On My Own Two by Young Lee

Columns

An Old Walking Stick Helps Me Move Faster, Reduce Soreness

My brother, 14 years my elder, tells me he remembers once losing track of 6-year-old me during one of our family trips to Washington, D.C. Specifically, it was at the Lincoln Memorial while it was fairly crowded. He tells me that when he found me moments later, I was in…

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I’m Seeking Learning Opportunities as I Expand My Exercise Regimen

“No, it’s not really my thing,” I responded to a friend and self-admitted “gym junkie” in college when he offered to show me the ropes in weight training. These days, I regret turning down his offer. If life were a video game, my friend’s offer would have been the…

Columns

Defusing the Memories That Weigh Me Down

I’m a pretty happy person living a very relaxed life. Nevertheless, some of my memories make me cringe, cause me grief, and prod me with regret at inopportune times. When I think about my archive of memories, many of the not-so-lovely moments are colored by Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease (CMT). Sometimes…

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The Importance of Seeking Balance and Saying No

People often say that toddlers love the word “no.” While I don’t have any children of my own, all of my experiences interacting with toddlers tell me those folks may be right. For toddlers, “no” is a simple word that can be used to express discontentment when things don’t go…

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Managing Frustrations When Fatigue Gets in the Way

When I started cleaning my place, I thought I’d finish in one evening. I didn’t think that was an unreasonable expectation. An evening is how long it usually takes. However, after vacuuming just my bedroom that Saturday evening, a sense of exhaustion came over me. My feet ached, and when…

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Paying Attention to the Hope, Joy, and Love in Our Lives

I don’t love having Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease (CMT). In fact, if there was a surefire way to rid my body of its symptoms, I would certainly be interested. However, my life is still filled with joy, hope, and a whole lot of fun.  Sometimes I wonder if…

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I Don’t Fear the Word ‘Disabled’ — I’m Embracing It

“But you’re not really disabled.” I’ve heard those words, or words to that effect, a few times in my life.  Folks have always said this to me with good intent, seeking to give me hope and encouragement as I manage the symptoms that…

Columns

Be Patient With Me, I’m a Slow Walker

When I was in college, Facebook groups and communities with names like “I want to punch slow walkers in the head” or “Slow walkers deserve to be kicked” were pretty trendy. Several of my friends joined such groups and proudly displayed their memberships…

Columns

I’m on the Hunt for a New Pastime to Keep Me Active

When a batter hits a baseball in just the right way, the impact makes a sound that’s pretty darn satisfying. It’s the distinctive “crack” that many folks think of when they think about their favorite baseball highlights. It’s the sound associated with evenings in packed stadiums, cold beer,…