Confidence
There is something to be said when you have confidence in yourself. Confidence isn’t just something that comes along or that is sold in a store. Hell no! Confidence is something that you acquire. You gain confidence when you start to understand who you are. Confidence is believing in yourself and feeling like you can accomplish anything you put your mind to. Much of my confidence was gained during my teenage years. It was when I made fitness and a healthy lifestyle become a big part of my life.
Looking good and feeling good certainly boosted my confidence level. Coming from a kid who was classified as probably the 5th or 6th chubbiest in his class, it feels amazing. After my accident, my confidence dropped. I was so worried that my disability was going to prevent me from continuing the lifestyle that I had grown to love. I am fortunate enough to say that my disability hasn’t hindered me and my confidence level soared. It’s hard enough going through life being accepted with a disability. Having a disability and being in shape speaks volumes about you. It’s not just the physical aspect either. It’s the internal feeling of confidence you gain when your body appreciates when eating healthy. Eating healthy feeds the mind, body and soul. Eating foods that are high in protein (chicken, fish, lean meat and tofu) and foods rich in nutrients (vegetables, berries and some starches) will help you think, focus and function. Foods high in fat and high in carbs will ultimately make you crash and feel sluggish.
Because of my confidence and determination, people don’t say, look at that dude in a wheelchair, he can’t walk. Instead they say, look at that dude in a wheelchair, he’s ripped!!
It’s the New Year. Let’s make it happen!!
Category: Fitness and Disabilities, PHW BLOG
About the Author (Author Profile)
Frankie La Maccia is a business analyst for the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. He is a paraplegic due to a motorcycle accident many years ago. He leads a very active, fit, and inspirational lifestyle. He is a peer mentor at Magee Rehab Hospital helping others with disabilities. He is on the Committee Board of the Philadelphia Chapter of the Bouniconti Fund to Cure Paralysis. The Philadelphi chapter of the Bouniconti Fund is committed, focused and determined to help raise money to one day cure paralysis.
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