I am finishing off my literature review for my thesis, that section is due on Friday. In doing so, I have been reading some interesting books including some on blogging and digital literacy, and another called Pride Against Prejudice – Transforming attitudes of disability by Jenny Morris. It was written in 1991 though still so very relevant. As I delved further into the chapters, I nodded with the concepts, identifying with the way people perceive those with disability, illness and disfigurements (especially since I gave that concept a lot of thought here).
There’s a section in the book about the experience of being different. Morris lists a lot of assumptions people make about those with disabilities, and this one was such an lightbulb moment for me:
“That we can’t ever really accept our condition, and if we appear to be leading a full and contented life, or are simply cheerful, we are ‘just putting a good face on it’ “.
I really urge you to read this book if you are struggling with acceptance and identity of a disability, chronic illness or physical disfigurement. Interesting stuff.
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I am featured in a guest post on That Space In Between. It’s a little interview and me in a duck hat. Please pop over to check it out, and also take the time to read Sarah’s beautiful writing too.
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On Monday night I had dinner at Miss Chu with Heidi. It was delicious as usual, and so good to see her again.
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Yesterday Melbourne football identity Jim Stynes passed away after a three year battle with cancer. He was not only a football player and club president, but also a youth worker – founder of the Reach Foundation – and throughout his life and cancer battle, gave so much to the community. While his battle with cancer was so public – and I can’t imagine how hard it must have been for him and his family that it was so public – it also meant he reached so many, inspiring them and providing them with hope.
His legacy transcends football. I was listening to reports of how he shaped peoples’ lives, and he seemed like an amazing man. He’s survived by his wife and two young children. I have two friends who have been involved in the Reach Foundation, and I chat to his sister as she works near me. My thoughts are with his family and colleagues. I don’t pay attention to football but I paid attention to him when he featured on the news. Despite his cancer, he had the most amazing attitude. He said of his cancer, “I needed to get a better life and cancer has led to a better life”. I think he can teach us what’s important – to live life and appreciate it to the fullest, and help others where we can. Rest in peace Jim.
I'll be sure to read Pride Against Prejudice. Thank you for the book recommendation. I'm sure it'll be helpful. Checked out your interview as well. 🙂 I wasn't aware of Jim Stynes until reading this post, but am glad he left such an inspiring legacy with so many people. His story reminds me of Randy Pausch. He died of cancer a few years ago, but lived a fulfilled life of helping and inspiring others. Check out his book "The Last Lecture" when you get a chance. You can also his lecture on youtube. Powerful.
Great interview at The Space In Between.Agree with Katie above.The full length version of The Last Lecture is a must see for us all.Brilliant and life changing.Hugs x
Thanks for the book review, Carly. Will look out for it.
Jim has touched the lives of so many, AFL fans or not, he was a wonderful man and I am glad that he will be officially remembered with the state funeral.
SSG xxx
Thanks Carly for the tribute to this great man Jim Stynes. A friend of mine knew him well and said how he started the Reach foundation was because homeless kids used to watch him train at Melbourne's oval and he knew there was something he could do beside kick a ball in front of them.
He was an exceptional human being.
Vale Jim Stynes
Hey Carly…thanks for mentioning my writing, it was lovely to have you talking over on my blog. I agree, Jim Stynes was a lovely man who made the most of what he had to offer – something we can all strive for (and once again your dinner choices look divine)
Yesterday the main topic of conversation at the work lunch table was Jim Stynes, when I interrupted with "who's he?" fully a dozen people turned to me and said "how can you not know?"
Well, clearly, I don't follow sports and everyone there knows that.
Hi River – I think Jim received such a high amount of media coverage because he is Melbourne based. But I also think he touched so many because his focus was not just on football. I am not a football follower but living in Melbourne I feel immersed in it and get to know players' names. It was hard not to notice Jim's journey though.
Thank you for the rec Katie – I will check out Randy.
I hope to watch some of the funeral on TV on Tuesday.
Kate – what a noble attitude. The words that Gary Lyon spoke of Jim were so powerful – he was the measure of a man that others wanted to be. Thank you for sharing 🙂