I was born on a cold winter morning in the vibrant city of São Paulo, where every street has its own family story. My journey began even before I came into the world when doctors diagnosed me with myelomeningocele during my mother's pregnancy. This diagnosis brought an intense mix of emotions for my parents: concern, uncertainty, and a deep desire to ensure the best for me from the very start.
The early years of my life were a journey of constant discoveries. While my peers explored the world with childlike enthusiasm, I faced different challenges. Frequent visits to doctors and specialists became part of our family routine. Each appointment was an opportunity to learn more about my condition and explore the possibilities for treatment and necessary care.
My family played a fundamental role in this process. They not only loved me unconditionally but also became tireless advocates for my rights and needs. Their voices were my strength in times of uncertainty, guiding me through the complexities of my condition and ensuring I received the support I needed to thrive.
I vividly remember the curious glances of other children at school, the sincere questions, and sometimes the inadvertently cruel words that arose from a lack of understanding. Despite the difficulties, these moments were opportunities to educate, to build bridges of understanding, and to cultivate empathy.
As I grew, my understanding of my disability expanded. It was not just a physical characteristic; it was a fundamental part of my identity, shaping my experiences and perspectives from before I was even born. I learned early on that self-esteem does not come from the absence of challenges but from the way we choose to face them and grow with them. Each challenge was an opportunity to strengthen my resilience, learn to adapt, and discover new skills and potentials.
Amid the challenges of accessibility and necessary adaptations, I discovered the inner strength that grows in the face of adversity. Moments of overcoming and achievement became important milestones in my personal journey, memories that warm my heart and reinforce my determination to face the future with courage and hope.
From those first uncertain steps to moments of self-discovery and personal growth, each chapter of my journey reveals not only the physical challenges I faced but also the emotional and spiritual discoveries that transformed me. With each new experience, I recognized the importance of valuing not only my achievements but also my failures, as each of them contributed to the person I have become.
This initial chapter of my life is just the beginning of a continuous journey. Each challenge overcome has strengthened my resilience, each achievement has warmed my heart, and each moment of self-discovery has shaped who I am today. May this account not only inform but also inspire others to appreciate every aspect of their personal journey, transforming challenges into opportunities and uncertainties into growth.
REFLECTION: "True strength emerges when we turn challenges into opportunities for growth and overcoming."
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Wings of Overcoming: My Truth
Non-FictionI was born with spina bifida, a diagnosis received while still in my mother's womb. From the very beginning, my life has been marked by challenges and triumphs. This book is an intimate and powerful account of my journey, an exploration of the exper...
