Through Nina's Eyes

The following is an introduction and speech I did in my last toastmasters meeting. I have decided to share it with all of you…

On Oct 6 2021 was the day of World Cerebral Palsy Day where we bring awareness and education to the public regarding the most misunderstood condition – Cerebral Palsy.

Cerebral Palsy of BC asked their members who is our speaker tonight, what is one thing she would like to educate the public on this condition. She presented a short video.

Our speaker tonight who is an Accountant, a mother, a student and a toastmaster along with facing challenges with Cerebral Palsy. She has completed her Advanced Communication Gold and Advanced Leadership Silver from the original toastmasters’ program. Now, she is working on her Pathway program in Persuasive Influence. In her Researching and Presenting speech she will share the message given on World Cerebral Palsy Day.

Her speech is 5 to 7 minutes.

The title of her speech is “One message I like to give to the Public regarding Cerebral Palsy

Please help me welcome Nina Sahota

One message I like to give to the public regarding Cerebral Palsy

I am not contagious, don’t be afraid. I am just like you, have dreams, goals, live a life full of great opportunities , I can do anything that I set my mind too as you do for yourself.

Good evening, Mr. Toastmaster, Fellow Toastmasters and Welcomed Guests.

“We are all unique in our own ways”

Cerebral Palsy is often the most misunderstood and stigmatized. Not all people with Cerebral Palsy use a wheel chair, have an intellectual disability or unable to speak.

World Cerebral Palsy Day is where we brought awareness to the public regarding Cerebral Palsy.

Cerebral Palsy of BC asked members to share a message to the public.

The question that was given to all of us – was – What is one thing you like to educate the public about people with Cerebral Palsy? So, Tonight, I like to share with all of you what message I gave.

Before I do, for those who don’t know what Cerebral Palsy is, I will give a background of what CP is, how it happens and finally share the message I gave to the public.

First of all, Cerebral Palsy, also abbreviated as “CP” is the most common physical disability in childhood. It is an umbrella term that covers a group of disorders affecting a person’s ability to move.

It usually is due to the damage to the developing brain experienced either during pregnancy or soon after birth. It can happen to a child during birth up to 3 years old. Therefore, the first 3 years of a child is very crucial.

Example You see, while my mom had a perfectly normal pregnancy something went terribly, wrong on the day of my birth. The doctors ( 1970s) used just a tiny bit too much force on the calipers /Forceps and caused the smallest of injuries to my developing brain. And so began my life with Cerebral Palsy

Cerebral means “of the brain “and Palsy “refers to lack of muscle control”

It can range from very mild where it is not noticeable to severity where unable to use all 4 limbs.

There are 5 types of CP:

1. Quadriplegia – all 4 limbs are involved or affected.
2. Diplegia – All 4 limbs are involved. Both legs are more severely affected than the arms.
3. Hemiplegia – One side of the body is affected. The arm is usually more involved than the leg. (This is the classification I have been diagnosed with)
4. Triplegia – three limbs are involved or affected, usually both arms and a leg.
5. Monoplegia – Only one limb is affected, usually an arm or a leg

With any of the classifications – it can be mild or severe cases and it all depends on how much the brain is injured.

Some are unable to speak or walk. Others many have other medical conditions due to cerebral palsy like seizures or epilepsy. In my case, I had epilepsy and have been seizure free since 1997

Therefore, CP is not the same for everyone. It all depends on where the injury in the brain occurred. Yet it always affects the part of the motor skills where messages from brain to the limbs does not read properly. Another way to say it, is the injury interferes with messages from the brain to the body.

Since CP is an injury to the brain, it is not contagious, even having baby, a mother would not pass it to her unborn child. -It is not transferable to a child

Also, 2 people with the same type of CP such as myself…  if you place another person who has the same type of CP condition as me. We two will not be the same as it will depend on the symptom and severity. As well as how we take care of ourselves

It comes down to how each individual manages their CP. Each day is different for us and we require different needs and have different challenges which is unique.

So, I have been questioned by people who met me that will my condition become progressive. therefore, the message I gave to the general public for World Cerebral Day is that Cerebral Palsy is a permanent condition but not a progressive condition.  This means it does not get worse over time as someone gets older Instead with proper management by physical therapy, exercise and surgical options, motor skills can improve.

