Hello,

A while ago I wrote a blog about a new coffee cup I bought from a charity called Surfers Against Sewage. The blog post should you wish to read it is here.

Since then I have enjoyed using it instead of getting coffee cups to go. The only down side I will say is the sleeve which goes round the cup is not deep enough. So it makes it more difficult to hold for longer.

I have tried out some more things with trying to reduce my use of single use plastic. But before I continue I would once again like to point out that I am doing what I can. I believe that if we all make small changes, little by little we can have a positive impact. We should do what we can within our means, and not do anything which will have a negative impact on our well being.

As I was saying, I found out that teabags can contain small pieces of plastic. I was quite shocked. I love tea. So I decided to get loose leaf tea. I made an investment into a little tea strainer and some generic breakfast tea. While looking on Twitter, Luke (please check out his blogs by the way) was talking about a company called Bird and Blend.

After looking into them I found them to be very interesting. Based in the UK they are a relatively new business. But they are thriving, and I love them. They have so many options for loose leaf tea its amazing! I found they do sell teabags, but looking at those found they are plastic free. Which is wonderful. My favourite tea from them is Dozy Girl. I struggle to fall asleep so was told by a friend to try herbal teas. After trying this particular one I can say I’m well and truly sold. I love how you can subscribe and get your tins refilled. How cool is that? I need to look into this. Christmas is coming.

Changing to loose leaf has allowed me to cut down on my plastic use in the kitchen. The used tea leaves I through outside onto the plants. Then they can go into the soil. It is better than putting it into the bin.

Just making this small change makes me feel better, that I am doing something to help make a difference. It also means I can explore different teas. I do have a lot of tea and need to work my way though it. Then I can order more.

As I was mentioning, we can’t ditch plastic all together. I use a guide cane, which means I use a roller ball tip, made from plastic. But obviously this wears down quite a lot as I use it day in day out. Also it is a necessity for me to be able to get around. It helps me navigate my surroundings. Whats more, as I use it the tip is worn away. So the amount that is recycled is quite a small amount. The cane itself is aluminium. Rather than plastic.

I will continue to try making a difference in my daily life and do what I can. Simple things, like turning the lights off in a room you are not in, using soap rather than plastic bottles (I will write something else on this soon) and phone cases, you get them made of biodegradable plastic or bees wax. Lets not get into an argument with each other about who’d not doing what. If we as consumers spend our money on brands which are doing good, then hopefully change will follow. It can be difficult, which is why I say ‘do what you can within your means and you are making a difference’.

Thank you for reading,

Philippa B 🙂

Twitter: @PhilippaB
Instagram: @VisuallyImpiaredPip

I’m not affiliated with any of these companies or charities. I just love their stuff.

Hello again,

Last week I decided to buy a new winter coat.

So I went to SuperDry. My freind told me about their down jackets, so I went to try one on. The label said it had been sourced responsibly, so I was ok with buying one.

As I was looking around for someone to help me a lady came over and asked if I was ok. I asked for some help. She told me the size of the jacket and helped me put it on.

I liked how warm it was & roomy it felt.

We then went to the till & two people were there. One was the manager. We had a nice chat and I asked about the return policy, just in case.

The manager then helped me to find my way out. I often find shops hard to navigate, even with my cane.

He offered to help guide me out so I took his arm and he helped me. Each time we were going round a corner he made sure to not bump us into anything and put his hand over the hooks which were in our sight.

This clothing rail issue is something I find hard in every shop.

He was telling me he was always happy to help & ensure his store was as accommodating as possible. That if it wasn’t, to let him know and things could be changed.

The staff were friendly and helpful. Every time I go into the Leeds Trinity store I find the staff to be helpful and friendly and they will have chat with you. It’s not just ‘what do you want?’

This shop has a wheelchair ramp, which is very wide. But I’m visually impaired, so don’t quote me on this. I’m not too good at noticing other things.

