Caroline Casey- Reflections

Caroline Casey is legally blind, which means that she cannot see beyond two or three blurry feet in front of her. However, she did not let it stop her to do all the things she wanted to, such as running, exercising, even riding on an elephant’s back. The talk by Ms Caroline Casey is an inspiring story that tells us how to fight in this life, and that believing in our capabilities is the main power that we should focus on and nothing else.
She talks about ‘labels’, how very often we are labelled by others, allowing them to define us, and in many cases, limit us. Labels such as gay, lesbian, disabled, and many more. Once you are labelled as a ‘disabled’, it seems that you are automatically not allowed to do many things. I remember Ms Casey saying, ‘If you had been labelled as a disabled child, you don’t get dreams, you are not allowed them, to be a ballet star, or to be a footballer or whatever.’ Indeed, disabled children do not get that opportunity because most don’t understand them, thus very often people assume that they know what the best is for them. I have learnt that we should not let ourselves be defined by others; every one of us must be the very best of ourselves, regardless of how others may see us.

A lot of people are unable to accept the "negative" aspects of themselves or try to hide it from themselves, which results in unattainable goals and constant disappointments. I feel that it is important to be able to accept yourself for who you are because when you accept all the aspects of yourself, both good and bad, you will not only lead a life more fulfilling, but also one with less disappointments and ultimately more happiness. I really admire Ms Casey as she continues fighting for maximum acceptance and integration of people with disabilities in regular education so they can believe accept their disability, or even be motivated to make the most of it.
I have also learnt that everyone is disabled in some respect. Everyone makes mistakes and