Once again, CP symptoms do not generally increase in severity and instead may actually improve over time. It comes down to self-care and proper management. Which applies to all of us as we get older, it is important to maintain good health regardless if we have CP or not. “ We are all unique in our own way.

Intentional Living

Over these few years, since 2017,  I started focusing on living life intentionally.

There is so much clutter in our external environment that it clutters our mind if one doesn’t slow down and breathe. In past generations there was no technology, social media and consumption that caused cluttering in the mind.

Yet, in today’s world we need to know how to build the skills to live intentional.

With intentional living, time slows down. I had more time for reflection and awareness.

I made more conscious decisions. I live life being more authentic and being more myself.

I live life with purpose, clarity and joy.

Focusing in certain areas of your life brings intentional living

Here are a few areas I worked on and can work for you –

Physical Wellbeing – When you focus on your body – inside and outside, your health, your relationship with yourself, you are taking care of your overall wellbeing inside . For example, I eat healthy, choosing apples over a cake, I know I’m doing good for myself. Eating the right amount of food makes me feel good inside versus over indulging which will I know will hurt me later on. It will cause other issues later on, picking the right food to go inside matters – eating intentionally.

Another example would be sleeping – giving myself quality sleep my body requires gives me the energy throughout the day versus being sleep deprived.

 When you start feeding yourself right from inside and outside, you will be lively intentionally.

Finally letting go of expectations – sometimes we can’t be too strict with ourselves – love yourself for your capabilities and the person you are.

Mental/Emotional – When I speak about this, I’m referring to what goes on inside the mind, your thoughts which is the mental part. Emotional – is your feelings, the heart. I have learned to limit my screentime and there are many friends and family who know I watch less news as there is so much negativity outside in our environments that it clutters the mind and can lead to depression/stress. I do listen to news and have screen time yet it is about limiting yourself. Other ways, I have helped myself live a more intentional life is walking in nature, running, hiking, reading, journalizing. All these activities can help you. You don’t need to do all of them, pick certain ones and see your life revolve. A bonus would be is for those who have a pet – hug them. Pets are great for your mental and emotional wellbeing. They provide unconditionally love.

Resources – Here I’m referring to Money, Time and Energy. Money – Questioning yourself – how much money do you need and work towards it? How or where you spend your money? Most people live in debt which causes life to become stressful. Live life in a way you can afford.

Time/Energy – Where do you need to spend your time? Does it bring value to you? Saying No to certain things helps to live in a meaningful way. I hear many people say, they are “busy” and unable to complete their goals and visions set. That “busy” time isn’t really productive. So, question yourself “Am I being productive or busy? Does this task I’m spending time on bring value to me? When you use your Resources the right way, less stress plays in the mind. You have a sense of calm, peace and value. I always say time is the most precious commodity. You live life intentionally when time and Energy is used in a right way.

Environment – is how you keep your home, office and work areas. How you keep your environment, is how your mind is. I, personally have kept a minimalist lifestyle where I only have what I need. In today’s world, there is so much ways to be cluttered. When purchasing “stuff” and filling up our living space. –  question “why do I need this”.

Downtime – This is where most people find it difficult to live intentionally. When you are spending time sitting and scrolling through google or Facebook – question yourself are you actually having downtime? Are you actually giving your mind a mental break? Phones, internet has been the biggest drawback in not having the right type of downtime for the mental wellbeing as well as living intentionally. I think to myself, 2 years from now or a day from today, will this bring value. When I have downtime, I sit quietly, mediate. It comes back down to taking care of your health and relaxing the mind from all distractions.

Relationships – to live a life of intention is living life around the right people – Question yourself – are you spending enough time with your family and friends who help you grow your health in the right path. I surround myself with my family and friends who care, love and help me through my journey. Those who feed my mind and energy build my spirit and soul.
For those who drain my soul and spirit, I let go as their journey ended with me. They taught me lessons that helped me grow and time to move on. The 5 people you spend the most time with is who you will become. Be intentionally who your loved ones are and spend worthwhile time with them. And for those who don’t care , spend less time.

Enough – is about overall everything above. Questioning how much is enough for you to live intentionally. When is it enough for you?

These are certain principles I have used to build living a life intentional. It might not be for all but take some and your mind revolve.

We are responsible of our own health. Live life intentionally.

