Unlocking your happiness: The Impact of Comparison Between Disabled and Nondisabled Individuals

Hello, Jhana’s supporters! It’s your disability advocate and writer, Jhana. Today, I am back with another blog and starting to get the hang of posting these blogs regularly. That said, I had to change my schedule again since finding time to write my blog is hard. I decided to write for “Jhana’s Writing Journey” on Fridays, finishing on Saturday morning. I also plan on writing articles for another writing platform called Unwritten on Saturday afternoons. It's been quite a challenge to juggle all these responsibilities, but your support keeps me going.

I have a new class every month, which makes planning quite challenging. This also means that different assignments have different due dates. The only constant in my schedule is Sunday. 

Work weeks are different from weekends as well. I’m still trying to write blogs consistently while keeping up with my classes because I really want to graduate this year, even though it won’t be in April. I won’t announce my expected graduation date for now because I don’t want to jinx it. All I can tell you is that my expected graduation date is in May. That means I have to try harder to graduate. I never wanted anything so bad in my entire life, so I’m optimistic. Now, let's get into today's blog. 

In today’s blog, I would like to discuss comparing yourself to disabled and non-disabled individuals. 

Understanding the Nature of Comparison: A Psychological Perspective 

Comparing yourself can be dangerous and negatively impact our self-esteem and happiness. Both disabled and non-disabled individuals find themselves measuring their worth against others, leading to feelings of inadequacy or superiority based on their circumstances. 

Comparing yourself to others can lead to low self-esteem, negatively affecting your life. We all sometimes struggle to appreciate our unique qualities. Therefore, self-acceptance and happiness are crucial for a happy life.  

The Role of Social Media in Shaping Self-Perception

In our society, we all measure ourselves and others against certain standards. In the disabled community, for instance, people think they are less worthy than those without a disability just because they have one. For example, they might feel powerless and less capable because they can’t do most things an individual without a disability can.

Fighting against thinking this way can be challenging for disabled individuals. They might feel like they’re not meeting the standards of non-disabled people. That’s also why social media users need to recognize that the portrayals they see online rarely reflect reality.

Empathy and Connection: Bridging the Gap Between Disabled and Non-disabled Lives

Empathy is not just a word, it’s a bridge connecting disabled and non-disabled individuals. It’s the key to reducing the stigma associated with disability and promoting inclusivity. By understanding and sharing the feelings of others, we can create a world where everyone feels valued and accepted. 

Creating a positive environment and open communication can help us overcome stereotypes and teach others that every person is different in their own way. And that’s a good thing.

Cultivating Gratitude: How Shifting Focus Can Enhance Happiness

If you practice gratitude, you enhance happiness for both disabled and non-disabled people. Then, if you choose to focus on what others can do and the positivity they bring, they will have a more positive impact on you and the rest of society.

Strategies for Building an Inclusive Community and Reducing Negative Comparisons

Building a healthy community requires a lot of effort; you have to be open to developing strategies to reduce negative comparisons. A community with events, awareness campaigns, and educational programs can help create environments where everyone feels valued. 

Support across different mediums can help people with disabilities feel like they belong. It also reduces the tendency to compare oneself with others. It is vital for the development of an inclusive society to promote a healthy relationship between someone with a disability and someone without one. 

The power of friendship: Supporting Friends with Disabilities

Hello, Jhana’s supporters! It’s your disability advocate and writer, Jhana. I have some exciting news: I’ve decided to add poetry to “Jhana’s Writing Journey.” After a few years, I’m thrilled to return to this form of expression. You can read some of my previous work in this genre on my website. I haven’t decided how often I will write and post poetry, but I hope to do so regularly.

Another thing I wanted to talk about before I get into today’s blog is that I failed one of my classes. So, I will have to retake the class and might not graduate until May. I think it’s because I cut it close to the holidays, and that’s a problem since I get seasonal depression. But it’s okay. I’ll still graduate this year — just a month later. I plan to talk to an advisor about retaking the class, so I hope to pass the second time. I did not really care about the assignments when taking the class the first time, so I plan to be more focused and determined.

My rant is over. Now, let's get into today’s blog. 

Today, I want to discuss having a supportive friendship while having a disability. 

Understanding Disabilities: Breaking Down Misconceptions

Understanding that people have a disability is not just important, it’s crucial. It’s the key to breaking down misconceptions and fostering a more inclusive society. Having friends with disabilities can be challenging if you don’t know anything about their condition or how to react to their problems. That’s why it’s so important to educate and advocate for people with disabilities, whether physical or mental. And that’s particularly the case if you’re friends with someone with a disability.

