Living itself feels exhausting. These words encapsulate the reality of my life as a person with a disability. One day, I was struck by a sudden illness, losing the use of my left side. My physical freedom was gone, and my position in society changed drastically. At times, it feels like just surviving each day is an enormous challenge.
Yet, I still want to live with my head held high. What has supported me is the belief that “the body may be limited, but the mind is free.” This phrase has transformed my daily life. I hope that sharing my experiences will bring even a small sense of hope to others who face similar struggles.
What My Physical Limitations Taught Me
It has been ten years since I became a person with a disability. One day, my left side became paralyzed, and the life I had taken for granted changed completely. Simple acts like walking, holding objects, or doing housework became immense challenges.
Returning to society was no easy task. As I worked through rehabilitation and re-entered my workplace, I felt frustration, anxiety, and pressure from how others perceived me. “Am I contributing?” “Am I just a burden?” These thoughts weighed heavily on me, making every day feel like an uphill battle.
Small Choices to Reclaim Mental Freedom
In those difficult times, I realized the importance of making small, deliberate choices. Every day, we make countless choices that shape our future. I believe these decisions can pave the way to a better life.
Forgiving Myself
The first step was to forgive myself. Instead of focusing on what I could no longer do, I chose to celebrate the things I could still achieve. Even small accomplishments—like taking one step—became a source of pride and encouragement. On days when I couldn’t do much, I reminded myself, “Resting is also important.”
Finding Joy in the Little Things
I started to look for small joys in life. The smell of coffee in the morning or the blue sky outside my window became special moments. These little things gradually added color to my otherwise challenging days.
Nurturing Human Connections
Finally, I found great strength in human connections. Blogging became a way to share my thoughts and feelings. The supportive comments and words of encouragement from readers have been a source of immense motivation.
The Body May Be Limited, But the Mind Is Free
Life with a disability is undoubtedly challenging. However, by cherishing “freedom of the mind,” I have found a way to transform my days. We all have the power to choose how we feel and act. By accepting reality and discovering our own sense of freedom within it, we can find the strength to move forward.
To everyone reading this, I hope you, too, can feel the freedom of your mind. No matter how tough the situation, there is always a glimmer of hope. And that hope can be the driving force behind your next step.
If this article resonates with you, I would be grateful if you could share your thoughts or comments. Knowing that my story can inspire or support someone else means the world to me.
Lastly, I hope the phrase “the body may be limited, but the mind is free” lights up your everyday life, even just a little.
障害者雇用で「仕事を切り出す」だけでは足りない
――元課長・中途重度障害当事者が考える「人を活かす仕事の再設計」
障害者雇用で「仕事を切り出す」だけでは、本当の人材活用にはつながりません。健常者時代に課長を…



















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