Leo in Bloom Magazine

So much of my life is defined by what I can’t do. How limited my experiences have been because of my body. How small my disability has made my world in practically every way. But that doesn’t include my mind! It is where my life comes alive in vivid colors and fantastic dreams and a galaxy of imagined possibilities. It is beautiful.

You might think that this is sad. And much of it is. Dreams unrealized are sad, in a way. But that is not because of the dream itself. It is because of the expectations attached to  the dream. I choose to focus on the intrinsic wonder of the dreams. And of course I entertain hopes that some dreams will come true. I plan to work to make them a reality.

But why wait to enjoy them? With my active mind full of rich imagery, I can immerse myself in worlds and dimensions beyond current possibility. I can go to cobblestone streets in Paris, and wander along the Seine with a baguette in hand. I can wander the vast sand dunes of Namibia. I can laze on a hammock under palms while sipping on fresh coconut by the turquoise waters of the South Pacific.

In these dreams, I can experience escape. It is a realm where my body is irrelevant. Where I can travel without discrimination or dysregulation. It is so amazing to lose myself to these visions.

I realize that travel in reality will be much more difficult and inconvenient. It will absolutely not match my dreams. And that is fine. I know the challenges I will face as a disabled traveler. It might be stressful or even scary. Many things might be impossible. I will need support constantly. I am so aware of this.

But I am so resolved to make these trips a reality. It is all part of my ambitions for my adult life. I am so able to do more than most people expect, even me. And the dreams are beautiful, but all the same, I want more. I am going to make it happen!

ABOUT TREVOR

Trevor Green is fifteen years old. He lives in Southern California. He loves music and bounce houses, and is fascinated by ideas of travel and learning about different cultures and cuisines. He wants to be a strong advocate for disability justice. He is happy you are reading his essay.