The Power of Belief

byrcharinhp99

3.6K followers

Updated 2 months ago

Disclaimer:

This story is not for newbies, per se. It is about a doctor and neurodiversity, childhood struggles, and survival. However, I am not a doctor and I do not give medical advice. Always consult with your primary care provider before taking on life’s challenges yourself. Bear in mind that I enjoy reading success stories and am a huge fan of brain studies. My hope is that you will gain a fresh insight into the burgeoning topic of neurodiversity. Please like and share with your friends and family.

Holistic Medicine

Holistic medicine is an attitudinal approach to health care rather than a particular set of techniques. It embraces the psychological, familial, societal, ethical, and spiritual as well as the biological dimensions of health and illness.

Holistic medicine emphasizes the uniqueness of each patient, versus putting everyone in a box. It also enhances the doctor-patient relationship. In addition, it encourages an individual to take responsibility for their health and believes that it’s society’s responsibility for the promotion of health on every level.

Dr. Gladys McGeary

Gladys McGeary's story is like a grand adventure, filled with ups and downs, twists and turns, and a whole lot of courage. Let's dive into the incredible journey of this amazing woman who, against all odds, became a beacon of hope and inspiration.

Born in India in 1920, Gladys's life started on a path less traveled. Her parents were medical missionaries, which meant she grew up in a world where helping others was just part of daily life. Imagine living in India, with its rich culture, vibrant colors, and diverse traditions. Gladys didn't just live there; she absorbed every bit of it, even meeting Mahatma Gandhi, a leader whose ideas about peace and non-violence changed the world.

Being Misunderstood

But life wasn't always easy for Gladys. School was a battleground, not because of exams or homework, but because she was different. Dyslexia made reading and writing a challenge, and instead of getting help, she was labeled stupid and bullied. It's tough, right?

Being misunderstood and underestimated. But here's where the story takes a turn. A former teacher saw something special in Gladys, something even she didn't see in herself. This teacher believed in her, and that belief was like a spark that lit a fire.

Gladys didn't just get through school; she soared. By 17, she was out of high school and on her way to college, then to the Women's Medical College of Pennsylvania. Imagine the determination, the nights of studying, the will to prove everyone wrong. And in college, she met William McGarvey, a fellow medical student. Together, they embarked on a journey, both as doctors and as partners in life.

A Huge Teachable Moment

But life, as you know, is full of surprises. At 70, after 46 years of marriage and a shared medical practice, William left Gladys for another woman. It was a blow that could have knocked her down for good. But Gladys, she's not just anyone. She saw this painful experience as a lesson, a "huge teacher" that helped her find her own voice. She started a new holistic medicine practice with her daughter, turning pain into purpose.

Then, at 93, Gladys had a dream that would change her life once again. She was up in a tree, and she saw Jesus, who encouraged her to spread her message to the world. Imagine that moment, feeling inspired to share a lifetime of wisdom and healing. Gladys took that message to heart and began writing. Her books, filled with stories of resilience and hope, became bestsellers.

93 Reasons to Life Coach

Today, Gladys lives and works in Scottsdale, Arizona, with her daughter. She's not just a doctor; she's a coach, a mentor, and a friend to those in need. She maintains a healthy lifestyle, enjoys a piece of cake now and then (because life is all about balance), and climbs stairs every night for exercise. She became a consultant coach at age 93.

Gladys McGeary's life is a testament to the power of belief, resilience, and the ability to turn challenges into opportunities. Her journey from being labeled "stupid" to becoming a renowned doctor and motivational speaker is not just her story; it's a lesson for all of us. It shows that with determination, support, and a bit of dreaming, anything is possible.

It’s Okay To Be Different

So, kids, remember Gladys McGeary when you're facing your own battles. Remember that it's okay to be different, to have challenges, and to dream big. Because sometimes, it's the toughest challenges that lead us to our greatest achievements.

Dyslexia

Despite her earlier struggles with dyslexia, she was able to succeed and move forward in her life. Oftentimes, a person with this diagnosis is often overlooked. The symptoms may mask as something else.

Crystal’s Shining Moments

Dr. McGeary’s life story is very near and dear to my heart. My brother’s wife (Crystal) of almost 23 years has had her fair share of physical and neurological disorders. She not only suffers with a mild form of epilepsy, but she was also diagnosed with dyslexia from a very young age.

Despite having these challenges, she maintains a pleasant attitude in life and is very personable. She is an accomplished poet and has published 2 books of poetry, and she has a small handicraft business along with her younger sister.

Crystal and Suzie manage to design and make handmade crocheted and knitted items including hats, handbags, scarfs, and a host of baby clothes and blankets. She also has a YouTube channel to market her products. She's an amazing asset to the Bryant family.

Dyslexia is a topic that often leads to confusion because it shows up differently in everyone. To shed light on this, engineer Mamta Singhal has stepped up to share her insights into what dyslexia is and how it can manifest in people's lives.