While I find it hard to spot staff, again this is an issue in any shop. In SuperDry, I know the style and the staff wear lanyards which are quite thick, with a good badge on them. So the shapes are good to spot. Also the SuperDry style is worn by the staff, so you know what your trying to pick out.

I do find their shops quite loud, but because I go in there when it is quiet and know what I’m looking for the stress I feel is reduced.

I decided I didn’t like the coat so reluctantly took it back to another SuperDry store in Bradford. I was with my mum this time.

We went upstairs and we found a member of staff at the till. We had one of their big orange bags. We explained the situation and the lady helped us pick another jacket. She gave me a SuperDry hoody to wear so I had the correct number of layers on as I would have when I wear the coat day to day. We tried two different sizes and I chose the small.

The coat is a nice bright yellow, it had black round the hood and is very cosy. It was the Parker style I went for.

We swapped out the coat and I explained how helpful she had been and we went out.

The SuperDry store is always very good. I find the staff to be knowledgeable and helpful. Using a guide cane can be tricky. Often people approach visually impaired or blind people differently to none disabled people. Which is not nice. We want to feel like everyone else.

Like the manager at the Leeds Store said, ‘if anything can be done, let me know’. This is lovely because I feel like I’m a person. It makes me feel like I am not a problem to retail and it makes me feel welcome. Which is what disabled people want.

Thank you SuperDry, please pass on my thanks to both these stores and keep up the good work.

I’m on Twitter @PhilippaB

I’m on Instagram

@VisuallyImpairedPip

Email: randomlyanxious@gmail.com

I got a lovely surprise in the post the other day, it was a Cornish Hamper. The hamper was addressed to our family. I have checked, it was from Aspects Holidays. Thank you very much for this lovely hamper.

The hamper was lovely, I loved the box wasn’t wrapped in plastic for a start. I opened the box as soon as it arrived because it said there were things in there to put into the fridge. The box also stated it had come all the way from glorious Cornwall.

Inside the box were 4 scones, 4 shortbread biscuits, 4 Smugglers Brew teabags, and 4 pots of jam. Also a nice pot of clotted cream. MMMM. I was very excited to receive this lovely hamper. I had no idea it was coming. Putting the stuff into the fridge I wondered why we had been sent it. So, I looked at the piece of paper from inside and it said

‘We hope you had a lovely time in St Ives! Big thanks to Philippa for mentioning us on Twitter and Instagram too. Here’s a cream tea on us, ‘jam on first’, of course. We hope to see you again soon’.

This message makes me think it is from Aspects Holidays because we stay with them every year. Their houses are lovely. We have stayed in a number of them now.

For the last few years we have stayed in a property on Windsor Terrace, giving a fabulous view over the town and the bay. In previous times, we have stayed in a property called The Captains House. This is up from the Tate, overlooking the graveyard and Porth Meor Beach.

We love Cornwall. We have been there nearly every single year. Years and years ago we used to go in the height of summer, then we stopped going for a while. Later we returned during the Easter holiday and found it to be a little quieter. Then we went down in March. Every time Saint Ives and the surrounding areas have been perfect. There is always something to do. Be it sit on the beach and get sandy toes, enjoy a Cornish Cream Tea in the Pedn Olva, or a day out to one of many many great spaces the Cornish call their own.

This year my Mum found the a lovely day out in Tremenheere. Which I will blog about later. But you must go. It has stunning view across the bay to St Michael’s Mount. Which we also went to. Walking across the Causeway in the Cornish sunshine and a bit of a breeze, you can’t call it wind until you’ve truly walked across there in the stormy weather.

Thank you again to Aspects Holidays, we will see you again. We hope to come into some money so we can have our own house down there Chy an Barra.

As we say in Yorkshire, we were proper chuffed by that hamper.

Tereba nessa.

I’m on Twitter @PhilippaB
My email randomlyanxious@gmail.com

Hello again,

I just found a blog post from the beginning of the year talking about how I want to read more. I signed up for talking books through the RNIB a while ago. Not used it too much. But I’ve gone through and put some things on my bookshelf which I want to listen too. Including Arnold Schwarzeneggers Total Recall.

