Disability shouldn’t be an obstacle to success. But wait a moment. Did you know that the most successful people the world has ever seen are the physically disabled? Yes. People with disabilities have proved to be the strongest and most courageous.
Usually, disabled people don’t have people to support or encourage them since most people tend to see them as useless. Often, they make them feel as though they are helpless, unfortunate, or incapable of doing anything substantive and worthwhile in life. Yet, the truth is that the disabled are not less than any normal person. They can achieve anything and even more than normal human beings.
Despite being born with many health conditions, Courtenay believes that ”disability is not inability.” Since childhood, she spent most of her life exploring the human psyche via academic pursuits while turning to the movement for self-expression and healing. According to her, the challenges you face remind you that you are human and help you find focus, meaning, and purpose in life.
Courtenay’s Background
Courtenay was born with congenital rubella syndrome, which contributed to several medical complications, including heart complications, unilateral blindness, visual-motor impairment, hypotonia, stunted growth, bilateral hearing impairment, and more. Her mother contracted German measles during her first trimester of pregnancy.
After birth, the doctors told her parents the best they could do with her was find an excellent institution for her to spend her life. They never thought she could ever talk, walk or even exhibit great beats of athleticism. Her parents never gave up on her but decided to take care of her alone.
Courtenay slowly learned movement practices, from dancing in her mother’s arms to playing in a wet sandbox. Besides, her grandfather built a balance beam for her to play with, and the exercises helped strengthen her muscles. These early gymnastics experiences laid the foundation for her acrobatic and strength training pursuits that accelerated into her teen and adult years.
Today, she is the founder and host of What Is Movement (WIM), inspiring millions worldwide. WIM interviews athletes, including those with disabilities, performance artists, and movement artists. They explore different ways of movement physically, mentally, emotionally, or spiritually.
How Courtenay Overcame Her Disability
Courtney never allowed her disability to dissuade her dreams. Through movement, she tapped into her body, which she calls home. She believes movement is crucial in a person’s life as it unlocks the healing gifts within you. For instance, movement helped Courtenay to heal emotionally. Whenever she is stressed, stifled, depressed, or isolated, she engages in movement, allowing her to heal.
Courtenay continually uses her life as an experience to teach others how they can use their physical experiences as a mirror to help them enhance their emotional well-being and mindset.
Conclusion
Courtenay’s life experience with multiple disabilities and overcoming them place her in the best position to assist anyone with or without a disability facing hard times in business or personal life. Everyone has the potential and capacity to overcome challenges and thrive in life. For more information, you can connect with Courtenay today.