Be willing to allow your challenges to become motivation.

Not everyone who knows me knows that I’ve had spinal surgery. It’s a pretty hidden disability despite the large scars that run down my spine and around my right rib cage. While it has had a tremendous impact on my life, I try to keep the focus on my successes and positives. I don’t want my scoliosis to define me, but I think it is important to honor the challenges I’ve overcome that have gotten me to where I am today.

It has been 12 years since I had my spinal fusion surgery that left me with two titanium rods and 19 screws running down my spine. Every year, I am reminded of the impact that the 11.5 hour surgery to correct my 60 degree curve has had on my life.

While it may always be difficult for me to stand for extended periods of time, lift heavy items, and participate in physical activities without pain, I allow my personal challenges to fuel my drive to succeed in the areas I know I can excel in. I make a conscious choice to focus on the positives. Every day. It’s not always easy, but it’s very necessary for me to keep getting closer to my goals.

I choose to work for myself because I know my strengths and weaknesses. I fully believe I can build a career and a lifestyle that works for me. It doesn’t matter if I am cozy in my bed brainstorming because I prefer that to an office chair that might irritate my back. It doesn’t matter if I don’t take advantage of every pop-up market because I know that, for me, standing for long amounts of time causes more harm than good and there are other ways I can make a sustainable income.

As my own boss, I give myself permission to do what works for me. I don’t have to experience the awkwardness of asking a supervisor or boss for permission to do things differently or explain why certain things are actually really difficult for me. Or worse, silently suffer at the expense of trying to fit in. Instead, I know not to push myself in the areas that I know will wear me out. I focus on what I am physically comfortable doing and build opportunities around that area of comfort. I’m able to excel in creative design, advertising, and marketing strategy in my own unique way.

Over the past 12 years, I have had countless opportunities and so much support as I work to follow my dreams and pursue my creative business. From designing and self-publishing two books to starting my business right out of college to working with incredible clients to growing my wholesale accounts and everything in between. I try to take time each year to celebrate how far I've come. In so many ways, I've accomplished more than I ever thought possible after learning about my scoliosis diagnosis as a young seventh-grader.

I had to wear a back brace for a year, I had to navigate not making sports teams, and feeling unsure if I would fit in. Now I don’t worry about fitting in, but rather creating a special space for myself to exist - on my own terms. Being my own boss has allowed me to take health concerns and constraints more seriously and avoid many awkward moments and unnecessary feelings of failure.

I wish I could say that my biggest health challenges are behind me, but I know there are more to come. I was officially diagnosed with polycystic kidney disease this year and expect to need a kidney transplant in my life, similar to my dad, uncle, and grandma. I’ve seen first-hand the challenges and sacrifices that come with kidney disease and kidney failure, so I know that what I’m up against isn’t going to be easy. I hope to continue to build my business in a way that allows me to live a comfortable and flexible life, so that I can address the challenges as they come up while still following my dreams.

For anyone struggling with something out of your control, my advice is this: focus on the positives, focus on what you *can* do, keep trying, and never give up. Hard work pays off and you are almost always capable of more than you think you are, regardless of the challenges you face. And always remember to be kind... everyone is fighting their own hard battle.

About the Author

I’m Chelsie. I started my business, Lettering Works, in 2016 and have the biggest passion for all things design and lettering. I love helping other passionate people build beautiful and effective visual identities for their own businesses.

You can read more about me on the About page of Lettering Works’ website.