Book List
Michelle Obama’s: Becoming
Stephen Fry: Mythos
Stephen Fry: Hero’s
Stephen C. Hayes PhD and Spencer Smith: Get Out of Your Mind an into Your Life
Mark Williams and Danny Penman: Mindfulness
Sarah Millican: How to be Champion
Virginia Watson: The Princess Pochahontas
Kent Nurburn, PhD. and Louise Mengeikoch, MA: Native American Wisdom
Reni Eddo-Lodge: Why I’m No Longer Talking to White People About Race

At the beginning of the year my lovely Cousin Laura got me Michelle Obamas Becoming. I wanted it as soon as I knew it was even in the works. Whether you’re a fan of Michelle Obama or not, I don’t really care. This is my reading choice.
I enjoyed her book very much. I listened to it constantly. It is interesting how she became involved in politics in the first place. It was incredible to hear how quickly a families life can change from hearing they have become the First Family in America to the first few days in the White House. It is incredible being able to get a glimpse into the life of what it must be like being the First Lady. I will have to find more books written by the women who have occupied the White House.

I have tried to get back into reading fiction this year, which I find quite hard. I prefer reading History and Politics or Biographies. So as a way of trying to get back into fiction I thought I would try looking for audiobooks read by people who have nice voices. Michelle Obama reading her book was lovely. Because I have nystagmus I would often lay on the bed and just relax with my eyes closed listening to her book
.
I love Stephen Fry, I mean who ruddy doesn’t?
So I found out he had written a book called Mythos. Not a book about the beer, but about Titans and the Greek Gods and Goddesses. I used to love learning about all of that in school. Plus I love Greece. Marvelous place, wonderful food, excellent people.

So the book Mythos was brilliant. Learning all about Zeus, Hades, Hestia, Artemis and many more. The creation of the Gods and the stories surrounding them was wonderfully told. I really recommend it. Such scandals between the Olympian’s and the Titans, Cronus, Hyperion, Prometheus and more.
It’s like a soap opera. Everyone is out to protect their own interests, which is what causes so many problems in the first place. I mean look at how many people on Earth the Olympians got involved with, especially Zeus himself. Which got Hera very upset indeed. Go on give it a listen.

Next up I found Hero’s a follow up from Mythos. This book is again read by Stephen Fry and is an excellent read. So far I am enjoying it. But only a little way through.

Between Mythos and Hero’s a book I was told about is Get Out of Your Mind and into Your Life. I found this book to be very helpful. If your into self help books I would highly recommend this one. It’s all about accepting things the way they are. Which is nice. I mean you can’t change something unless you first accept it? It has helped me in relation to my back pain for example. I can’t get away from my Scoliosis so I need to accept that I will be in pain, but know that I am only feeling the pain. Rather than being the pain itself. This helps as I can then know that with all my physio exercises I can then manage my pain better.

The other Audiobook which was recommended and I am using still is Mindfulness by Mark Williams and Danny Penman. It’s eight weeks worth of meditation exercises. I am now going back through the audio book and alternating between weeks six and seven. I was never really one for Mindfulness until the other year. It was suggested to me to try sitting for ten minutes at a time and that I should just think about my day. Not really think just watch it go by. I now quite enjoy it. Its relaxing. Very helpful before bed.

I listened to Sarah Millican’s How to be Champion. I loved it. All I want now, is to sit and have a good cuppa tea with her and a nice packet of biscuit’s, maybe cake as well. I love her voice. She reminds me of one of my mum’s friends. Ive seen her Live and she was great. If you’ve never seen her, I’d definitely find out when she’s touring. Not stalk her in the cake aisle at Tesco, that’s creepy.