As sitting alone, I question many things that are happening around the world through my eyes. One of them is socialization, communication and building connections with others.

I see many people, especially young adults are losing the communication of building a healthy relationship. This follows for people who are my age and older as well.

One item that is leading to lose stimulated and healthy conversations is text messaging

Text messaging has its advantages yet it has it drawbacks.

The purpose of why text messaging began in the first place is for

Convenience, Time Saving, respond when you have time and informal communication to name a few.

Yet the biggest drawback, in my eyes, is adults are forgetting to build connections, socialize and communicate with warmth with friends and family. Messaging is creating distance.  

To give an example, this morning, I messaged a friend who was going to meetup with me and do something exciting. All I wanted to do was a quick text and find out what time we were going to meetup. She started a full conversation, starting with “How are you?”

In the text message she indicated she is sitting and having coffee so conversation with the phone began. We had a conversation that would have been worthwhile by hearing a voice.  Our conversation by text lasted about 40 minutes. Yes, I watched the time.

As waiting for a reply, I questioned in my mind “this is ridiculous”. I’m sitting alone in my house talking with no one but a phone just like writing on a piece a paper or writing a letter to a long-distance friend in another country. It makes me feel sad.  I know that she is sitting alone in her house having coffee as she mentioned in one of her text messages. Time is passing by like a river. “Why don’t we just have a proper phone conversation that would last say 15 minutes instead it took 40 minutes”, I thought to myself.

If we spoke by phone, which we could have as we both were sitting alone, the conversation would have become more meaningful thru my eyes.

At the end of our conversation, I really didn’t get a good connection instead felt more distance and alone. We said our good byes but then there was a question to answer which I was looking at the time and did not want to continue texting. If we were talking by voice, we would have ended with saying good bye and no further question to read..

The one thing I don’t like about messaging, human connection is being lost. The emotional feeling with the friend is not being build.

Life is precious, messaging we lose time, if not used the right way and personal connection. This is my view and I miss having deep and healthy conversations with friends or people around the world.

Don’t get to me wrong, messaging does serve a purpose but only if used the right way.

I am a bookkeeper. 48 years old.

As I reflect back, I began this craft back in Grade 11 in high school. Eventually, started volunteering with my mentor and tutor who ran her self-employed bookkeeping business. Having Cerebral Palsy and seizures throughout my years – now seizure free. I have been a person who watches, listens and tries to challenge the mind and body.

In the beginning, I was not really interested with math, bookkeeping as I had and still do have a passion for music, writing and psychology. Since I been bullied in school, I would isolate myself from all the other students fearing if I approached anyone of them that I would get hurt. So I drowned myself with music and writing. They became my friend.

One of the things I did at break time in school, I would stand and observe how other children played. This led to reading how children were and I became interested on human behavior. In my college years, there was a short period where I did switch my program from Accounting diploma to the Psychology Diploma yet it was short lived. Even though I Aced my psychology course. I couldn’t see myself being in it in for the long run. I liked being on the business side. Seeing dad run a motel business, and volunteering alongside with his bookkeeper, my mentor – this is where I saw myself in the long run. I decided to switch to the Business Diploma and make my core courses Accounting. My expertise would be accounting yet I would know the other aspects of business. I worked on myself.  I read books every day, listened to music, exercised and studied. I was aimed to develop my expertise.

When I eventually began helping a company with their bookkeeping, I noticed I got bored doing books for one small business. I decided to open a small freelance bookkeeping business to have a challenge and to broaden the skill set in performing various books. I took the example of my mentor.

So began my journey in developing the expertise in bookkeeping. I worked on my skillset 6 days in the week and gave one day off. I had others who said I was over doing it and should try to socialize and have fun in life but now when they see me, I have expertise that is unique from other bookkeepers. I am socializing and having fun in my life now.

 And maybe one day I will have an interesting venture. Life is exciting when you do what your passion is. Time will tell where my next challenges lay until then I’m having fun with my craft.

When you find a passion – hone it, build it and become the best in the field. Ignore the naysayers and focus …. Repetition and Practice in the field of passion will bring the best out of your expertise

When I’m using transit, I sit quietly observing what happens around.

