Dear Dancefloor Companion,
I wish you’d quit calling me an inspiration.It’s a word that many of us within the SCI community have heard, but I’ve been struggling with it lately.
Duncan Campbell is a quadriplegic that co-created the sport of wheelchair rugby, and continues to mentor newly injured athletes. This man, who happens to have a disability, is someone that inspires me. Not because he is in a wheelchair, but because he created a world that allows athletes of various abilities to compete in a sport that they love, and in doing so he gave them a place where disability is the norm, and athletic ability is the goal.
Not only did Duncan create this world, but he did so with the utmost humility which I find extremely admirable. If I remove Duncan from the equation and just consider his actions, I am still inspired. Why? Because he took an idea that started in a rehab centre gym, nurtured it, promoted it, and allowed it to grow. And in doing so, he provided a community of belonging and gave purpose to many that may have lacked it. Duncan’s accomplishments are inspiring in their own right, and it shouldn’t matter who the man behind them is.
So where do you draw inspiration?
Does a well-worded Instagram quote get you going? A photo of someone else accomplishing something you’d really like to achieve? Perhaps you’ve listened to a politician, world leader, or skillfully-scripted TED talk and allowed the words to drive you into action.
I know I have.
And I don’t think that finding inspiration in unlikely, or unconventional places is the issue— if my “dancing” really does inspire you, so be it.
The key, I’d argue, is to remember to be mindful. Let’s acknowledge real accomplishments and distinguish actions from assumptions. Let’s look at who is actually challenging the norm and reward them for being truly remarkable; not just for busting it out on the dance floor…Sincerely yours,
The truly un-inspiring dancer,
Jessica
Photos by Erin Wild Photography