I never remember watching Pocahontas as a child, but I have a towel with her on. I know the basic story, but not entirely. So I found a book called The Princess Pochahontas by Virginia Watson. But it was about the life of Pocahontas, alway through to her leaving with Captain Smith to come to England. I think learning about the Native Americans is fascinating. So much hurt and pain. The way live, their stories, their history. It is important we learn it too. As we played an undeniable part in changing their way of life.

Another small audiobook I have listened to this year is Native American Wisdom by Kent Nurburn, PhD. and Louise Mengeikoch, MA. It is exactly as it says on the title. If you are one for meditation I would recommend this.

A final book I have found in my list is Reni Eddo-Lodge: Why I’m No Longer Talking to White People About Race. A must read. One of the things which stood out to me was the discussion around how you can’t ever fully understand what it is like to put yourself entirely in someone else shoes. The book might sound like Reni is saying ‘no’ to talking to White people about race. But I found it to mean that the conversation only works when there is listening involved. Mostly on the part of White people stepping back and listening and then engaging with the discussion. Rather than just trying to fix the problem. Which how can we, when we don’t understand the problem.

I have not read as many books as I would have liked. I think it gets frustrating when you find a book and you then search for it as an audiobook but can’t find it anywhere. However, once I have listened to Hero’s I have book on Bletchley Park. Which will be really interesting. I once read a book on MI6 and found it fascinating.

So I have read nine books this year. Which is OK, considering this year I have finally decided audiobooks are going tot have to be the way forward. It’s frustrating my head won’t let my eyes focus. But I can’t change that. So I’ve put that Kindle I bought to one side and never used it again. Oh well. On the plus side it means I can listen to audiobooks when I’m washing up, or on the bus.

If you have any good book recommendations please let me know.

I’m on the Twitter @PhilippaB
My email randomlyanxious@gmail.com

Other books I have read are:
Karl Marx Capital
Carl Jung Modern Man in Search of a Soul
Terry Eagleton Why Marx was Right
Robert O. Paxman The Anatomy of Fascism

Eddie Izzard Believe Me a Memoir of Love, Death and Jazz Chickens
Lee Evans Life of Lee
Judy Dench And Furthermore
Lauren Graham Talking as Fast as I can.

We came back off holiday recently and I can feel a change in the weather already. The Autumn is creeping upon us. The days of an evening walking home in the sunshine are behind us. We are into darker evenings and colder days.

Still, I quite like September into October. I think it’s because it’s not too cold. I like it when the weather is dry and crisp. Getting to wear woolly jumpers, my mac and Dr Martens. I feel comfy. I think its because these are clothes which are not figure hugging and it allows me to keep the curvature of my spine unseen. Not that I have a problem with the way I look. I just prefer not to have it noticeable. I think it’s nice to be able to wear warmer clothes without people going ‘How many layers today then?’

I love my woollen jumpers. I have a nice red jumper which I bought last year, it was the only one left in the shop. I have a blue one, like a sailors jumper. I also have a brown cable knit with a high collar and a grey cable knit with a normal neck line. They are all made from British wool. I get them from a place called Atlantic Shore in Saint Ives. I would recommend them.

On our latest trip to Saint Ives I bought a woollen blanket for the winter to put over my knees. Yes- I am a 70 year old woman!

While I enjoy the cooler weather for the amazing autumnal colours I am not a fan of the cold. It gets into my joints and really hurts my back. Currently I am sat in my room, window closed and pondering whether or not to put the blanket on my knees. If like me you are bothered by the cold you will be in agreement. I think it’s because, like a lot of people on my twitter feed, I suffer with chronic pain.

The image above to the left is a a beige coloured woollen blanket with various patterns knitted into different squares. I bought mine for about £45.

I have written about my Scoliosis before. This is why I get chronic pain. This is why I’m often so tired. I can hear a lot of you mumbling in agreement while nodding sympathetically.

If you suffer with chronic pain, no doubt you will own a number of blankets, hot water-bottles and comfy bed socks. These are our go too’s when we are uncomfortable or in pain. It is nice to feel as comfortable as possible when you’re in pain. You need to be able to sit and allow your muscles to rest. What better way to do that than with a blanket, thick bed socks and a nice warm jumper?

