From the moment I was old enough to fully understand my primary medical diagnosis (Congenital Muscular Dystrophy), I always found it odd that it had to be labeled as a “disability.” Yes, I use a wheelchair. No, I’m not ambulatory; but I can still get around just like anyone else. The dictionary definition of the term “disable” is to be unable to perform a certain action. How ironic is it that this is the root word of disability? My “disability” is a mere contradiction of the definition. Perhaps an alternative meaning of the word should be given.

According to what it means to be disABLEd, I am in fact unABLE to do one thing- the one thing I am unable to do is think of something that I can’t do. If that classifies me as disABLEd, then so be it. As a child, I was always brought up to believe that there isn’t anything I can’t do. I have carried this instilled value in me all my life because it is indeed true.

My whole life has been about disABLing the limits that were set forth since the very moment I was born. Living with a disability poses many challenges that a “normal” person wouldn’t be faced with. The truth is, there is no such thing as normal. Everyone has challenges. I have actually grown a liking for mine. They make me stronger. Each challenge teaches me about an aspect of my character that I never knew existed. It is my belief that placing limits on oneself, is the mind’s way of creating a comfort zone that shouldn’t be stepped out of.

A touchy subject in regards to limits being placed on oneself is the topic of love & relationships concerning disabled people. In my experience with being around many disabled people, it is common for disabled people to date others with disabilities. Although everyone has their preference when it comes to dating, I believe with the disabled community, it isn’t necessarily a preference. Because of the way society perceives a disabled person, it’s hard to think that able bodied members of society would be open minded enough to date a disabled person. When I first started dating, I didn’t really have this experience. I suppose it’s the way I wear my confidence because it allows me to give the impression that I don’t see myself as disabled. None of the guys I’ve dated (including my current boyfriend) have disabilities. It is a personal choice of mine not to date guys “like me.” Not that I have anything against it; because that would be pure hypocrisy. Aside from the fact that I absolutely adore the friends I have in wheelchairs. I just refuse to uphold society’s perceptions about people with disabilities. It has been my experience that the first question I get asked when people find out I have a boyfriend is not “What’s his name?” It’s more like “Is he in a wheelchair?” It never fails. After I answer, the reaction is followed by a shocked look, and a moment of awkwardness. I now deal with these types of moments with humor because I will never be able to understand how people can be so ignorant and narrow minded.

Speaking of being narrow minded, my boyfriend is about as far from that as a human being could ever possibly be. When he first asked me to be his girlfriend, I didn’t hold back when it came to letting him know what he would be getting himself into. He didn’t hold back when it came to him expressing his admiration for me. We were very good friends prior to dating and I didn’t want to ruin what we had. However, I didn’t want to limit our relationship. He had never dated someone in a wheelchair, but there’s a first time for everything. Right? Despite his first time experience, he has been extremely understanding. I guess some things just come natural when you are put in a situation. Our relationship isn’t a “situation,” but more like a circumstance of fate. He has shown me that humbleness overcomes any hardship or challenge, and I’ve shown him that love has no limits. He’s never treated me anything less than a capABLE person. That is one of the many reasons that I love him so very much.

When one is limited in any aspect of their life, they are restricted from the many joys of life. That was never me nor will it ever be. I may be disABLEd, but I am more than ABLE to do anything I put my mind to. I can live. I can laugh. I can love. Just like you, or anyone else for that matter. When you disABLE your limits, you free yourself of all the boundaries that hold you back. That is the very moment you begin to live life to its absolute fullest.

TaLisha Munyan was diagnosed with Congenital Muscular Dystrophy (CMD) shortly after birth. Despite her diagnosis, her strong spirit makes up for her weak muscles. In her short years of life thus far, she has been a peer mentor, graduated from Widener University with dual degrees in Psychology and Criminal Justice, and is currently pursuing her Masters degree in Information Systems Technology. TaLisha is a true inspiration and living example of what life should be like living in the “wheel world.”