February 2022 marks 11 years of being disabled, and it's been the hardest journey - but I wouldn't change a thing...
"Be the woman you needed as a girl"
For me, one of the most difficult things about becoming disabled, was using a mobility aid. My crutches made me feel alienated. They made me feel different, which was hard to come to terms with at 10 years old.
In this blog, I'm very excited to feature Cool Crutches, who kindly gifted me a pair of their amazing crutches. I've been using my Cool Crutches over the past few weeks, to give all of my babes with mobility aids an honest and genuine review, and I can whole heartedly... say they're a company I truly wish I had a 11 years ago.
Before getting into my review, I want to reflect on the past 11 years of being disabled, finding confidence and my journey to self love. Becoming disabled at 10 years old was the most difficult thing I've experienced - I really mourned the person I was, the things I could physically do before, and I often wondered who I could've become.
I remember my first operation like it was yesterday. I recall being filled with so much hope, that once it was over, I'd be able to walk out of hospital like nothing had happened. I longed for the day I would be free of my crutches and pain. But the years went by, my knee got worse, I had more operations and the cycle would repeat itself... Over and over again.
I think I knew what to expect after that. I mean, the hope was always lingering in my head, but deep down I knew I was going be like this for a long time, if not forever.
A huge part of me embracing and celebrating my disability was because of my mum. She really taught me that my disability didn't have to be something negative, but instead... She installed self love and confidence in me, and I'll forever be grateful - because I really believe that was a big part of my disability journey, and the person I've become today.
I've said this many times on my Instagram and in previous blogs - growing up, I didn't have anyone disabled to look up to, so embracing my disability was difficult for me. With the help of my mum who has been through it all with me, I promised myself that I would challenge the status quo, put myself out there and show others that being disabled and using mobility aids doesn't have to be negative.
"Become the change you want to see in this world"
If you're reading this, and you're either at the beginning, middle or end of your self love journey... Remember, everyone has their own individual road to self love and acceptance.
Be patient with yourself because there will be days where you feel like you've fully embraced your disability, then all of a sudden feel like you're starting all over again. I think having a support system around you is imperative, because it certainly isn't a journey that should be taken alone... But this isn't the case for everyone, so always be gentle with yourself.
I'll tell you one thing that will genuinely help with your confidence... Mobility aids that make you feel empowered because I know how easy it can be, to let your disability consume your identity.
Using my Cool Crutches for the past few weeks, has given me the lift I've really needed. I've been using boring NHS crutches for 11 years (which I have now completely abandoned by the way), and I can't believe the difference I've felt in my confidence since using my 'Wild Thing' crutches.
Some amazing features of the crutches include:
Lightweight Construction
Height Adjustable Design
Moulded Hand Grips
Silent (no clicking when the crutches hit the ground, with every step)
Different/Personalised Designs
One of my favourite features has to be the amazing choice of designs (obviously) - I'll definitely be ordering a pair of crutches to go with different outfits! I love that you can personalise your own too. Another feature I love is the moulded left and right handles on each crutch - this particular feature has helped with the pain in my hands a lot.
Cool Crutches also sell walking sticks, which I think is amazing as I know different disabilities require different aids. I have nothing bad to say about my Cool Crutches - they would've really helped me when I first become disabled, but I'm still so grateful I've been able to experience them 11 years into my journey and I can't recommend them enough.
To read more about Cool Crutches founded by the amazing Amelia and Clare, click here and to shop the 'Wild Thing' crutches seen in this blog, click here.
To my amazing disabled community...
"I see you, I feel you and I am you"
Thank you for being on this journey with me.
Caprice-Kwai Xx