I love the cooler weather for the change in the trees, the smell in the air, but not for the problems it brings to my health. I am living with a lot of health problems so its important I get my flu jab as early as possible. I am then dealing with constant hand washing trying to keep bugs at bay. All the more reason to wrap up warm.

I hope you all have your big knits out, I just put my shorts back in a suitcase and put them away. The seasons are turning. The leaves will be turning and the nights will be getting longer.

I f you have any tips for other Chronic Pain sufferers then please let us know. I’m on Twitter @PhilippaB  or should you wish to email me randomlynxious@gmail.com

Until next time.

I am letting you know of warm knees, and a lovely shop.

Hello,

I’m currently sat on a beach in Cornwall. If you must know where, Porth Minster. In Saint Ives.

The weather is lovely. We have our beach mats, which are covered in a light layer of sand. Bags and rocks are holding the corners down. So our stuff doesn’t blow away.

I’m a big fan of Cornwall. Especially towards the end of August into September, or March into April. It’s not as busy. But there’s still lots going on.

We went to St Michaels Mount yesterday. Walked across to the island. Saw Queen Victoria’s footprint. Sat in the little hole in the wall, then walked back along the causeway.

We had lunch at the Godolphin Arms. It was very nice. The views back to the mount are lovely. Weather you’re sat looking out on a clear blue day, or watching the rain hitting the windows & staring at people as they wade across at low tide before it’s too deep. It’s always a good day out.

Image: stood on the beach looking out onto the island of St Michaels Mount. The tide is out.

We visited Tremenheere Gardens. A beautiful garden walk with stunning views across the bay to St Michaels Mount. I love photography so I was able to get some great shots.

The gardens have sculptures dotted around. They fit well in the gardens. Not out of place at all.

Image: Banks of trees and grass. Looking out on to the bay. The island of St Michaels Mount can be seen in the distance.

Image: a sculpture in a field. Thanks sculptor is a greeny grey square with a circular hole in the middle.

I quite liked being able sit in a cylindrical space, looking up into a whole in the roof. You can watch the clouds go by. I bet that looks amazing on a clear night. Staring up at the sky.

We haven’t been to Moushole this year, but that is a great little cove. They have a little pub & a tearoom.

We maybe going on the train. We haven’t been on it in years. Maybe go out to Carbis bay. Wander round the estuary and back again.

Just took a break to have an ice cream. We sat with our backs against the wall to ensure we weren’t attacked by seagulls.

Image: a white circular room with a hole in the roof. Looking up to a fluffy white sky.

Anyway, that’s it for this week. Just giving you an update on my holiday.

See you next week. I’m off for a paddle.

Home

Hello,

Sorry for not posting in a while. I was off work with back pain and then it was my Birthday week. But I am back now. I hope you are all well. It has been great to read some of your posts and chatting with you on Twitter.

I have some new ideas for posts and ideas for things on the side of my blogging, but you’ll have to wait for that.

As you may or may not know as well as being visually impaired I am Dyspraxic and have Scoliosis. The great thing about Twitter for me is that I get to chat with other people who have similar difficulties. It’s been great finding out from the chronic pain community what your coping mechanisms are.

As I say I have had some more back pain lately. Which if you have a curved spine, like those of us with scoliosis will know, it can make even getting dressed without assistance very hard and painful. During these times it is hard as getting anything stronger than normal paracetamol is difficult. I can understand why the pharmacy has to ask you all the questions, but to be honest, when you get asked them every time you go, it gets very frustrating.

Have you been to the doctors?
Yes, there’s nothing they can do.
Have you tried physio?
Yes, we have been. We continue to go.
Have you had a sports massage?
Yes. We pay for those.
Have you tried hot water bottles?
Yes, we have many hot water bottles.
Have you tried heat patches?
Yes, we have boxes of them at home.
Have you tried ibuprofen?
No…because of my kidney disease I cannot have ibuprofen. (This is horrible because Ibuprofen is an anti-inflammatory it would be good at easing the pain. But obviously, I love my kidneys)
Have you tried Volterol?
Yes, I have some at home and I take some to work.

