to be kind to themselves, reminding them that it’s okay not to have everything figured out and that there are many ways to add value to the world, regardless of one's situation.

Takeaways

• 😀 Embrace self-compassion: It's important to be kind to yourself, especially when facing challenges with disability or chronic illness.
• 😀 Redefine productivity: Productivity isn't only about work or money. Doing things you enjoy or taking care of yourself is valuable.
• 😀 Life doesn’t have to be figured out by a certain age: It's okay not to have everything mapped out, especially when facing health issues.
• 😀 Don’t compare yourself to others: Everyone’s journey is different, and comparing yourself to others can hinder personal growth.
• 😀 Intrinsic value matters more than external achievements: Your worth isn’t tied to how much you can produce or achieve in a traditional sense.
• 😀 It's okay to take a step back: Sometimes you need to reassess your goals and adjust expectations based on your current situation.
• 😀 Set long-term goals, but be patient: Working towards your goals is important, but it’s okay if progress is slower due to health challenges.
• 😀 There are alternative work opportunities: Remote work and organizations focused on disability employment can provide viable job options.
• 😀 Taking care of your health is a form of productivity: Prioritizing self-care, even when it seems non-productive, is essential for well-being.
• 😀 Be mindful of your inner dialogue: If you wouldn’t criticize others in your situation harshly, don’t do it to yourself.
• 😀 Enjoy the process: Life is a journey, and it's important to find happiness in the smaller moments, not just in external achievements.

Q & A

What is Emily's main focus in this video?

Emily discusses disability, chronic illness, and self-image, particularly how these factors intersect with productivity and self-worth.

How has Emily's life changed after being diagnosed with a chronic illness?

Emily's life has become more unpredictable, and she is no longer able to maintain the high level of productivity and structure she once thrived on, which has affected her self-worth.

What does Emily mean by 'able-bodied standards'?

'Able-bodied standards' refers to societal expectations for productivity, such as having a full-time job, financial independence, and a busy social life, which Emily feels pressure to meet despite her disability.

How does Emily cope with the frustration of not meeting traditional productivity standards?

Emily is working on being more compassionate with herself, reminding herself that productivity is not always about money or meeting external expectations. She emphasizes the importance of progress and self-care.

What role does self-comparison play in Emily's struggles?

Emily struggles with comparing herself to others, particularly able-bodied individuals who appear to have their lives together. She recognizes that this comparison is unhelpful and strives to focus on her own progress instead.

What is Emily's approach to self-worth despite being unable to meet conventional productivity expectations?

Emily emphasizes that one's value isn't solely based on productivity. She encourages being kind to oneself, acknowledging small achievements, and recognizing that everyone has intrinsic worth regardless of their output.

What advice does Emily offer to those who are struggling with similar issues of self-worth and productivity?

Emily suggests reflecting on whether critical thoughts are true or helpful and encourages compassion toward oneself. She advises taking small steps toward goals without measuring success solely by conventional standards.

What steps is Emily currently taking to move toward her goals?

Emily is working part-time and writing, which she enjoys. She recognizes that while it may not be enough to support full independence yet, it is a step in the right direction toward her long-term goals.

How does Emily view the role of a support system in managing disability and work?

Emily acknowledges that having a strong support system, especially a family that understands her disability, is vital. She also encourages people to seek out local resources for assistance in finding work.

What does Emily say about finding work with a disability?

Emily mentions that there are resources and organizations that help people with disabilities find work, especially with the rise of remote and telecommuting opportunities, but acknowledges that finding the right fit can still be challenging.