i have ears. do i hear with these ears? do they really hear? do i have selective hearing, only hearing what i want them to hear, remaining deaf to the cries of heartache, or will i unstopper my ears and really listen?

i have eyes. do i see with these eyes? do they really see? do i have selective vision, only seeing what i want them to see, remaining blind to the ugliness of this world, or will i remove the blinders and really see?

i have a heart. do i have feelings? does my heart really beat? am i alive? do i have selective emotions, have i closed my heart, become hardened, emotionally, spiritually dead, or do i choose to remain embittered, or will i embrace the heartbreak life dishes out and learn to be compassionate?

i have a mouth. do i talk with this mouth? does this mouth really have something to say? do i have selective speach, running off at the mouth, telling lies, or do i choose to learn to keep my big mouth shut, listen when spoken to, and speak only truth?

i have hands. do i use these hands? do these hands really work? do i have selective uses for these hands, only using them for selfish gain, or will my hands remain paralyzed, refusing to help, or will i choose to offer someone in need the use of my strong, capable hands?

i have a brain. do i use this brain to its greatest potential? does this brain really work? do i have selective input--believing the lies i've put and put in it over the years, remaining to berate myself for my stupidity, or do i choose to delete the bad data and improve myself?

i have legs. do i walk with these legs? do these legs really work? do i have selective activity, remaining lazy, or will i choose to stand up on my own two legs and just run headlong into whatever adventures life has for me?

i have a disability. am i a person with a disability? is my disability me? do i select to feel sorry for myself, poor, poor pitiful me, remaining a cripple, or do i choose to face challenges presented to me with strength, dignity, and courage, the best way i know how? *and if i need help, i'll ask. :)*

(C) karla dorman, 2003.