"An Introspective Journey"

Posted June 14, 2013 at 7:00 pm

By Jewel Kats, Guest Contributor

I believe EVERYTHING in life happens for a reason. The good. The bad. The ugly. Without this combination of experiences you wouldn’t be you. I wouldn’t be me.

Fast-forward to today, and you’ll encounter a woman with disabilities who is confident, bold, outspoken, successful and happy to a fault.

I wasn’t always this way.

My past contains “ugly” words: Childhood car accident. Shoplifting. Sexual abuse. Teen runaway. Anorexia. Depression. Divorce.

Don’t get me wrong. My present days are not perfect. They’re often littered with sharp bouts of chronic pain, and issues related to my physical disabilities. However, I’m STRONGER than ever.

I’ve learned to cope with the aid of my powerful pen. My passion and desire to live on have led me to the awards and recognition I’ve collected along my journey. Nothing else.

I simply write from my heart.

I’ve inked seven books—five are about disabilities. My personal favorite book project is the Fairy Ability Tales Series I’m penning for children. “Cinderella’s Magical Wheelchair” and “The Princess and the Ruby: An Autism Fairy Tale” both just scooped up silver medals from the Mom’s Choice Awards. Currently, in production, is my book: “Snow White’s Seven Patches: A Vitiligo Fairy Tale.”

Over the years, comics have also helped me cope. I’ve always been drawn to their bright illustrations, and punch lines. However, even I’m surprised by my decision to put my life out there for grabs. You see, I’m the main character and writer of “DitzAbled Princess”--the first reality-series comic strip/graphic novel about a woman with physical disabilities. In short, the comic is a hit. I’m happiest knowing “DitzAbled Princess” is breaking stereotypes. Its very presence shows the adult world that women with disabilities can be fun-loving, attractive, and fashionable divas, too.

Truth be told, I still feel like my work isn’t done. There’s so much more I want to say. There’s so much more I want to do. There’s so much more that needs to be heard.

As arthritis eats at me, I bite back with my words. I won’t let nothing…nobody stop me from achieving my dreams. Each and every day, I enforce my life’s motto and try my absolute best. I tell myself that I’m the master of my destiny—nobody else.

After all, life choices will always need to be made. Options will always be had. But you just never know what awaits you around the corner…

If only, I could say these things to my former younger self. Though, it does warm my heart knowing that I can share my experiences with you. Remember, everything in life happens for a reason—including YOU reading this post.

Award-winning children’s book author and comic-strip writer, Jewel Kats, will visit the Museum of disABILITY History for a two-day event on Friday, June 21 and Saturday, June 22, 2013, at 3826 Main Street in Buffalo, NY.

Category

Museum of disABILITY History Blog

Tags

Comic Books | Disabilities Breaking Barriers | DitzAbled Princess | Jewel Kats | Media and Disability | Role Models