The Good Life: Mac

“While, at times, I would love to not deal with chronic pain, my disabilities are a part of who I am, and I am proud to be disabled” – Mac Zamani

A good life for me means being my authentic self. A life where I am loved, feel connected and embraced by my communities, have purpose and meaning and in environments where I can thrive. It doesn’t mean a life free of disability.

Finding out I was one of the winners of ABC’s Takeover Melbourne writing competition was one of the happiest moments of my life. Growing up with dyslexia, I struggled in English. To find out I won a writing competition gave me the confidence in myself and my ability to share my story. I wrote about how my wheelchair allowed me to embrace who I am.

In many ways, I’m grateful for my wheelchair. It forced me to be visible. Unable to hide anymore, and with the support of teachers and friends, I found a community who made me feel safe and accepted. They helped me grow into myself and into this body, allowing me to embrace my queerness and express my unfiltered personality. I realised, what’s the point of blending in when you were born to stand out?! I’ve become visibly me.

The past few years have completely changed the projection of my life as my health deteriorated. At times it has been hard, but the life I have now is better than I could ever have imagined. I have meaning and purpose. I have finally ended up where I was meant to be.

I hope to graduate from university with an OT degree and start my own practice supporting trans and gender diverse young people. I would love to write a book, or maybe a couple. At the end of the day, I hope my future is filled with many more good memories.

Image supplied by Mac Zamani. Credit:  Karen Brookes, ABC

You can follow Student, Writer, and Children and Young People with Disability Australia Advocate, Mac Zamani’s Good Life on Instagram.

In our social media series #StoriesOfTheGoodLife we explore what a good life means for people with disability. People from all walks of life, living rich, full and meaningful lives on their own terms.

Funded by the Australian Government Department of Social Services.