Disability - an inspirational philosophy

I like to think that I don't dwell too much on my eye condition; most of the time I just ignore it and get on with whatever it is I'm up to. I would certainly hate to be defined by it; if it were the first thing that someone used to describe me, I'd be a bit miffed. I'd rather be described as something like "...you know, the opinionated idiot with poor dress sense..." than the "bloke with the white stick".

But every so often, the whole thing does get to me and I start doing the whole "why me?" whining in my head. Only natural I suppose, but signally unappealing in company; even I find it irritating after a while.

I'd like to share, though, the brief philosophy of a man who is far more accomplished than I, and also (I'd venture) far more disabled.Nick Van Bloss is a concert pianist of international reputation who suffers appallingly from Tourette's Syndrome; after many years during which he felt unable to perform he will be making a public appearance and giving a recital on the 28th April at the Cadogan Hall.

I heard him interviewed on the radio a few days ago and his philosophy was simple and, for me, hugely inspiring. I paraphrase, but I think I've got the gist.

"The only thing in my life that I have no control over is whether I have Tourette's or not; I cannot change the fact of the condition. But I have absolute control over everything else."

Thank you Mr Van Bloss, you've lifted me up a bit.