When I saw Selma Blair walking the red carpet at the Oscars with her cane, I thought “Oh my, she looks amazing, absolutely stunning, and her cane looks incredible and fashionable. She rocked it!”
My second thought was, “How is she not tripping over that long, flowy dress?” I loved that Selma was out there, living her life and talking about her disability. What really impressed me was that she was doing an ordinary task – walking. Red carpet and paparazzi aside, can’t we all relate? Don’t we all have our own “red carpet” moments? That holiday party, black-tie wedding, fancy fundraiser. Some event where we need to get all dressed up and rock our best self. Like many, Selma has real struggles. I love her moment of truth in the video where she tearfully confesses how hard it can be!
In an interview with Good Morning America, she talked about working with her disability. Yes, her voice shook during the interview, but she smiled and talked with confidence and grace. As the interview progressed, I got used to her voice and didn’t notice the shaking. Again, she was doing what we all want to do – be accepted and work and feel valued.
I enjoy and appreciate reading about people with disabilities overcoming obstacles to run a marathon, climb a mountain, win a para Olympic medal. But at this point in my life, that isn’t me. I’m just trying to deal with having a disability. That’s why I can really relate to someone stepping out to be their best self in their daily life.
While her life isn’t as “ordinary” as mine and right now she’s in the spotlight, I felt like “hey, I can do that.” I can go to an event looking fashionable and rock a cane if needed. I can go to work and shake and still be a valued member of my team. No marathon, no mountain, but still stepping out of my comfort zone to be as they say – my authentic unbalanced, shaky self!
As an FYI, I do not have MS, Selma Blair’s disability. I have a form of Muscular Dystrophy referred to as Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT) and my disability has not progressed as quickly as hers. But, I can totally relate to issues of lack of balance and energy.
If you haven’t read or seen anything about Selma Blair’s journey, it’s worth checking out the links below.
Finding Abilities 