I am a Spaz.
To be more specific, I was born with Choreoathetotic Cerebral Palsy. That’s the kind of Palsy that makes you look like you just came from a frat party and are bobbing and weaving on your way to falling and heaving. In other words, I have mobility issues and an overall lack of grace when I’m doing anything but sleeping. Actually, I’m just assuming the latter. I may spaz in my sleep, too.
However unsteady and addled my movements may seem to others I am not an idiot and don’t appreciate being treated like one. It used to frustrate me to no end when I went shopping or to dinner with my husband that the majority of people glanced at me quickly, dismissed any notion that I might be able to engage in any kind of meaningful interaction with them, and spoke to me through my husband as if he was some sort of Ambassador for Cripples. I just wanted to be taken seriously and afforded the chance for others to grow annoyed with my pain-in-the-ass personality over time, not be dismissed at first glance.
Of course, I had completely overlooked the fact that most of the time I looked like I had just crawled out of a cardboard box. I had little, if any, regard for my appearance and thought looking presentable meant combing my hair and tucking the stained part of my shirt into my shredded jeans. After all, beauty is skin deep, right? What you look like isn’t supposed to matter in our world of political correctness. Besides, even if I cleaned up, dressed up, and looked up at people I would still be a short, round, old Palsy with no chance of changing how others saw me.
I was dead wrong.
I cleaned up, dressed up, and started paying attention to how other people reacted. The difference was undeniable. They looked at me and not through me. They stopped asking my husband what “she” wanted and asked me directly. They treated me like any other person; finally. Sure, there’s always a jerk that will be predictably narrow-minded but they’ve become the exception and not the rule.
Then there’s the clothes themselves. I started to enjoy shopping instead of dreading it. It became fun to figure out what looked good on me – doubly so if it was a bargain. Eventually other women started asking me for my opinion or complimenting me on what I was wearing. The Spaz became the Spashionista.
There are many, many blogs out there that focus on disabled rights, activism, and politics. This is not one of them. Although I’m not politically correct I am not going to discuss those issues here. With Spashionista Report I hope to share all the little tips and tricks I’ve learned, many of them geared toward others with Cerebral Palsy, to look better and feel better. Since there’s no chance of blending into the crowd why not shine and feel good about yourself?
If you get sick of reading me gush about fashion you’re welcome to visit my artist’s blog Gallery Celesta.
Although we all know not to judge a book by it’s cover, most will have a quick glance at the cover to see if it’s a book they may be interested in reading. Plus I just like to look good because it makes me feel better about myself!
Cheers,
Laura
Such an inspiring story. I’m so happy that clothes have helped you being recognised more for the wonderful woman that you are. Keep up the good work with this blog!
I am thrilled to find your blog! I happen to have a son with athetoid cp and that’s how I came across it. I love the idea of your blog and its just such a great humour element too
cheers bron
Thanks, Bron! I hope you’ll visit often because I really value every single reader. I know I’m a little ridiculous, but this is just a temporary gig until I can run over Anna Wintour and take over at Vogue, just kidding ;-P
Thank you so much for “following” my blog! It’s how I found out about your wonderful blog. I would love to do a post about what your doing here. If you’re interested, please drop me an email. ~ Susan at Flattering50
It’s amazing how brightly we can shine when we decide we are worthy. Bravo to you for deciding to be a light in the world. Keep shining!
Thank you, Mary, for visiting my little slice of the ‘net and for the lovely compliment. I’m following your blog now as well.
Too true for all of us – if we look like we’ve been pulled through a hedge backwards, we’re likely to be treated accordingly. We can show our respect for ourselves and encourage others to be respect us by how we dress and interact.
Great blog, I’m following you on Twitter now.
Welcome, Eleanor Jane, and thank you for the follow. It really does start with self-respect, self-esteem, and self-love – which should never be confused with selfishness. You “get it”; I hope to see more of your comments in the future
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Beautiful style, beautiful spirit! Thank you for being the most beautiful you