Birthdays and Baby Steps

By Raymond D. Cohen

I often wonder what motivates people to accomplish great things. Why do people continue to challenge themselves? Take Jim Milina ("The Kilimanjaro Quest, page 50") - what got him to the top of that mountain in Africa?

Similarly, why do people constantly give of themselves to others? Some people with disabilities seem to be under enormous constraints - and yet they find ways to give time, advice, money and energy. Henry Enns, for example, gave to all of us through his contributions to independence, right up until his final day (see "Tribute to Henry Enns," page 19).

I can only surmise that the old adage, "Big journeys start with small steps," is true. Perhaps both these men aspired for years to attain the personal goals that they did, and only through determination did they finally reach the place where they wanted to be. Perhaps... Or, maybe by taking each challenge, small or large, that life presented them, each day they were further along the path to these lofty goals.

People like these inspire me. Especially in wintertime. You see, I don’t particularly like the cold. Quite frankly, I’d rather work and play at home from November until May. As I look over the content of this issue of ABILITIES, I am seriously awed by these outdoor winter sport enthusiasts - these people with varying disabilities who are skiing, snowboarding, curling and climbing. Whoa! I am also impressed by the degree to which people get involved in organizations and projects - check out this issue’s Forum section and the sheer bulk of commitment that it represents.

Commitment takes initiative. Initiative is a small step...

As my birthday rolls by again, I am renewed with a personal promise. You see, what most people do at New Year’s, I do on my birthday - I make a promise to look after myself. I realize that now, more than ever, this is an expectation in our society. Even more, it is a basic need for survival. As the health care system continues to erode, our health and well-being become even more of a personal responsibility.

As we all know, a large part of being healthy involves eating properly and exercising. Every year, at the stroke of midnight on my birthday, I am a changed man. I bike the 100 km or so to work. I eat only seaweed, and I hit the gym after work, lifting untold tonnage above me head. Well, at least that’s it feels every year as I start off.

This year I have a different strategy. This time, I want to feel great all year long. I want that feeling to last my whole life long. If I feel great, then I will do great things. Maybe I won’t climb a mountain or compete for snowboarding medals, but I will do my part.

So, I’m taking baby steps. I concede that I will face the cold. I will bike or walk where I need to go - at least once a week. I believe if I like it, I will do more. If I do more, I will want more - and maybe one day I, too, will make my way up some great proverbial mountain.

My feelings of being vital also relate to my ability to be involved as a member of my community. So, I participate in various initiatives like Philia, encouraging participation of people with disabilities in a dialogue about citizenship (see the poster insert in the centre of this issue). I try to do my part, in little ways, to make this world a better place. Maybe one day I’ll even start a magazine for people with disabilities - wait, I’ve already checked that one off my to-do list!

For now, my steps are small ones. I try to use every invitation to take another step forward. My ultimate sense of self comes from my respect for myself and my relationship with my community. And I invite you to come with me.

Read about how to get involved in any of the featured winter sports, and give just one a try - it may make the cold more bearable. Get motivated to exercise for your body’s health by reading "Secrets to Keeping Your Exercise Resolution" on page 59. If you truly are not a winter person, travel somewhere warm, like Las Vegas ("Loving Las Vegas," page 53). And speaking of travel, remember to participate in Access Guide Canada (see page 29) by sharing with everyone what you know about accessible businesses and services in your community.

I don’t have all the answers. I enjoy others’ perspectives - that’s what dialogue is all about. Like the rest of us, I’m just taking life day by day, step by step.

Happy New Year!