Educating people about your disability can make them understand it better. There are different types of disabilities, and all of them come with misconceptions. People also pick and choose what is classified as a disability. Disability types can vary and may include physical, mental, sensory, intellectual, and mental health.

We can foster a more inclusive environment for our friends by gaining a deeper understanding of disabilities. It’s vital to understand that each individual has different disabilities. Another thing many people tend to forget is that having disabilities can make finding friends difficult because not everybody likes others with disabilities. 

The Role of Empathy in Supportive Friendships

Empathy is not just a nice-to-have in friendships, it's a must. It plays a significant role in creating a more supportive friendship. Friends with disabilities can teach you that you can be friends with different types of people because we all deserve to be loved and accepted for who we are. Empathy also allows us to see the world from their point of view, teaching us what they constantly go through. This type of understanding can create more meaningful interactions and support.

Additionally, empathy helps reduce feelings of isolation that individuals with disabilities may experience and creates a safe support system for them.

Communicating Effectively: Listening and Learning

Discussing disabilities is a healthy way to create friendships. Educating those close to you is essential because not everyone understands disabilities and the struggles of those with them. To do this, you have to be open and confident about your own disability.

Communication is not just key to better relationships, it’s the foundation. Whether romantic or platonic, communicating better can help you feel confident in yourself and appreciate others more. When you learn to communicate correctly, you truly listen to one another. This starts with active listening.

It’s hard to be friends with people who aren’t open-minded. Open-mindedness allows others to listen to what you have to say and makes you feel comfortable sharing your thoughts and feelings without judgment. You can start by asking open-ended questions, encouraging deeper conversations and showing we genuinely care. 

It is vital to be open to learning about our friends’ needs and preferences. Each person’s experience with disabilities differs from the next person, and understanding this will strengthen your friendships.

Inclusive Activities: Creating Shared Experiences

Inclusivity for people with disabilities means being included in every aspect of life that those without disabilities have. Everyone with a disability should be included in what others are included in. Even though people may have a hard time, it’s not bad if they can try. 

Examples include adaptive sports, art classes, or community events that celebrate diversity. Inclusive friendships that celebrate diversity can also foster a sense of belonging. These friendships show that everyone is equally valuable and wanted. Plus, helping those with disabilities build their confidence allows them to enjoy themselves better. 

Advocacy and Awareness: Being a Voice for Your Friends

If a person with a disability is having trouble advocating for themselves, having good friends to advocate for them is crucial. This also involves standing up against discrimination, challenging misconceptions, and educating others about the importance of inclusivity. Speaking out can create a better, more supportive environment for everyone.

Advocacy extends beyond the immediate circle. Volunteering with organizations that support disability rights can help raise our friends’ voices and contribute to significant societal changes. In doing so, we not only support our friends but also help foster awareness. 

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How Depression Affects Learning: Strategies for Students The Connection Between

Hello, Jhana’s supporters! It’s your disability advocate and writer, Jhana. I hope everyone had a safe Christmas and a happy New Year. Today, I want to discuss how depression can affect learning while one is pursuing an education. 

Depression and Cognitive Function

Depression can negatively impact our memory and cognitive functions, including attention and decision-making skills. Students may find it challenging to concentrate on their studies or remember information, which can affect their academic performance. 

Depression also leads to stress and anxiety, further exacerbating cognitive difficulties. Understanding the signs of depression is very important for students, educators, and caregivers to provide appropriate support. 

Empowering Students: Recognizing Signs of Depression

Recognizing the signs of depression in students is the first step to getting better. Learning new ways to cope with your depression should be your priority. It’s very common for individuals to experience sadness, withdrawal from social activities, and changes in academic performance. These issues can also affect your eating and sleeping patterns. 

Teachers and peers can help identify these signs. Finding someone you can trust to help you through whatever you are going through is essential. After all, having a positive support system is key to dealing with depression.

Creating a Supportive Learning Environment

Having a support system can make the environment safe for students. It can also make a huge difference for those struggling with depression since they will have a safe person to talk to about their struggles. 

Attending support groups with people who understand what you are going through is also important. These groups can help you grow and provide an atmosphere conducive to learning and growth. 

Overcoming Challenges: Effective Study Techniques for Students with Depression

Students who are dealing with depression may benefit from using study techniques tailored to their needs. For example, you might want to learn in smaller groups instead of studying in a big group. This could give you peace of mind and a better chance to focus without overwhelming you. 

