Barriers to personal change can take the form of situations or conditions, which can not be changed. Many of you will be facing challenges in your lives that can not be changed.

While the challenges you face may be unchangeable, that doesnt mean they have to be barriers to personal change. It may only mean you will need to be a bit more creative in what steps you choose to take to reach your goal.

My son was born with Spina Bifida in an age where the first children afflicted by this birth defect were finally surviving long enough to graduate high school. Depending on where along the spine the birth defect takes place, the child could appear as normal as the next person or live as a quadriplegic. The results are no different than a spinal injury. In my sons case he grew up knowing life as a paraplegic. Has this stopped him from doing what he wanted to do? Not in the least.

His passion for life has always provided a way for him to do whatever it was he set as his goal. He travels all over the city and probably knows it better than many taxi or bus drivers. He has his learners permit and is taking driving lessons so that he doesnt have to rely on public transport to get around. He lives on his own in an apartment that is designed for his needs. He does his own cooking and laundry, gets himself to school, has participated in the annual marathon, plays sledge hockey and tennis, and has been presented with the MAST award by our Minister of Education.

My son has learned to accept those things in his life he can not change and has proven over and over again that his use of a wheelchair is not one of his barriers to personal change. He does not have to accept being less than he wants to be. His creativity and determination overcomes almost any of the barriers to personal change that might try to stand in his way.

You may also have a challenge that can not be changed. Your path to your goals may also require you to take a more creative route. By accepting this and focusing on finding new and creative ways to reach your goals, you too will be able to overcome challenges that appear to be your barriers to personal change.

If you think I’m a proud mother, I plead guilty. Feel free to discuss your own barriers to personal change in the comment section below.

Warmest regards,

SherryD