Independance

A guest speaker came in today to tell us about his condition, Cerebral Palsy.
He told us the usual stuff (don't pity us, and don't mock us) but he told us so many stories of all the times he had to deal with his condition in ways others wouldn't have to.
They're not my stories to tell, but anyway, this guy was hilarious. The second question on the list he made was "will you die". His answer was "yes. but i got news for you. So will you".

The message was that disabilities are normal, and in every society and country, people have them, and it's been that way forever.
He wrapped up with 3 rules (I forget 1, so here are 2):
1: Value your diversity (Of course)
2: Seek the story in a stranger

That second one is all about not dismissing people based on how they dress, or talk. It's about finding common ground and making connections, so you can co-exist more happily (a good message).

On the subject of wanting to be accepted, I say "don't join a group, make your own."
That way, you'll never be caught deciding between one group or another.