Editors Note: I recently “met” Carrie Barrepski on-line and realized that I was talking to a woman who is up to BIG things.  Her mission is to show the heart and soul behind people living with disabilities as she has had to experience the negativity from others personally for most of her life.  I suggest that you read her interview and think if there has ever been a time where you judged someone who wasn’t the same as you, or who looked or acted a way that you didn’t understand.  You never know what people are dealing with so send people love instead of judgement and notice the beauty you will create. ~Nitika~

Carrie Barrepski is a native from Michigan where she received bachelors in Social Work from Madonna University. After getting married in June 2005 she moved to Massachusetts where she writes a weekly column about her personal experiences with multiple disabilities.  Besides her column Carrie also gives motivational speeches along with writing a self help books. With the sole purpose of helping and inspiring others while shinning the light on disability issues. She is a devoted yogi happily married to her soul mate. Besides writing she enjoys reading, sketching and photography.

Bella Life: What health conditions do you currently deal with on a daily basis?

Carrie: I was born with mild cerebral palsy and congenital heart disease and I am also hearing impaired and legally blind.

BL: How long have you been dealing with these conditions?

Carrie: I have been dealing with my disabilities since birth.  However, I have always viewed my disabilities as characteristics that are part of me but don’t define me.

BL: What is the number one tool you use to manage all of the feelings that come with having to deal with these health conditions?

Carrie: My regular yoga practice helps me stay fit, healthy and focused.  It allows my positive energy to flow, filling me with love, happiness and peace.  After my practice I am ready to face anything because I am a warrior, always fighting and winning!

BL:  You are committed to erasing the stigma around people with disabilities, why is this so important to you?

Carrie: As a disabled woman I have personally experienced being judged and discriminated against because of my disabilities.  People with disabilities have always faced isolation, belittlement or have been forgotten by society.  This can lead to negativity, depression and frustration.  After years of proving myself through my yoga practice I realized that it was society’s perception that needed to be shifted.  As a long-term journalist, I decided to use writing to advocate a change in perception.

Bella Life: What is the most important thing you want people to know about individuals who have disabilities?

Carrie: They are people with their own identity, ideas, feelings and interests that come before their disability.  They have equal rights to be independent in society as wel.

Bella Life: You are a successful freelance writer, where do you hope to take your career to?

Carrie: I hope to continue reaching people with my column and blog while working on my first book about the effects of a disability stigma.  In the future I would also like to do a self-help book for people with disabilities.

To Read Carrie’s work visit:  http://www.carriewrites.net