What is the greatest gift someone could give you? The gifts that keep on giving — compassion and understanding. I have learned over the years that sometimes the best course of action when a loved one is feeling low isn’t to try to provide advice or lessons, but simply compassion and understanding. When we receive…
The author reflects on the powerful nostalgia evoked by familiar music, especially from the 1990s and 2000s and earlier days listening to classic rock with his parents. These memories bring joy and a sense of connection to a time when they felt loved and happy. The author’s love for music led to learning the guitar,…
What is your all time favorite automobile? My dad has always had the coolest cars, and I have always loved the history behind them. He has a 1981 Pontiac Trans Am, which he bought brand new. But, my favorite are his two 1930 Ford Model A’s.
No, not the sales events that you see on TV during the holidays. December has always been my favorite month. My dad’s birthday is in December, mine is a week later in December, I have a cousin whose birthday is shortly before Christmas, and my paternal grandmother – the matriarch of the Baldwin family -…
The author reflects on his relationship with his girlfriend, someone he deeply admires for her resilience and determination as a disabled individual, as well as her successes in CrossFit. Their bond faced challenges due to personal struggles; they took a break, yet reunited stronger than before, recognizing it was a case of “right person, wrong…
Moving from the suburbs of Tampa to rural West Central Florida was initially difficult for the author, but now they appreciate the natural beauty that surrounds them. From numerous species of palm trees to wildlife like birds, deer, bobcats, and the endangered Florida Panther, the author enjoys being amidst the local fauna and flora, and…
The writer cherishes December due to a combination of personal and universal reasons. It is their birthday month, a season for cozy family gatherings, and the time for Christmas celebrations. They hold fond memories of childhood visits to grandparents and traditional festive dinners. Recently, the writer began to include friends in their birthday celebrations and…
As I finally get the opportunity to relax for a few days and reflect on how crazy this past calendar year has been, there were some challenging memories that came to mind. But in the midst of what was truly a life changing year for me, I have so much to be grateful for. It…
Born with spina bifida, David discusses the lasting mental health impacts of living with physical disabilities. The physical challenges of the condition are profound, but the mental struggle is often overlooked. David emphasizes the critical importance of inclusivity and understanding for those with physical disabilities, acknowledging their experiences with feelings of isolation, depression, anxiety, and…
Honestly, I had a few different ideas for tonight’s blog post, but that all went out the window when I heard the news. Tonight, I want to pay tribute to the definition of a selfless human being, Mrs. Rosalynn Carter, who passed away today surrounded by family aged 96. The wife of 39th President of…
In today’s society, it can often feel like we can never get ahead in life, and that we are always racing to catch up with those around us — especially for my generation (raise your hands, 90s babies). When you have a chronic illness, mental or physical, those feelings can come at your tenfold. I…
This Saturday, I am giving a speech to the neighboring county’s Democratic Executive Committee about Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion policies and how they helped me achieve success as a disabled student in the public school systems of Florida. It is an important topic to me. The disabled experience is important to talk about, and yet…
Is there an age or year of your life you would re-live? I have been thinking about this question all afternoon since it was first posed to me. I have had a long 31 years of life, with many experiences which have shaped me into the person I am today. But ever since I read…
What alternative career paths have you considered or are interested in? As I said previously, I have been reading many different books about spirituality and self-discovery. They all talk about aligning with our purpose in life. I think I have found mine. While I have been at my current job for the past seven years,…
What’s the biggest risk you’d like to take — but haven’t been able to? The biggest risk I would like to take — but have not been able to up to this point — is living independently, either in an apartment or in a house of my own. The unfortunate truth is that up to…
What does it mean to be a kid at heart? Lately, I have been reading a lot of books about self-discovery and how to live more authentically. Books by the great spiritual teacher Eckhart Tolle, books about ancient Toltec wisdom by Don Miguel Ruiz, and even a book about how to be more creative by…
“What is your story?” When I was a student journalist at the University of South Florida from 2013 to 2015, this was by far my favorite interview question. With such a simple question, so much can be gleaned from your interviewee that can be used for an article. It is a question that is disarming,…
Down by the Cypress Trees 