Additionally, putting tasks on a calendar might help you stay on track and motivate yourself. It can also make it easier to achieve your goals for the day or week. 

Seeking Help: Resources and Strategies for Students

Some think seeking help is a sign of weakness, but it’s not; it’s a sign of strength and maturity. Seeking help when needed is very important if you want to get better. You could reach out to school counselors, teachers, mental health professionals, or support groups specializing in mental health.

You can also search for online resources and hotlines providing immediate assistance and guidance. Utilizing these resources as students can help you take control of your mental health and academic success. 

Depression is a serious condition, especially if left unaddressed. I got help, and I am still getting help. I used to let depression affect the way I learned, and I was not ready to get help. But ever since my uncle passed away in 2022, I learned how to deal with it. Now, I am doing what I love to do for me, not for anyone else. 

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New Beginnings: A Guide to Celebrating New Year’s Day

Hey, Jhana’s Supporters! It’s your disability advocate and writer, Jhana. I hope you’re all doing well. I honestly can’t believe 2024 is finally over. This year went by really fast. I’m in my last year at Full Sail University. If I pass my current class, I will have three months to graduate with a BFA in Creative Writing. My goals for this year are to become a better writer, start my freelance writing career, and begin writing as a columnist. I’m also working on my book “Cursed Hearts.” I hope to finish editing it soon so I can publish it by the end of next year or the beginning of 2026. Now, let's get into today’s blog. 

Today, I want to talk about new beginnings and how you can celebrate the New Year. I never liked or understood the new year growing up. But everything changed in 2018 when my fiance came to Hawaii from Massachusetts.

I know I’ve mentioned this before, but we met on Facebook in 2017. When he came over to visit me, we made our relationship official. Our anniversary is when he came on January 9th. It's been 7 years since he moved to Hawaii. In today’s blog, I won’t really focus on my love life, but I want to acknowledge how challenging the start of a new year can be. That’s why you should make it a habit to create New Year’s Resolutions. 

Embracing New Beginnings: The Significance of New Year’s Day

New Year's Day symbolizes new beginnings. It’s a chance to reflect on positivity and change. It represents hope, renewal, and the opportunity to make positive life changes. 

What exactly do new beginnings mean? New beginnings could mean new changes or something completely different and unique to you. You can let go of past disappointments and embrace the possibilities that lie before you. Celebrating them can help set a more positive tone for the rest of the year.

Mindful Resolution: Setting Intentions from the Year Ahead

Setting New Year’s resolutions is a tradition for many people. It’s a wonderful time to set goals for a better life and a brighter future. Setting goals and ambitions can encourage you to think deeply about what you want to achieve and how you want to feel throughout the year. 

We can create a more meaningful and fulfilling journey by aligning our resolutions with our core values and aspirations. You need to make sure your intentions in the new year are positive. 

Celebration Ideas: Unique Ways to Ring in the New Year

Until my early 20s, I thought celebrating the new year meant throwing a party and playing with fireworks. But everything changed as I got older, more specifically after meeting Rob and creating a home with him in Hawaii. I found that the beginning of the year is more meaningful than I used to think.

Consider unique ways to celebrate New Year’s Day that bring you joy and new connections. I never thought of January as a new beginning. As I mentioned at the beginning of this blog, Rob came to Hawaii seven years ago, and New Beginnings is our theme. So we celebrate the whole month of January, especially the day he arrived: January 9th, around 8 p.m. 

The second way to celebrate is to make changes and stick to them. Since around Christmas, I started walking again and plan to keep that momentum. I also found out that no one cares or looks at me funny when I use my walker.

Creating Meaningful Traditions: Building Joyful Memories

Traditions can be crucial in how we experience New Year’s Day, as they help us create lasting memories. After I quit drinking and smoking cigarettes and marijuana, I no longer did anything special for New Year’s. Everything also stopped when my grandma and uncle passed away. 

That’s when traditions can come in. By intentionally creating and participating in traditions that resonate with us, we not only celebrate the new year but also strengthen our relationships and create joy-filled moments that we can cherish for years to come.

Reflecting on the Past: Gratitude Practices for a Fresh Start

Reflecting on the past year is very important for personal growth and renewal. Showing gratitude allows us to acknowledge what we learned and how we grew, as well as appreciate those who supported us along the way. 

Setting aside time for gratitude practices, such as journaling or sharing with loved ones, can help us enter the new year with a heart full of appreciation. It also clears the path for new opportunities and positive experiences. So, here’s a happy and positive 2025!