Two days ago, as I was returning home on the bus from work, an incident happened with the driver and a passenger. There was this elderly lady with a cane who stands up from her seat while the bus was in motion. She walks to the front telling the driver to stop and let her out on the side. He said he can not stop in the middle of the road and will let her out at the next bus stop. Her response was “OK” yet the driver told her to please go back and sit down for her safety. Once again, she said “OK” but continued to stand at the front of the bus. We, all, observed this elderly lady who was thin and fragile. She stood holding the cane in one hand and the bar in the other. A simple slip would cause her to break a bone. There was plenty of empty seats opening their arms for her to sit. The driver once again requested her to go sit down, explaining that if she falls, it will be really bad. Yet she didn’t care and she continued to stand, her body jerking. We could see the instability. It was like she wanted to get into an accident.

Finally, we made it to the next bus stop and before she took her step out of the bus, the driver explained to her that it was very dangerous for the action she played.

All she could say was “I’m sorry”, turned around and walked out.  The bus driver had to take a breather before continuing on …

Sometimes bus drivers are not at fault as they do their best to prevent dangerous actions

My transportation to and from work is usually the bus. I take the transit as I do not have a driver’s license.
I have been using the transit for years, since I have been young and actually enjoy the ride.

Stepping onto the bus and sitting down in an empty seat – a window seat… I start thinking about the many ways I appreciate taking the bus over a vehicle.

Taking the bus allows me to rest.

Since my bus ride to work is an hour long, I have the opportunity to read various educational books and sometimes a good novel such as the Harry Potter collection. It allows me to feed my mind with knowledge.

Sitting on a bus allows my mind to be calm… I can choose to do some mediation versus dealing with the crazy morning traffic or the evening rush hour.
If I choose I listen to my favorite music or podcast…. and finally sitting on the bus, I write…sometimes this time allows …growth

When I tell a friend, a family member or anyone out there that I take the bus … they seem to see a waste of time. The truth is that time allows me to have the opportunity for self improvement. It is about learning how to use the time given. how to bring in value of the bus ride.

So next time when you are sitting on a bus, read a book, listen to music or podcast, do mediation or visualization, or even write…you will see the value of using transit. Once again, It is learning on how to use your time when handed to you.

I have a 17-year-old son and when he was turning 2 years old, I was taking creative writing courses. One of my projects was to write poems using metaphor. I decided to write a poem about how I felt about my son and what he means to me. My son is a treasure.

Here is the poem,          

YOU ARE MY DEAREST BABY BOY

The minute I heard I had a little seed inside,

bliss filled my empty pot.

The minute I laid my eyes on you,

I fell in love

and life became new.

When I held you first,

you were a fragile piece of crystal glass

so pure and clean.

Gentle I had to be

when I set you on the table.

My dearest baby boy, my son, who is

A real soft plush toy,

A huggable teddy bear

who pours out unconditional love.

With adorable, bright brown eyes, a chubby face

and a smile that leaves an ever lasting print

that melts away my heart.

A pure, sweet smelling flower.

My baby’s scent,

brings a fresh white rose

chosen from a flower garden

to my mind.

No sort of weather can stop my superman.

A strong little man

who holds me so tight,

not even the wind can let go your might.

A curious little pup,

Amazed by the world

who roams around carefree

and becomes whatever he sees.

An explorer of an only one year.

Amazed I am of what he can be.

A high-pitched piano’s note

playing away that bonds us closer

taking my emptiness away.

You are my prize.

A work of art designed by God.

You are my dearest baby boy

who I will adore for life.

Love, your mom

When a reflect back, it is amazing how time flies, how children grow … Cherish the moments, I always say to other parents. The thing I learned about being a mother is we are here to be the best guidance, lead by example, we are their 1^st female role model and how we are in front of them, the way we speak and what we do, plays a factor on how they will grow as adults. This plays a factor for the father as well.

When my son was young, he saw how I worked on my career, health, education —how I studied, did my workouts. To give an example – there were times when he would be in the room as I lifted weights and then he would try to lift it himself… We would sit together and read books…there are so many other stories I can share on how I presented myself to him and the activities we did together. It will have to be for another blog.

I know as I am not with my son, he doesn’t live with me yet I am behind him and am still a role model  

Life is full of opportunities; most people see the opportunity, but they are afraid to act upon it.

 Acting on what you fear is the path to your strength. Live a life of amazing and inspiring stories to share with the younger generations. Set Big Dreams, write them down, visualize , believe in yourself and act upon it.

