Hi readers, it’s Kerry and William here this week, writing in one of our favourite local cafés, Hendover Café, at the end of the day. It’s just us and clearing up is the welcoming, funny, and helpful owner Paul.
We were all catching up and talking about our complicated lives, and how we often wear so many different ‘hats’ – like for us both of sister, brother, uncle, aunt, colleague, friend, volunteer and probably lots more! What about your hats?
That got us talking about our busy lives with all these hats, and how we manage. I, Kerry did something today to help decomplicate my life a bit more. It made me feel happy but a bit unsettled as I don’t know what it’s going to be like afterwards. When things don’t go right, life can feel complicated and unsettling.
I, William, am lucky as my life is busy and full of variety, like Friendship Club, Speaking Up, work, friends, family, and lots more, but I never ever get stressed or worry.
We think some people have more complicated lives than others. For example, I, Kerry, need to get a new wheelchair, so I have a lot to think about. It needs to get on a bus and a train, be comfortable, the right size for me and so on. This takes a lot of research and testing some out. Thankfully there is a place locally where I can do that. My life can be quite rigid because of the support I have. I’d love to try a life where my support is flexible to my needs each day, instead of fixed. It would be amazing, say if I wanted a lie in, I could just call, and say come in now!
We hope that’s got you thinking about your life and how you manage?
The writers of the Our View column are supported in their editing by People First Dorset - a charity led and run by people with learning disabilities with support from staff.