This last week I got the incredible opportunity of attending my first ever APRIL (Association of Programs for Rural Independent Living) youth leadership conference. It was basically one of those experiences that I really opened up my eyes to what being a true leader/self-advocate really means. I had never attended a youth leadership conference on a national level before nor outside of the state of Utah, but it was such a life changing experience for me. I really enjoyed getting to know other youth from across the country and making some new friendships that I can only hope will last forever. It is truly incredible to see and learn from other youth just like me who despite their challenges, can make a difference in their community and in the lives of those around them. I am grateful for the classes & workshops that I was able to participate in while being at this conference, probably more than words could ever possibly describe right now.
There is a quote that I have had stuck inside of my head & never been able to get it out of my head. I am just so grateful for the fact that despite my challenges...
"You need to ignore what everyone else is doing and achieving. - Your life is about breaking your own limits and outgrowing yourself to live YOUR best life. You are not in competition with anyone else; plan to outdo your past not other people."
I am truly grateful for the amazing family members that continue to accept me for who I am and not because of what I'm struggling with on a regular basis. If anyone of them ever tried to make me feel less of myself in some way or another, then I would immediately give them a piece of my mind and make them feel somewhat of my emotional pain. I have never been afraid to let someone know what is on my mind and trying to prove them completely wrong, without having to say much of anything less than what I'm capable of.
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