One of the biggest challenges of living with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is the difficulty of being independent without taking health risks. I have found a few tactics that enable me to be independent without even putting much effort into it.

It’s Not So Scary

Gaining independence throughout the course of life is essential for most people to grow and become successful in their own way. Factoring in SMA, that process gets to be a bit more complicated. There could be an absurd amount of danger intertwined with something as simple as finding alone time.

I am fortunate enough to be a confident introvert. Alone time is vital for an introvert, but I can socialize confidently when I choose to. I came up with a few ways to almost seamlessly transition my lifestyle to incorporate more freedom and independence. Most of the ideas I’ve had throughout the years weren’t planned either; just the outcome of a desire to do more in life.

Passions Are Fuel For Independence

Passion is my number one reason to do more in life independently. As an aspiring filmmaker, I am in a field with high competition. I don’t let anything come between me and my dreams — therefore, if I need to be independent enough to make something happen, I will. I start with exploring every possibility and making decisions that could put me in a direction closer to achieving my objectives. If I need transportation to a major opportunity, what is stopping me from asking friends and family for help? Carrying the mindset of being realistic and persistent naturally leads to independence.

Do It Yourself, The Right Way

Knowing my own schedule was important for finding a rhythm in the areas where I could be independent. If for example, I worked a few hours on weekdays, I know that those are going to be the times that I have to be the most responsible for myself. Of course, when it comes to SMA, everything is pretty specific and has to work in order for the day to run smoothly. Being confident and being able to take the steps of being responsible for myself is only the beginning. Taking the initiative and planning my own day is what makes independence actually possible. After all, nobody can plan for the success of my own ventures like I can. I always try to remember that things can fall into place as long as I take the step of initiating them.

Introverted? All The More Reason

In another light, independence is the dream for an introvert. There was a point a few years ago where I would always leave my bedroom door open out of fear — so I could get help quickly if anything dangerous happened. As I realized that I naturally cling to having private space, that wasn’t working out for me. I took a bit of time to do some mental reconstruction to overcome my fears, then found a way to communicate with my family whilst being isolated in my room in case something sudden happened. Again, confidence is still important; this is all futile if I couldn’t get over my fears in the first place.

Do Things With A Purpose

It all comes back to desires being a major part of my life, along with the inability to take no for an answer. I wouldn't have half of my opportunities or do half of my events on a weekly basis if I didn’t have higher purposes in pursuing them. Independence found me, and each time it was in pursuit of something more. It happens seamlessly, and I believe that is why, for me, finding independence is one of the least overwhelming aspects of SMA.

Columnists on mySMAteam discuss SMA from a specific point of view. Columnists' articles don’t reflect the opinions of mySMAteam staff, medical experts, partners, advertisers, or sponsors. Content on mySMAteam isn't intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.