Rachael

I’ve been giving my Near Death Experience (and how it affected me), some thought around leadership.

One night, while lying in my hospital bed, worn out and drained from being poked many times over to insert a painful intravenous needle, and being fed one of my favourite meals of macaroni, stewed tomatoes, and ground beef, I had a Near Death Experience.

I was tired and closed my eyes. I then experienced a warm golden light flooding my entire body, and as I told the woman who fed me spoonfuls of the mixture, that I was seeing the “pure Light of God”, she remarked, “Sweet Jesus!” and continued to feed me.

As I chewed, I “heard” a voice telling me that it “wasn’t my time yet”, and that I “had to do some things here while I remained in my body, on Earth”, as I cried and told it no, that I wanted to go into that beautiful Light.

Ever since that eye opening night, I have come to understand that leadership, in its many forms, can mean many things.

It can be messy, demonstrate vulnerability, indecision, doubt, and can be hidden within a facade of powerful negligence, irresponsibility for those of us who have desperate need for guidance and support, and a need for control and power over the many marginalized and often forgotten people in society.

As a child, I wanted to be heard, seen, and valued; and although my life has been very challenging, I want to keep that childlike wonderment and curiosity with regards to living a good life, which I believe is at the root of humanity’s collective quest to live well and live responsibly.
The qualities of leadership that I wish to apply are multifaceted and complex, in taking a much gentler approach by creating welcoming communities where disabled and able-bodied folks can freely coexist, I can form a community of empowered individuals who embrace their differences.

I feel that many, like myself, don’t have their basic needs met and are trying to exist within the devastating constraints of consistently having to prove their worth in a world where governmental supports (which is commonly referred to as legislative poverty), severe restrictions, and lack of compassionate caring empathy in society are an often everyday occurrences.

Leadership qualities (from someone who experiences the same injustices as many disabled folks do), connects with folks on a visceral and spiritual level; i.e., with the same dignity, understanding, and degree of compassion that our disabled bodies and psyches deserve.

By assisting folks desiring growth and a feeling of self acceptance, working with one’s own strengths, harnessing one’s own weaknesses in working for them (and not against them, however large and limiting those beliefs may be), a leader can project values and benefits in working alongside folks in disabled and able-bodied communities.

That relationship can provide our disabled communities with hope, and can open up dialogues for change in our own personal lives and with our very human connections influencing radical changes.

I’ve also realized that my own actions influence everyone around me, and ultimately, that in turn affects the whole planet.

I want to be clear: with leadership comes duty and responsibility; by practicing compassion, gentleness, along with warmth and humour, due diligence and respect, we can all thrive.

In assisting folks, not only to awaken their dreams, but attain them in all aspects of their lives, no matter what their ability, I can be a responsible and focused leader.

So much of our time is spent trying to navigate the systems of governmental policies, and we need safe places to vent our own life frustrations. I too have had many negative experiences with government workers penalizing me by denying benefits necessary for my right to live life with the necessary support in place.

Truly honest, transparent leadership can form connections with disabled and able-bodied folks alike, and create a mutually beneficial community of belonging while taking a person-centred approach.

Leadership gives us a place to reflect our various multifaceted abilities, rally against oppressive political powers that can bind us, and build upon our own network of folks desiring advancement of the values important to our growth in living a life that is truly our own, on our terms.

As a disabled person, I see many injustices that we have to live with every day.

The very framework of our existence is based on care and dignity, and I see the need for leaders and allies, alike.

We, as human beings, must be seen, heard, valued, and we matter in this world.

My only hope is that I can bring a safe, compassionate space for all who desire it, and assist others to reach their greatest potential…

One life at a time.