“At 24 years old in Feb 1997 – I had a major brain surgery to remove the area that caused seizures – (It was a) huge game changer there was 80% risk of becoming paralyzed. I visualized myself coming out of the surgery being seizure free and being stronger than before.

I believed with all my heart and visualized living a life where I would be healthy, strong and surrounded by loved ones.”

“I came out of the surgery feeling like I was reborn. I felt like a child with so much energy surrounding me and that I could do anything that I set my mind to.”

“Doctors told me not to run a half marathon – they said it would hurt me. Yet I didn’t listen. I had a goal, worked towards it and in year 2010, I ran my 1^st half marathon. The vision of crossing the finish line and getting the medal came true.”

“My ex told me not to take the role of a Controller since I would not be able to handle the role, yet I didn’t listen. I met my goal, the vision of sitting in an office with a window came true.

“My mom said having the business diploma was good enough and that I didn’t need further education, yet I saw myself walking across the stage receiving my business bachelor’s degree. that vision came true.”

The message I would give here is to know that difficult roads lead to you becoming stronger. To reach the top, you have to climb the tough hills.

Never give up.

Title – happiness and Good Health starts with you.

Some of you may know me and some of you may not, I am a number cruncher when it comes to my career yet I’m more than that. If one truly knows me, they would see I am a true believer in Growth, Change, Happiness and having good health.

Simply ,Growth, happiness and good health starts with you. Here is a bit of my story

I was born and raised in a small town up in Northern BC called Kitimat. This is where my parents taught me the value and importance of having good health. It’s number one before anything else.

I am a mom, a daughter, a bookkeeper, a runner and a Toastmasters and so many more things but they do not define me.

I’ve played many characters in my life but what you might not see is that I have a mild condition called Cerebral Palsy on my right side which means lack of muscle function due to damage of the brain And on top of that I have a secondary condition called epilepsy.  With a major surgery done back in 1997, Since then; I am seizure free. Therefore, before the age of 24, my full concentration was on health and wellbeing over career and any other thing else.

Health is Wealth – Dad would say and repeated it to me many times

My parents encouraged me to focus on 3 areas of health

1. Physical, 2) nutrition 3) mental

Mom – When I was in my elementary years and onto my high school instead of playing with other children, mom and her friends would take me out everyday for one hour walks encouraging that exercise will strengthen the heart, saying “Nina, you can’t go without exercising everyday” and there were times I would say “ No, I don’t want to do” yet she pushed me.

This lead to having a passion for running and physical well-being.

Dad – Every morning before heading to school, dad would bring a glass of juice or smoothy Couldn’t leave the house with a home-made juice that energized my soul and mind. Breakfast was must.

And today it leads to having a lifestyle of passion and hunger for fruit and veggies over donuts and greasy food

And mental health – throughout high school, I recall Dad saying “our mind, our brain is like a house, we have 4 rooms and if you close the door to one and let it collect dust, it will shrink. He was a true advocate of continued education. I have watched him learn various skills and education and one of them being a toastmaster to a club in Kitimat. I watched and listened to him give speeches.

When I was in college, he tried to get me to join but I was hesitant and later when I moved in Surrey, he tried again. I was quiet and hidden in a shell. Finally, when I was given the role to become an Accountant and lead a team of three, I had to push myself to speak. It was time to change and develop.

I still remember as of today, It was 2013, I walked into the City Hall doors of New City Toastmasters and sat at the back of the room.

When asked to come up during the table topic session, in a quiet low voice, I said “I’ll come up next time” I just felt like staying in my shell.

The following week, I did come up to the front and spoke for a few seconds. – something better than nothing. The best moment came Jan 16 2013, Sam, the founder of New City Toastmasters gave 4 topics – Pets, NHL, movies, Fishing. I choose pets and wound up speaking more than two minutes. This was the day; New City broke my shell and from then on I went on completing various communication manuals and leadership roles with the club and outside of the club.

Now I have a passion to inspire and motivate others, not just in toastmasters but outside where I can inspire others to believe in themselves and that anything is impossible if you set your mind to it. Yet it all starts with you. On building a foundation on Growth, happiness and good health – mentally, physically and what you put into your body.

Once again, Growth, happiness and good health starts with you.