Guide to Conquer Happiness on a Wheelchair

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We all take our health for granted, and we only realize its importance once it’s gone for good. Living a life on a wheelchair is a hard transition to adjust to, but instead of regretting over what you don’t have, you can change the way you look at your disability and cope up with it like a champion. No matter if you are on a wheelchair, you are still the master of your life, and you can still lead a happy life, only if you want to.

There are many different ways you can improve your way of living, sense of empowerment, and your independence. If you are on a wheelchair, you can still live your life to the fullest and enjoy every moment.

Accept Your Disability

The first step towards finding happiness on a wheelchair, is accepting the truth about your condition. The more you delay this phase of acceptance, the more time it will take you to start living your life on your terms. It can be hard for an individual to accept a disability, especially when it doesn’t only affect health but future plans as well. However, the only way for you to find happiness is to accept and move on.

If you find it difficult to accept the disability in your life, consider seeking help and support. For example, it’s best to spend quality time with your family and friends and build better relationships with them. That way, you can keep yourself healthy, happy, and hopeful about your situation. Sometimes, you just need the significant people in your life to support you and make you happy.  

Aside from your loved ones, you can also fight loneliness and accept your disability easily by joining a disability support group. They can be a great way to share your challenges, learn solutions, and receive proper encouragement.

Fight with emotions

You may experience a rollercoaster of emotions, from sadness to anger to the sheer disbelief. All this is normal, and it’s absolutely alright to experience different emotions from time to time. In the beginning, you might face a lot of volatility in emotions, but with time the lows will decrease and you will find yourself getting back to the normal.

No matter what emotions you are facing, let them come out. Suppressing or ignoring your feelings will only delay this process. You have suffered from a major loss and you will want some time to grief and get yourself out of this tough time. Instead of ignoring or suppressing those emotions, let them come out once and for all.

Back yourself to beat those bad days

Living your life on a wheelchair can be quite difficult, so some bad days are always going to make it even tougher. And, when those bad days come, do not pretend to put a happy face on. Having a bad day does not make you weak, and hiding that will not do any good to you or the people close to you. Let the ones you are close to know how you feel. You will find it to be very helpful.

You can be happy even on a wheelchair. It may not seem that way in the beginning but that is the truth. Learn from the people who are in the similar situation and get inspired by how they are thriving in their lives. You can do the same, be happy and live a meaningful life.

Minimise your Disability’s Impact on Your Life

Living on a wheelchair has already brought a drastic change in your life, but with willingness, creativity, and commitment you can minimise the impact of disability on your life.

Become your own advocate

You are the one dealing with all the challenges that life has brought on you because of the disability that is why no one can be your best advocate than your own self. Learn about your rights and resources. Once you take charge of your life, you will start feeling powerful instead of feeling helpless.

Take advantage of the things you can do

You can minimise the impact of your disability by seeking out and taking advantage of all the things available to you, like advance technologies and gadgets, that can help you live a better life. For example, if you think having stairlifts can make your life better, go for it. The aids you use don’t define you, so don’t let any kind of stigma get into your head.

Set your goals and be patient

Being on a wheelchair might have restricted you from doing certain things, but it has also opened floodgates for you to learn several new skills and strategies. You may start by taking small steps. Don’t be deterred by initial failures as they will prepare you for the bigger achievements along the way. This process can be a bit frustrating but if you stay patient, then it will be easier for you to meet your goals. Also, it’s important to set realistic goals that are possible for you to achieve, otherwise you will be left disappointed.

Find things that give you Meaning and Purpose

The best way of conquering happiness is finding things to do that make you feel good about yourself, and give you a sense of meaning and purpose in life. You can also hire a life coach, who can guide and help you live your life to the fullest.

Volunteer

Volunteering is one best way to feel productive and to do something meaningful. It is something you can do being on a wheelchair. Find what you are passionate about and then figure out ways of volunteering in it.  For example, if you love kids, you can volunteer in your local community’s childcare activities, where you can teach or play with them. You can also support your locality’s health clinic by doing some basic administrative tasks as a volunteer.

Find hobbies and activities that make you happy

Being active will improve your health both physically and mentally. Being on a wheelchair might have limited you from performing certain activities you used to do before, but there are several new things you can find to develop your interest in. For example, you can visit some local attractions to entertain yourself. You can go to the museums, galleries, and other tourist landmarks to relax while learning your local place’s history and culture. Thankfully, there are wheelchairs that are lightweight enough to carry. So, if you want to explore the outdoors, you can use an ultra lightweight folding wheelchair for easy propulsion and transportation. 

If you prefer staying indoors, you can still find activities that can make you happy, even if you’re in a wheelchair. If you have a passion for art, you can draw, paint, or do other art-related activities to help reduce your anxiety and stress associated with boredom and loneliness.

Take care of an animal

Taking care of an animal is a great way to find something purposeful to do. Animals do not have the same impact as a human connection, but they are capable of bringing happiness and companionship in your life. They make you feel needed and less isolated.

Even on a wheelchair, you’re the one who is the architect of your future. It is up to you how you shape up your journey back towards normal life. Take reins of your destiny and make it happen for you and your dear ones.