The pharmacy then gives us codeine. You can see the look on their face as we say ‘yes’ to all these things and that none of them keep the pain down. They look on their face is like ‘wow, ok…that sucks’.

Just then my package came through the post. It is a t-shirt with ‘Scoliosis Warrior’ printed on it. I know it is creased, it has just come through the post in an Amazon box. The t-shirt is white, with a picture of a woman with the hair tied up in a green ribbon. She has red lipstick on, her hair is black and she has big eye lashes. She is stood to the side holding her arm up to make a fist. On her arm she has a green ribbon and Scoliosis Warrior down her arm. On top of the lady and underneath are the words, Unbreakable. I quite like this t-shirt as anyone living with chronic pain will know, living with chronic pain is a struggle. Day to day actives, even getting out of bed can be painful. The effect it has on your well being, physical and mental can take its toll. So whether you have Scoliosis or Fibromyalgia or CP… be kind to yourself. Rest days are important. But its also important to keep going, because you can do this 🙂

I feel like I will maybe write another post about this, as it is really important to look at the impact of mental health and physical health. The two go together because the two are what make you. The phrase, ‘it’s all in your head’ is true. But that doesn’t make it any less serious. What’s in your head is what’s happening, and that makes it important. Your pain matters and you need to look after yourself.

I shall leave this post here. If you are wondering, no this post is not sponsored by the place I got the t-shirt. However if you would like the shirt then click here.
If you need any advice on Scoliosis then reach out to the Scoliosis Association UK.

I am on Twitter @PhilippaB
I am on Instagram @VisuallyImpairedPip
My email is randomlyanxious@gmail.com

Hello again,

Thank you very much to Ami, otherwise known as The Undercover Superhero for nominating me for a Sunshine Blogger Award. I have never been nominated for a blogging award, I’m happy I’m on the list. Alongside other fabulous names.

Please take a look at Ami’s blog:
https://wordpress.com/read/feeds/94899509

The Rules
Thank the person who nominated you and provide a link back to their blogging site
List the Sunshine Blogger Award rules and display the logo on your site
Answer the Sunshine Blogger Award questions
Nominate 11 other bloggers and ask them 11 new questions
Notify the nominees about their nominations

Ami’s Questions

1. Who brings sunshine into your life?
My Mum

2. What’s your favourite song?
I am going for Blondie, Maria

3. What makes you truly happy?
Being in Cornwall. The second best county. I love Yorkshire, but Cornwall will always make me happy. Can I live there?

4. What’s the best decision you’ve ever made?
No idea.

5. What are you known for by your friends and family?
Ask them…my mum said sunshine lol.

6. What do you love best about what you do?
I like doing what I do because it allows me to be able to be a to share my passion around accessibility.

7. What are you most proud of?
Proving those people who thought I couldn’t wrong. I remember getting a piece of paper with my predicted GCSE grades on them, and being quite sad about it. My form tutor told me to ‘ignore those letters on that paper, because those people don’t know you, I know you. And I know you’re going to get your GCE’s’ and I did. Then got my A Levels, then my Degree and now a job and Volunteering.

8. Where is your happy place?
Can I chose Cornwall again?

9. If you could have lunch with 3 celebrities, who would they be?
Judi Dench, obviously. She’s a national treasure. Plus she was in As Time Goes By….if you never watched it, are you even British?
Eddie Izzard I love his comedy and his book made me cry.
Michelle Obama, no I’m not being all just picking her. I read her book, I think she’s a fabulous role model and she is a woman who will not be silenced.
Can I have pudding with Julie Walters? Her book was brilliant and it fell apart while reading it round the pool side. I referred to it a ‘Mi Julie’. She’s a fabulous comedian and I will always think of her as Mrs Weasley or Brendas mum from Dinner Ladies.

