Unique Discoveries I Found After Becoming Disabled

Not too many decades ago I was living in Washington, D.C., working in corporate America, waking up at 6 am, rushing with my coffee while I brushed my teeth and put on my pinstripe suit and yellow power tie, and drove to work, arriving before rush hour. Only to be stressed for hours on end, long after work ended.

After a major coronary, a burst appendicitis, a dysfunctional vagus nerve (requiring an implant) and a myriad of other health problems, I was put on the corporate sidelines, and, doctors said I would not be working again which, since I was not yet forty years old, was a big blow to my ego.

Now I was a person with a label. No longer was that label "corporate executive. It was "disabled". I did not buy the term. I bought a cheap computer and learned all I could about the Internet. I learned how to be a cartoonist and writer. I learned how to outsource and license the manufacturing of my image products. I became an entrepreneur within a few years, and a disabled one at that.

So now I was out to prove something. Though my body could not work like my mind, my mind did indeed still function, so, to me, I was hardly disabled. But I had to prove it to myself. So after creating Londons Times Cartoons, the most visited cartoon site on the Internet, I felt, "this is a good start". 9 e-stores later, I knew I was onto something, but, of course "disabled".

Somehow, I felt I still had something to prove to myself so I learned a new skill online, Internet business and technology at a very good accredited college, finished nearly four years, and am on break. I was on scholarship by the way. And I am disabled. Go figure.

I revealed to social security of my activities, yet they simply ignored my suggestion that maybe a disability is not a disability at all. If one really wants to do something, it can be done. To them, I would be "disabled" forever, as labels are so simple and easy.

After becoming "disabled" and achieving success nevertheless, I have discussed this with many other so-called disabled persons, and have discovered many similar stories. I am certainly not a hero nor even unique. Some have gone on to accomplish things that are beyond my scope.

What is the point of labeling? What is so productive about labeling? I still have not been able to figure it out. I have been ten times more productive as a "disabled person" than when I was "fully functional" (pushing and signing papers mostly), in corporate America. It is truly something to think about.

Article Source: http://www.rightbiz.com

Cartoonist and entrepreneur Rick London owns the largest and most visited cartoon site on the Internet Londons Times Cartoons and nine stores. One of his more popular gift e-estores can be found here. To see one of Rick London's Top-rated cartoon gift stores click here

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