Stuck on a Word

with guest author, Darcie Naslund

Do you have a “word” for the year yet? You know, the word that sticks with you and you just can’t let go of it. Has a word ever stuck with you that you wish you could shake? Does it keep you from writing? Or pursuing your dreams?

When I first approached children’s author, Darcie Naslund, to write a blog post for me last year, she asked, “Can I send you two?” After I shared her first post last May (Read it here), I decided to wait a few months before sharing her second post. When I read through it, I knew it was PERFECT for January. What an amazing way to begin a new year! I hope her words will encourage you as much as it did me.

Please join me in welcoming back Darcie Naslund to the Writing While Impaired blog and be sure to check out her book, My Mom Is NOT A Superhero.

Words.
Strings of letters joined together.
Suddenly powerful.
Meaningful.

Words
When united, create magic.
Phrases, sentences, stories, and entire worlds
woven from wonderful, welcoming words.

As a writer, I love words, but there is one word that has always had me stuck — Disabled.

For years, I flat-out refused to accept the term disabled for myself. I didn’t see it as a bad label (that’s a whole different discussion), but it didn’t seem like the right description for me. How could I be disabled? I don’t look disabled? Does disability even have a look? Some days, I could still run out to the barn and feed the animals without a second thought. But other days, my Multiple Sclerosis made everything feel almost impossible. But still, I’d drag my useless legs, push through the pain, fight fatigue, and say “I’m fine” when someone asked.

Every day was a little different, but I was still able to do things and lots of things needed to be done. So, each day, I would tell myself I am still able, therefore NOT disabled.

Each day, I would tell myself I am still able, therefore NOT disabled.

It was on repeat in my mind, as if I were trying to prove it to myself and everyone around me.

Whether I was feeding the horses, tending to the kids, making dinner or writing my next story, I always found a way. Granted, how I approached each task and how long it took to complete were significantly different from before my MS progressed. I made adjustments and did what needed to be done. I was determined to push through the difficult times, but the more I did, the worse I felt. Eventually, my body forced me to rest. Once I felt slightly better, I would get moving and do it all over again. I was stuck on the chronically ill rollercoaster that seemed to never end. All because I refused to accept the truth.

I never thought the writing community and the overwhelming experience of researching publishers and agents would help me accept the word I feared most. When researching the Manuscript Wishlists of publishers and agents, I’d read the words “seeking stories from disabled authors.” I felt torn. My heart would waver, and I’d wonder,

Am I disabled? Maybe I am.

Can a disability change from day to day? Hour to hour? Minute to minute? Mine does.

What if I’m not disabled enough?

What if...?

What if...?

What if...?

Then one day I realized that I am a writer. A writer who was stuck on a word. One single word.

I love words. I can play with them. Change them. Make them my own.

And that’s what I did. Maybe I’m not always disabled, aka unable. Perhaps I am differently-abled.

Maybe I’m not always disabled, aka unable. Perhaps I am differently-abled.

Like I mentioned earlier, I can still do things.

I CAN be an inspiring teacher (though not in the way I expected).

I CAN be a loving mother (even if I need to rest).

I CAN be a caring farmer (even if I need help).

I CAN be a worthy writer with meaningful stories that need to be written.

I can still do all those things, just differently, and likely at a slower pace, but I CAN do them.

Today, 12 years after my diagnosis and at least 4 years of truly being disabled, I can finally accept the term and no longer find myself questioning whether it defines me or not. Or whether I can submit my work to an agent or publisher and call myself disabled.

Today, I am proud to be called a disabled author, but in my heart, I know that I am a differently-abled author because I am not unable.

Yes, I make adjustments to accommodate my health. I use mobility aids, and I take time to rest. I write less often and fewer words each time, but I still write. That’s the important thing. Now, I care for myself while I follow my dreams, and I am no longer stuck on that word.

Disabled.

If you are like me and stuck on that word.

Remember, it’s just a word.

If it doesn’t define you, change it.

Make it your own because you are not unable.

You can still do great things.

DARCIE NASLUND is the author of My Mom Is NOT A Superhero (DC Canada Education Publishing, 2024). She is a former teacher, Multiple Sclerosis and disability activist, mother and farmer from Alberta, Canada. Connect with her on social media @DarcieNaslund (X), @darcienaslundwrites (Instagram) or visit her website at darcienaslund.com

ABOUT THE BOOK: A little girl whose mother has Multiple Sclerosis discovers that some superheroes are fighting invisible battles. With the help of her cat and some X-ray glasses, she learns just how strong her mom is and how she can help her.

Darcie Naslund has been fighting a rollercoaster of a battle for many years. Finally, she decided to write this story to explain her invisible owies to her children. She fights for herself, but also for her family. This touching picture book explores the love of a mother and daughter who, together, can do (almost) anything.

Buy the Book: DC Canada Educational Publishing