What Disability Has Taught Me About Strength, Identity, and Showing Up
Written by: Rion Paige
My Body Isn’t Like Everybody’s. Neither is yours!! And That’s Kind of the Point
My body isn’t like everybody’s. And I bet yours isn’t either.
Being a woman sometimes feels like a full-time juggling act: being beautiful (but not too self-absorbed), strong (but not intimidating), and independent (but also totally available to help everyone else). The pressure is real, and so is the unspoken rule that we’re all supposed to look and move the same way. Well, we don’t, we were never meant to.
What Growing Up with a Disability Taught Me
Growing up, I realized pretty early on that I was different. I was in kindergarten the first time someone asked, “What happened to you?” (ouch) My hands curve at the joints, and for some people, that was the first thing they saw. But a five-year-old me? I was more concerned with snack time and convincing people that putting socks on with your opposite foot was a normal thing.
(It’s still a solid life hack, by the way.)
Sure, adults sometimes said things that stung even when they didn’t mean to. But in between the awkward stares and weird questions, I had friends. I was creative, I laughed a lot. I knew I brought something valuable to the table, even if my body didn’t fit the mold.
Disability Isn’t a Limitation—It’s a Perspective
The word disability often gets treated like it’s only about limits. Yes, sometimes I need to do things differently, and no, I can’t open every jar of pickles (yet). But disability also gives me perspective. It’s given me compassion, problem-solving skills, and a sense of humor I wouldn’t trade for anything. I face my challenges daily and still manage to show up with peace. That’s not a disadvantage, that’s a superpower in disguise.
The real problem isn’t being different. It’s how uncomfortable people are with difference itself.
We All Adapt—So Let’s Stop Pretending It’s “Other”
We tend to separate “normal” from “other,” when in reality, everyone is dealing with something: stress, health issues, body image, messy relationships, or just trying to keep a plant alive for more than a week (all of my plants are fake). Being human comes with baggage. Nobody’s cruising through life completely untouched.
And while we often talk about accommodations like they’re just for people with disabilities, let’s be honest, everyone adapts. We adjust our plans, make space, and show up differently based on what we need or what others need. That’s not charity. That’s the connection.
Celebrate Your Wins—You’re Worth Showing Up For
For me, something like doing the dishes is a whole process. My hands don’t move like most people’s, and there was a time when I didn’t think it was something I’d be able to do. But now? I’ve figured it out. And I’m proud of that. Thanks to my rockstar husband.
It’s not about pretending it’s easy; it’s about celebrating the effort it took to get there.
Over the years, I’ve done a few things people told me weren’t possible: graduated from college, sang on national television, advocated for my own healthcare, got married, and yep… dang dishes. None of it would have happened if I had let other people or my own inner critic take over.
So wherever you are, whatever your story looks like, whether you live with a disability or just feel like your body doesn’t fit the “norm,” give yourself permission to take up space as you are. Surround yourself with people who cheer for you. Be that person for others. Show up fully, even if the world feels like it’s pulling you in another direction.
During Disability Pride Month, take a second to appreciate what your body can do.
Run, rest, stretch, dance (badly), sing (loudly), or simply be. You’re worthy.
Rion Paige is a singer, speaker, and advocate who first gained national recognition as a Top 5 finalist on The X Factor USA in 2013. Born with arthrogryposis, Rion has never let physical challenges hold her back, using her voice to inspire others to rise with purpose. Her music blends country, pop, and worship, defined by an authenticity that uplifts and empowers. She has shared stages with renowned artists and continues to write and perform songs that bring hope. Now living in Nashville, Rion is passionate about faith, family, and mental health advocacy, reminding others that true beauty and strength are often found in the most unexpected places.
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