I'm a big girl now: Sarina Is that too much to ask?
- Sarina Harris
- May 7, 2024
- 2 min read
Quite often purple warriors like other people that aren't as healthy fighting their battles get belittled viewed less than, and not even seen as an adult. Ever so sad but it's true. I've even asked my family say Sarina vs. the nickname "rina-bina". Maybe that worked for the 3 year old I once was, apparently, it went in one ear and out the the other. It's really time to talk.
I'm not a silly woman that hides her age. I'm 35 I've had epilepsy since 12 and have a ton of family that still sees me as at 12-year-old that developed epilepsy. I came out of my shell it's time for people to accept it. People having that biased view generate stigmas, the negative judgement cast upon a person, with no justification. Over time those stigmas roll over into a massive domino effect. The warrior can internalize the profiling.
The part that I fight most often is that simply saying I have a disability it's just saying you're not able to do something, not saying I am completely disabled and unable to be productive or functional. I would just need to have some type of accommodation, which I have legal right to.
I would say that 30+ is an adult and if you think otherwise, maybe a couple wakeup calls need to be made. I once was a woman that felt so ashamed of my condition I just stayed on my phone in a funk. I can now say I am proud to be purple warrior, certified community health worker, CDC Americorps public health training, and love the feeling of advocacy. 💜💪💜💪
It felt wonderful that some people were interested and engaging with my presentation on epilepsy, stigma, first aid and recognition. Guess what... I was not nervous, anxious, butterflies, at all!
I am grateful for the support I received. CBD coupons, purple ribbons, wristbands, t-shirts, stress balls, but of coarse purple is the color is we are emphasized for those strong warriors! 💜💜💜
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