Hello! Who are you?

I live in Delhi. I work in the nonprofit sector and as a Disability Inclusion. I am single. I have plants to take care of. I am into reading and writing poetries and journaling.

And if you're wondering: Yes, I am happy.

What is your struggle and when did it start?

Growing up in the slums of Delhi, India, my struggles began with poverty, domestic violence, and multiple non-apparent disabilities. This mixture exposed me to discrimination and ableism from an early age. 

As I ventured into education, I had to navigate an inaccessible society, facing constant bullying and prejudice. My struggle intensified over time, affecting almost every aspect of my life, from personal relationships to career aspirations. The weight of societal biases and misconceptions surrounding disability became an everyday burden, shaping my view of the world.

How did this struggle make you feel at your worst moments?

The cumulative impact of discrimination, poverty, and ableism was often unbearable. Feelings of isolation, despair, and loneliness plagued me, overshadowing any happiness or fulfillment. 

I constantly grappled with self-worth and struggled to find my place in a society that seemed indifferent to my pain. Even though I tried to mask my struggles, those closest to me sensed something was wrong. The stress and emotional toll were palpable, leaving scars that took years to heal.

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Was there a moment when you started to turn things around?

The moment I began to turn things around was when I chose to channel my struggles into advocacy. I realized that my experiences could be a beacon for others facing similar challenges. This shift was about 70% my own determination and 30% situational improvements. 

The transformation didn't happen overnight, but gradually, as I engaged with the nonprofit sector and connected with people who understood my journey, I found purpose. I felt a renewed sense of hope and began to believe in the possibility of change

What steps did you take to overcome your struggle?

I became actively involved in disability inclusion, using my voice to advocate for better laws, policies, and regulations for disability rights and justice. Joining forces with like-minded individuals, 

I began speaking at forums and writing about my experiences. I would encourage others in similar situations to find their passion and use it as a channel to heal.

Don't be afraid to reach out for support and engage with communities that resonate with your struggle.

Have you shared any of this with people around you in real life?

Sharing my story with family, friends, and colleagues has been a liberating but challenging process. 

While some were supportive, others found it hard to understand my journey. The fear of judgment made it difficult to open up to certain people. 

Being honest about my mental health struggles with those I trust has been essential in my healing process, creating a support network that I can rely on.

If you could give a single piece of advice to someone else that struggles, what would that be?

Embrace your unique journey, and don't be afraid to turn your pain into purpose. Connecting with people who truly understand your struggle can be a source of strength and inspiration.

What have been the most influential books, podcasts, YouTube channels, or other resources for you?

The Alchemist: This book was instrumental in helping me realize that our unique experiences can be a source of empowerment and change.

Where can we go to learn more about you?

You can find more about me on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Twitter.

By the way: If you want to start feeling better and more productive, I've condensed the information of 100's of our articles into a 10-step mental health cheat sheet here.

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The post Overcoming Ableism and Now Raising My Voice for Disability Inclusion appeared first on Tracking Happiness.