TIP #3

Know Thyself and Act Accordingly

The importance of recognizing your limitations, but not being defined by them

In my Ethics class this semester, we discussed the Greek idea of knowing oneself and acting according to this knowledge. Aristotle believes that in order to become a truly virtuous, and therefore “happy” person, one must know and recognize their desires and limitations and be able to make decisions that do not surpass these boundaries. (Shout out to Dr. Carreño!)

           

This idea applies not only to philosophy, but it is also necessary for any European traveler to grasp, especially one traveling with a disability. While preparing to set off on my adventures, I had to assess myself and my limitations. In doing so, I had to recognize that I would need accommodations and come to terms with the fact that there may be certain activities in which I could not participate (such as ice skating or hiking for hours up a mountain).As difficult as it may be to admit and accept limitations, it is extremely important to come to terms with the fact before beginning your journey. Because I knew my limitations before hand, I was able to make plans that would help accommodate them. For example, I was able to bring a scooter to Austria with me in order to provide easy travel when walking long distances. Also, I knew that I needed to live on the first floor of the building because there is no elevator. Simple ideas such as these can make or break a trip for a little person or any person with a disability.

           

It may seem as if these limitations hold a negative connotation. When you are limited it is seen as something you cannot do and something that cannot be overcome. And although it is important to be aware of your limitations, I am here to tell you that it is possible to overcome them, when it is appropriate. (Although this may be confusing with Aristotle’s idea that you should not surpass your limitations, if it is detrimental to your moral virtue. But, in this situation pushing beyond your limitations brings you closer to the moral virtues of courage and perseverance and therefore Aristotle would encourage these acts!)

I had the opportunity to overcome my limitations (and grow in virtue) while I was visiting Rome. As a little person, it is difficult to walk long distances, and it is also difficult to climb stairs. However, in the adrenaline of a moment and the encouragement of a good friend, I climbed the 330 spiral stairs up to the top of the dome (cupola) of Saint Peter’s Basilica in Rome. I never thought I could accomplish such a colossal victory, (due to the fact that it can be difficult to climb a normal set of stairs), but I did it for myself because I knew I needed to experience being on top of Rome. I’m not going to say it wasn’t difficult, because it was, however, I pushed beyond the limitations that I had set on myself and I persevered through the pain and difficulty to reach my goal. And even a month later, that moment is one of my favorite memories from this semester because I did not think I could do it. But I did, despite all odds, and I came down a stronger and a more       confident person, in my self and my abilities.

I am not simply telling this story in order to brag about my accomplishments (because that wouldn’t be very virtuous!), but I want to use this story to encourage others that limitations should not stop you from challenging yourself and from achieving what you want.

           

              Robert M. Hensel, a man who was born with Spina Bifida and holds the Guinness world record for the longest non-stop wheelie in a wheelchair, said “my disability has opened my eyes to see my true abilities.” And this is so true for me and for many people with a disability, because if I wasn’t a little person, if I didn’t have my disability, I would not be the person I am today. And because of this, I have the strength and the courage to achieve my goals, however small, like climbing the cupola, and to tackle Europe one city at a time.

So please, I want to encourage and challenge all of you to not let your limitations define you. Even people without disabilities have limitations or set limitations for themselves. They may not be physical limitations, but people often constrain themselves to their knowledge or their fears. Don’t limit yourself! Push beyond what you know and push beyond what you fear and tackle the world, even in small tasks, like climbing 330 stairs, or climbing to the top of a mountain, or jumping into the Gaming creek! It is okay to be scared, but don’t let those fears define you and don’t let them limit you from experiencing and learning from the world around you.