If you’ve met me in person or follow me on social media, you probably see me as the ever-smiling guy in the wheelchair. Scrolling through my socials, it’s easy to see a narrative of relentless optimism and joy. Daniel Negreanu once remarked about my positivity, saying, “This guy is loving his life, so why don’t I.” While I cherish being seen in this light, it’s vital for me to highlight that it’s not the full story.
The world of social media is like a vast, endless stage, and each one of us is an actor. We perform, curate our images, and choose which part of our lives to unveil. It’s not necessarily dishonest; it’s human nature. We want to be perceived well, to spread positivity, and sometimes, to shield our vulnerabilities. I’m no exception. I wear my mask of relentless positivity with pride, not as a guise, but as armor, both for myself and for others. I genuinely believe in the magic of optimism and the power it has to uplift, inspire, and drive change. But I’d be lying if I said that’s the only side of me.
It’s essential to admit that some days are tougher than others. There are moments when the weight of my disability, combined with the usual challenges of life, becomes overwhelming. Days when I wonder if I can keep up with the pace, or if my SMA would define my narrative despite my best efforts. On these days, the mask of positivity feels heaviest. But I share this not for sympathy but for solidarity. Because everyone, no matter their challenges, grapples with something. Emotions, especially those that aren’t postcard-perfect, are the very core of our shared human experience.
I’ve always felt a pressing need to lead by example, to be a beacon of hope for others, particularly because I know how daunting the shadows of self-doubt can be. Everyone has their battles. There are days when the weight of negativity threatens to suffocate my spirit. Days when self-doubt whispers insidiously, making me question my worth, my achievements, and my journey. Days when the impostor syndrome creeps in, convincing me that any success I’ve had was just luck, and soon everyone will see through the facade. It’s a humbling experience, and it’s one we all go through.
Why am I sharing this? Because I want you to know that you’re not alone in this. My journey with SMA has taught me many things. One of the most important things is the value of embracing every emotion. Behind every jubilant post, every achievement celebrated, every milestone reached, there’s a plethora of emotions we don’t often talk about. Just because someone appears to have it all together doesn’t mean they do. Everyone, no matter how seemingly invincible, grapples with something — be it insecurities, fears, or even deeper issues like depression. It’s okay to feel, to hurt, to be unsure or scared. Emotions are the very essence of our humanity. They’re not a sign of weakness but a testament to our strength and resilience.
I vow to remain the beacon of hope, the eternal optimist, the “glass-half-full” guy. But, I’m also committed to showing more of my vulnerability. Because it’s essential, now more than ever, to embrace our entire selves, with all our imperfections and vulnerabilities. Our emotions, both positive and negative, shape us, guide our journey, and give depth to our experiences. Being “on” all the time isn’t realistic or even healthy. By acknowledging our low moments, we can genuinely cherish the highs, and by accepting our flaws, we can genuinely celebrate our strengths.
So, next time you’re scrolling through your feed, know that each snapshot is just a fraction of someone’s reality. And if you ever find yourself engulfed by doubt or negativity, remember to be kind to yourself. Embrace your emotions, all of them, for they make you beautifully human. And most importantly, always remember—you’re not alone.
I’d like to make this blog a bit more interactive, so I’ve created a Google Form that lets anyone send in questions or topics they would like me to explore. You can even submit anonymously, if you wish.
Tell me what you want me to write about. Nothing is off-limits, but I don’t guarantee I will create a post based on your input.