Support The Work
Podcast Platforms
By: Nicholas Taubenslag
NOTE: I am very excited to welcome my very first official contributor Mr.Nick Taubenslag. You can find out more about him by clicking on the writing team. tab. Kevin G. Nuñez
We all have issues to change and work on. It’s the paradox of two different mindsets that we can choose to have in our lives. The two different mindsets are “The Victim” and The Champion.” It all depends on how we individually look at ourselves and our present reality.
When in the victim one can feel several emotions from anger, depression, and sadness due to past negative experiences. The reason behind this mindset is a lack of self-confidence and limited self-worth. Some questions in this mindset that we might ask ourselves are: “What’s in it for me?” “Why have these past situations affected me so deeply?”, “Oh poor me if only I could go back in time and do it all over again.” This mindset only leads to a lot of ruminating thoughts, seeking professional help, and being stuck in a mental quicksand which could be exhausting to pull ourselves out of. The victim focuses on a selfish mindset. It’s more focused on the immediate gratification of our own individual needs. For example, worrying about how much money one is going to make in order to survive. Over time a person in this mindset gets burnt out and loses the much-needed courage to change this mindset into a more uplifting one.
The champion mindset is centered around treating others with kindness, love, and respect. Their internal outlook is one of self-confidence, unconditional self-love, compassion, and inner strength. Some questions that a person with this mindset might ask themselves: “How may I serve you?” “What is my life purpose?” and “What are my goals in life?” Having this mindset tells the universe that we want to make a difference in people’s lives.
In 2021, I had some very scary events. I was on many different meds. While I was on these meds I sunk into a deep depression. As a result, I had to move back to my parents house. I didn’t know how I was going to pull myself out. Luckily, I had my parents, men’s group therapy, my counselor, and a famous hypnotist to help pull me out. I tried working out among other things to try and pull myself out. I was stuck in the victim mindset at first but trusted my intuition to heal and become a champion.
The lessons of 2021 were courage, help from others, and resilience. My family motto illustrates this section perfectly. It’s all about never giving up and always trying. If you try your best you can accomplish anything.
Ever since going to New Jersey Partners In Policy Making back in 2019 I have been living my life purpose of self-advocacy specializing in expanding transportation options for people with disabilities. I also have been accepted into Jespy House, an independent living community with a social outlet already built with numerous clubs built-in. As well as mental health built-in. It’s like I am on the verge of becoming a champion in my own right.
What this past year has taught me is to have relentless courage, determination, and a positive outlook on life. A very wise former Admiral Navy Seal William H. McRaven Author of “Make Your Bed Little things that you can do to change your life and maybe the world.” illustrated this point perfectly when he wrote in his book “never ever ring that bell.” which is a sign of quitting.
In conclusion, A very wise man once asked, Are we here for a season or a reason? If we are here for a season we are like a leaf on a tree when its time is finished it just blows away in the wind, in other words, forgotten. However, if we are here for a reason we will have lived a life with genuine kindness, compassion, and action. By having this question in the forefront of our minds we can all become champions in our own lives. When one door closes in our lives, I strongly feel it’s a huge opportunity to train ourselves to go the distance and come out the other side to open that door to a better future.
Disability Limbo Newsletter
I started Letters from the Limbo as a way to connect with you on a deeper level. Twice a month, I send out an email filled with personal anecdotes, professional updates (like my recent reelection as Vice Chair of the NJCDD), and the policy insights I don’t share anywhere else. This isn’t just another email—it’s an unfiltered look at the life of a disability advocate. Join my community and get an exclusive, honest look at the work that matters
Thank you for your response. ✨
The Advocacy Life Podcast & Blog 
Leave a comment