Those who can't.... teach?

We usually take this saying negatively. Lupus has taught me to take it positively. I may not be much use in the physical sense these days. Oh, I have my powerhouse moments, for sure. And I do as much as I possibly can to live life as close to “normally” as possible. Still, there are many things I'm just not capable of. I'm not ashamed to admit it. But, here's the great thing....

I can help other people find their own personal strengths.

I can help them stand up and do everything they dream of. I can help them stand for themselves by refusing to take care of their responsibilities and insisting they take care of their own. I can teach them what I know so they can use it to their advantage. I can tell them my experiences so that they can learn from them. I can be a good example and a good friend.

I really have no limits.

Because, while Lupus keeps me from running marathons, I can still live vicariously through the marathons and personal triumphs of the people I love. I can feel pride surging through my veins when they accomplish the things I'm prevented from accomplishing on my own. Those aren't just their victories, they're mine too. Because I am their teacher, their mentor, their mother, their grandmother, their friend and their biggest fan.

I can open other people's eyes to the truth too.

I can inspire. I can educate. I can stand up for what's right and empowering and arm myself and others with the truth and the evidence to do away with what's wrong and hurtful. I can advocate for peaceful solutions and better ways of living. I can promote ideas that will create a better world for all of us. Maybe eventually, I will have to do it from my arm chair. And that's all because....

Those who can't do, can indeed teach.

And it's a beautiful thing!