Perfect Birthday

One of my favorite people is celebrating their birthday today and could not hesitate to think about a way that I could share my appreciation to them. I am so grateful to them for putting up with me like they have had to throughout their new leadership position and teaching me endless ways to keep improving. I know we have shared our difficulties with one another in the past--(which if you ask me we have had our fair share of moments with anxiety being out of hand as well as me not handling problems or misunderstandings as properly as I should be-due to the circumstances we have been in for the past thirteen months now. I know we will make it through anything that life throws at us on a regular basis with smiles on our faces and even if there are tears involved-- I know it is perfectly fine to express how I feel even if it does mean making a complete fool of myself.) Whatever that has to do with something in giving them their space and time to do what they need in order to keep their mental health in check or let alone just giving me a reason to laugh till it hurts!!! I also feel immensely grateful for their unconditional love and clearly reminding me of who I really am as a disability self advocate, mentor, leader and person in this crazy world. I am truly grateful for their patience with me in the new roles that I have signed up for and didn't realize what a struggle at times it would become for me. I am not sure where I'd be as a self advocate if it wasn't for them among so many other people. I am grateful for their passion into making what they're doing in the world of independent living such a meaningful and purposeful thing. They have never once stopped to amaze me with their remarkable talents of speaking on a webinar while back that had close to over two hundred self advocates with disabilities to inform them about ways we can get our message clearly across to people and being able to act on those times when we feel like something needs to be fixed or repaired to make our lives better. They did it so amazingly well with so much confidence, poise, articulate with their words of speech, visually showing us ways we need to speak up without just easily assuming things will take care of themselves. I was very moved with their message of hope and giving individuals with disabilities a voice to be heard--I'm grateful to them for all that they do in more ways than any words in a blog post could do justice!!! They did such a phenomenal job getting their message across to everybody who participated on the event with us and I was very impressed by how well they carried who they are as a self advocate in the disability community. It touches my heart to know that I have such an amazing role model to look up to and admire, regardless of how many endless mistakes I keep making along this journey. 

It's been such an absolute dream come true, getting to work closely alongside this person and even though I have a lot more to still learn in the world of independent living-- I am grateful to be able to do it with an individual who loves what they do. I have continued to sit in amazement over how much they know about striving to be the best version of not anyone else but themselves and educating others with disabilities to do the same. I never genuinely realized how much their #MentalHealthMondays every week would motivate me to want to do the same for not only their peers--but for themselves too. I have really liked getting to share uplifting and heartfelt thoughts on how I'd like to handle my mental health a little bit better than I used to before. It has given me a sense of hope to see the brighter side of everything life throws at me and knowing that we all make mistakes as well need to learn from them. If I don't admit this nearly enough--I am grateful for their professionalism in spite of how much they have on their plate and I know they can do hard things as long as they can trust the process. It is going to be difficult at times sure, but not anything they cannot handle without a smile on their face. I am so amazingly proud of them for enduring through these unprecedented times with a perspective on life, that I sometimes wish I could have for myself. I am grateful for their perseverance and willingness to do whatever it takes to make sure me, along with my NINJA friends are being advocated for in a very professional manner even if it is not always the easiest thing to do. 

Wishing you all the best today Ty and in the years to come!!! Thank you so much for being an example of staying positive through any situation life hands you and leaving an imprint on the hearts of people you're working with in this new leadership role. Thanks so much for inspiring me and my friends to live their best life as much as possible!!! 

Thirty Words That Best Describe Tylee:

30. Passionate

29. Dynamic

28. Cheerful

27. Articulate

26. Generous

25. Friendly

24. Hard Working

23. Selfless

22. Kind-Hearted

21. Optimistic

20. Legitimate

19. Marvelous

18. Extraordinary

17. Talented

16. Energetic

15. Unique

14.  Joyful

13. Brave

12. Incredible

11. Well Respected

10. Reliable

9. Creative

8. Determined

7. Sporty Chic

6. Athletic 

5. Motivated

4. Helpful

3. Spunky

2. Youthful

1. Bunny Loving