10. What’s your favourite holiday? E.g. Easter, Christmas, etc.
Christmas

11. Got any plans for the summer?
My Birthday and Durham with my mum 🙂

My Nominations

1) Ami Tricker
2) Luke Sowden
3) Chloe Tear
4) Neurodivergent Rebel
5) Dan White
6) Diffusing The Tension
7) Start Seeing CVI
8) Cane Adventures
9) Philippa Claire
10) Pippa
11) Hannah

My Questions

1) If you had an all expenses paid trip, where would it be?

2) If you could live in any Mythical World which would it be?

3) What was your favourite children’s book?

4) What is your favourite colour?

5) Who makes you smile?

6) Winter, Spring, Summer, or Autumn?

7) Why did you start to become a blogger?

8) If you had to pick a Friends character to live with who would it be?

9) Would you chose to see the future if you could?

10) Would you rather go to space, or under the sea?

11) Coffee or Tea?

Thank you again to The Undercover Superhero. Thank you to all the people I’ve nominated for brightening my day. I’m thankful that even though social media can be a horrible place at times, that I have managed to find your blogs and be able to interact with you.

I have many health conditions and each of you helps me to deal with them a little easier. Giving me insights into how you cope and manage makes me feel like there are people out there who know how I feel.

Have fabulous day!

randomlyanxious@gmail.com
Twitter @PhilippaB
Instagram @VisuallyImpairedPip

I am unsure who started the # when I call myself disabled, but to whoever did, thank you. I just asked on Twitter if anyone knows. …
I know who started it… @Imani_Barbarin!!! Thank you.

The great thing about Twitter for me is that there is a place to meet other disabled people. I can put questions to the general community or reach out to those who experience the same disabilities as myself. The ability to find disabled people using hashtags is wonderful. I have found some great people and been involved with some amazing conversations this way.

One of the best hashtags this past few weeks has been #WhenICallMyselfDisabled. I love this because it has been a great way for disabled people to shout about their experiences of using the word disabled. As well as being able to explain what they mean when they say they are disabled.

I am in no way stealing this #, I am just trying to express what this # means to me.

My friends would not describe me as disabled, but they know I am. I believe for them it’s just something in the background. For that I am grateful. They know my limitations and when we’re out and about help me a lot.

So when I wrote on Twitter what I mean when I call myself disabled I was OK with the response from a friend that “I’ve never been “disabled”…” to them I was happy with that. Some may think otherwise, but for me I was not bothered. I have known this person for a very long time and lived with them whilst at University.

The common theme which I took from this wonderful hashtag was that we as a community have no problem with referring to ourselves as disabled. It appears those in the abled community find it quite awkward when we use the word disabled. We do not see it as a negative thing. We are using the hashtag not to be negative, but to express to the world our challenges and what we need to make our lives easier. We see it as a way to describe ourselves and use it as a way to express our needs as a community.

If you want to learn more about disability then don’t tell the disabled community to not use a word which we choose to use. If you want to learn more about the disabled community ask yourself why you feel so uncomfortable around the word disabled. We are not going to stop using it. I have written about this before in my post Describing Not Defining. This post has its own dedicated page on my Word Press because I do not define myself as a disabled person. To me that would imply that is all I am. Instead I describe myself as disabled. This means that disabled is one of the many words I can use to describe myself.

If you have any questions around disability and it is a genuine question the community won’t hate you for asking it. All we ask is that you respect us as people, don’t be ableist, be kind. We are a community described by the word disabled, we will not stop using the word just because it makes people feel uncomfortable. If you dislike the word disabled, ask yourself why? If you are not disabled and you dislike the word, why are you so upset by it? We’re not.

Thank you again to @Imani_Barbarin. Always challenging perceptions and being an amazing voice for so many people.

If you would like to get in touch you can email me randomlyanxious@gmail.com
I am on Twitter @PhilippaB
I also use Instagram @VisuallyImpairedPip