One of the most common questions I get asked as a disabled artist living with Osteogenesis Imperfecta (OI)—also known as brittle bone disease—is, “How do you manage to find motivation when your life is full of physical pain and challenges?”
The truth is, there are several reasons why I maintain a positive attitude despite the daily struggles that come with living with OI and chronic disease. The first reason goes back to how I was raised. My mother, especially, made sure I never felt sorry for myself. While that was frustrating as a child, now, as an adult, I am incredibly thankful. She taught me that everyone has challenges in life, and mine just happens to be Osteogenesis Imperfecta. I could either find a way to deal with it and keep moving forward, or I could allow my condition to dictate my happiness. When I put it that way, there’s really no choice at all.
The Power of Hard Work: Motivation Despite Osteogenesis Imperfecta
Unlike many people, I was raised to want to work. Finding motivation has never been a huge problem for me. Both of my parents were business owners, and I grew up watching them model a strong work ethic. It’s ingrained in me now—it’s in my DNA. Maybe that’s why I’ve always been such a good student and why I thrive on accomplishing tasks. I like seeing results—whether that’s a good grade or the satisfaction of completing a painting or art project. Of course, there are days when I can’t work due to a broken bone or other complications related to my brittle bone disease, but I never feel entitled to a “day off” just because I have OI. Sometimes I need a break, but I always strive to make up for it when I can.
As a disabled artist, I understand that in business, as in life, if you don’t show up and put in the effort, things will not succeed. This mentality is just as true for my art and disability journey as it is for any other venture. The key to success is persistence, and the same goes for life. If you don’t show up and make an effort, you will never see the results you want in your personal or professional life.
Facing Challenges: A Choice to Live, Not Just Exist
What frustrates me most is seeing people shut down when something less than ideal happens. The reality is, bad things happen to everyone. People get hurt, loved ones pass away, marriages end, and lives are turned upside down by unexpected events. But the beauty of life is that it always moves forward. Things might seem bad now, but tomorrow could be better. Life is in constant motion, and it’s up to us to choose to keep moving with it.
Choosing to live, despite the challenges, is what makes all the difference. No matter how tough life gets, we always have the power to choose how we respond. This is something I’ve learned from my own journey with Osteogenesis Imperfecta and the challenges it brings. Every day, I choose to embrace life, pursue my art, and make the most of every opportunity, despite my chronic disease.
The Importance of Support: Asking for Help When You Need It
That said, I don’t want to downplay the importance of support. While I may have learned to persevere through OI and its physical pain, everyone needs help sometimes finding motivation. That’s what family and friends are for. I’ve seen so many talented, successful individuals give up because they were too ashamed or afraid to ask for help when they needed it the most. Pushing people away only isolates you further, and you can’t help someone who’s not willing to help themselves.
I’ve had to learn the hard way that you can’t force someone to live their life or embrace support—they have to choose to do that on their own. But when they are ready and willing, it’s important to be there for them.
Choosing Life: The Power of Motivation and Perseverance
This blog wasn’t the one I intended to write today, but after watching a couple of friends go through incredibly tough times and shut down, it felt right to share my thoughts. I hate seeing people I love suffer, but I hate seeing them destroy their lives even more by choosing not to fight back.
If you’re going through something difficult and feel stuck, I bet you have family and friends who would drop everything to help you get through it. All you have to do is ask. You don’t have to face your battles alone, and you don’t have to let any challenge define your future.
As Maren Morris sings in her song Girl, “What you feel is natural, but I don’t wanna feel this anymore. Pick yourself up off the kitchen floor. What you waiting for?” Life is full of hard moments, but it’s also full of possibilities.
The choice is yours—choose to live. Choose to rise above, and let your journey be one of motivation, resilience, and growth.