Physically, the gym helps me stay active and in shape. Growing up, my soccer and basketball teams supported my interest in sports and desire for competition. Informal adult sporting leagues now support me in that regard.
Socially, the great city of Chicago supports me in providing endless opportunities to engage in activities with others and meet new people.
Regarding my basic needs, my job provides me with monetary support to put a roof over my head and food on the table.
My health is supported through the combination of the above mentioned supports. It's a great feeling to have the support of loved ones, boosting emotional health. Staying active, having fun, and eating well also support my overall health.
If I were to imagine myself with the challenge of losing the use of my legs, I feel I would depend on the same support systems I do now, but in different capacities. I would need my loved ones for emotional support, much like I do now. I would lean on my friends for socializing and play time. While I may not be able to run, I would look for sports that require parts of my body other than my legs. It would enormously difficult to face this challenge without these supports, but life as I know it now would also be difficult without these supports.
This exercise reminded me that everyone has their own unique traits, and everyone needs certain supports that meet those traits. When working with young children, we must work to find the supports that match each child's individual needs.
