Through many failed attempts at being normal or the same, I've learned one major thing: being the same is so overrated. My mother even said to me one time, "Vahen, if you didn't have some drama in your life to content with, you'd be bored." She was definitely telling me that I was different, but I wanted to make a difference!
In the process of finding out how my different would allow me to make a difference, there were many times I would get lost or not understand. I often reflect back to 19 years ago, when transverse myelitis took my independence and nearly destroyed my life. I thought my dreams of making a positive impact on the world had ended because this was not the different I had in mind.
In the midst of the steep learning curve of life and trying to understand the 'whys' of my different, I happened to read this daily inspirational. It was titled "Influence - Uniquely You."
"Have you thought about all the events that led up to this moment in your life? Like why you're here? Or what's my purpose in life?"
I believe God knew exactly where you would be right now, and exactly what you would be like. He knew about your passions, your gifts, and the platform you would have. He made you to be uniquely significant, and to have an impact on the world around you."
You can just imagine how that made me feel! I took that to mean that God wanted to take my different, so I could make a difference. He showed me that my disability was not a barrier to hold me back, but a bridge that would take me further.
For many years, I thought being different as a person with a disability was the end of my dreams, but honestly, it set me on a path to the fulfillment of my wildest dreams. Now I am an author, motivational speaker, life coach, and ordained minister, with the title of first-ever Miss Wheelchair Canada.
Miss Wheelchair Canada/Reverend. I think that ranks up there in the 'different' category. I embraced my different, and now I'm making a difference on a world stage, with more opportunities to inspire and empower others than I had ever imagined.
Embrace your different!
One way to embrace your different is to enter the Miss Wheelchair Canada 2018 pageant. The Miss Wheelchair Canada pageant is to be held in Edmonton on August 25th. Help break barriers and change the image surrounding women with disabilities. If you are interested in entering, or have any questions, please email the Wheelchair Dance sport association.
To follow pageant updates, or to donate, go to misswheelchaircanada.ca or the Miss Wheelchair Canada Facebook page.
If you would like to read more blogs or invite me to speak at your event, subscribe to my website at vahenking.com or follow me on all my social media channels.
About the Author
Vahen King is an author, motivational speaker, life coach, and yes, even an ordained minister. But please don't let that scare you away. Vahen is a normal girl loving life and walking through each door as God opens them. She doesn't pretend to have all the answers, but she believes that all the events in her life - both good and bad - has led her onto this unique platform to help anyone who has ever felt fearful, unworthy, or unloved.
Vahen feels that the message she has to share will challenge people's self-doubt and empower them.
Vahen currently lives with her husband, Vaughn, in Edmonton, Alberta, but is excited to travel the world.
Vahen's ride is a Quickie 7R.
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