Adaptability is the quality of being able to adjust to new conditions. This feels poignant for most of us at the moment, and many of you might relate it to the harsh economy. Almost every commodity has increased in price!

We’re living in a challenging era, so we’ll be making all sorts of lifestyle adjustments in order to accommodate inflation.

But, we might not be looking inwards at adapting ourselves, which actually will make our minds more resilient. The human brain is magnificently strong, and it’s incredibly important to remember so, and to try to adapt to a strong: “can do” or “got this” mindset. Doing so will make us more resourceful, and it’ll open up more possibilities for us as individuals.

I, for example, have cerebral palsy, it’s a dam nuisance and painful, yet I am extremely lucky in that it only affects my RHS. However, five months ago I trapped a nerve in my left–hand shoulder, which downgraded my physical ability to that of a Tyrannosaurus Rex!

It was a challenge to get a doctor’s appointment, and only recently did I finally manage to briefly see a physiotherapist, for a one-off assessment. Of course, I followed the exercises that she gave me via links on my phone, but actually, I was midst way partly trying to fix my shoulder myself, and adapting how I work my RHS. Frankly, I’ve always considered my right arm to be decorative, barely using it at all. Yet, whilst I was waiting to get seen, I had no choice but to try to use it.

I’m not going to claim miracles, the damage was done at birth. Nor can I state that I can use it very well, though my right hand is very good at gripping, of sorts. But honestly, I really had no choice, but to make my arm reach for things since I could barely lift my left arm, and I’ve been fairly pleased with the results.

Moreover, it’s proven to me the power and shift in my own brain by simply adapting how I function in my body.

I’m still in the midst of trying to replace lost work post- Covid, but the simple joy of seeing adaptation work within my mind, and the improvement in my mindset regarding the disability, has in itself made me feel that so much more must be possible!