Understanding Dyslexia

The NHS describes dyslexia as a common learning challenge that mainly affects how a person reads, writes, and spells. But it's crucial to understand that having dyslexia doesn't equate to a lack of intelligence or effort.

“Dyslexia means that I might mix up letters, struggle with spelling, and find reading challenging. Yet, there's a widespread misunderstanding about what being dyslexic really entails.”

Living with Dyslexia: A Personal Journey H4

“I discovered I was dyslexic at the age of 12. It was like trying to connect dots that just wouldn't align. Language subjects were a struggle, requiring extra effort to pass, while areas like math, science, and the arts felt much more intuitive.”

During one interview, when asked about her condition, Mamta stated”

“Finding out I was dyslexic was a blessing and a curse. I realized my brain was wired differently to the average person. I focused on my strengths and realized that engineering and creative fields would be the best avenue for my skill-set. Personally, I now see my neurodiverse brain as a benefit as I can see connections and patterns, plus I like to visually represent thoughts and theories.

When working globally and even though everyone is fluent in English, I find a visual representation of ideas to be of benefit. It was found that my verbal reasoning was above average (likely to compensate for weaker written skills) and as a result I really enjoy public speaking and mentoring work. I did delay applying for my CEng, as I found the forms and the text-based process was off-putting, but I broke it down into small pieces of work and just did a little every few weeks”

Mamta also prides herself on her innate ability to work with diverse populations.

Dyslexia can lead to mixing up letters, inconsistent spelling, and difficulty following written instructions or organizing thoughts. However, it also opens the door to unique strengths in creative thinking and problem-solving.

Dyslexia in Today's Society

The old stereotype that people with dyslexia aren't capable is not only harmful but also outdated. Many individuals have proven that their dyslexia is not a setback but rather a unique advantage that has helped them excel in various fields. It's time to move beyond these negative stigmas and recognize the potential in everyone.

Embracing Dyslexia

Living with dyslexia comes with its challenges, but it also fosters a way of thinking outside the box, identifying innovative solutions others might overlook. Mamta Singhal refers to these unique advantages as her "dyslexibility," highlighting the strengths that come from thinking differently.

Achieving Success with Dyslexia

Those with dyslexia often possess a distinct set of traits and thinking patterns that can lead to success in their chosen careers. From the arts to entrepreneurship, dyslexia can be a driving force behind achieving greatness. Dyslexia is rapidly growing part of the Neurodiversity community.

Neurodiversity

Neurodiversity is the name given to a burgeoning social movement, that was first coined by Judy Singer, an Australian sociologist back in the 1990s. However, it is not a medical diagnosis, per se. It is an umbrella term which covers neurodevelopmental differences in areas such as:

• Autism
• ADHD
• Dyslexia

Martin's Story: Overcoming Neurodiversity

Early identification of dyslexia is key to understanding and managing it. Martin, an award-winning engineer, has navigated the challenges of neurodiversity from a young age.

Martin’s journey of determination and resilience is a source of inspiration, showing how hard work and dedication leads to achieving one's dreams. Now, Martin is committed to mentoring the next generation, helping them to embrace their neurodiversity and reach their full potential.

Martin's Neurodiverse World

Martin, a neurodiverse geotechnical engineer from Kent, England, navigates life with dyslexia, dyspraxia, autism, ADHD, and keratoconus. His passion for geology and engineering began in childhood and has led him to a successful career.

However, his journey hasn't been without its challenges. Martin's story is one of leveraging the strengths that come from neurodiversity, such as big-picture thinking and attention to detail, while also facing and overcoming obstacles related to time management, stress, and communication.

Did you know that all three of the men shown below were neurodiverse-ly challenged?

Championing Neurodiversity in Engineering

Martin's experiences have taught him the importance of finding a supportive and accommodating workplace. He advocates for neurodiverse individuals, educating employers and providing mentorship to help others navigate their careers. Through his involvement in various initiatives, Martin is helping to break down barriers and build a more inclusive society.

A Call for Acceptance and Support

Martin emphasizes the need for society to move beyond awareness to full acceptance of neurodiverse individuals. By promoting understanding, providing role models, and ensuring reasonable workplace adjustments, we can create a more inclusive and supportive environment for everyone.

Continuing the Journey

Martin's efforts have been recognized with awards, but his mission extends far beyond personal accolades. He aims to foster an industry-wide network for neurodiverse engineers and raise awareness at all levels of organizations. Martin's story is an ongoing journey of discovery, advocacy, and support, highlighting that neurodiversity is not about being different but about doing things differently.

Differently Wired Hub

For those exploring their own neurodiversity, resources like the Differently Wired Hub offer guidance, support, and information on managing conditions and seeking diagnoses, underscoring the message that everyone's learning and thinking styles are unique and valuable

Final Take Home

Matters not what circumstance or condition you may have, if you have the determination to succeed, you can do it. It comes down to mindset. Nothing can stop you if you make up your mind. Put in the time and effort on obtaining your goals and fulfilling your dreams. There is nothing standing between you and success except you. Let’s make it happen.

Let’s Keep Moving Forward!

TheRachele