My Gutsy Living story

The gutsiest thing I have ever done was to write my biography at the age of twenty-four. I did this as a form of grief therapy after losing my mom a few years back.

When I decided to write my biography people thought I was absolutely insane; they never thought it would get published.

The reason I wrote my biography, was not only to leave a legacy as to how wonderful my parents have been throughout my life, but also because I was sick and tired of the misconceptions about cerebral palsy.

I wrote I,Win for myself, and now I,Win has turned into a small, kind Monster that I cannot control.

I seem to be doing interviews about why I wrote my book every day, and my goal is to help people understand the misconceptions they may have about cerebral palsy.

At the age of twenty-four, I decided to tell my story. Writing this autobiography gave me the opportunity to pay tribute to my family members who are passionate about life, and who have instilled this passion within me.

My parents’ extraordinary support, encouragement, and pure love were my foundation as I navigated life, overcame obstacles, and achieved successes as a young woman with cerebral palsy.

I wish to pay full tribute to my mother, who died in August 2010. Through her, I learned to listen to my own voice as a guide in making life choices, and to always expect the best from myself.

My hope is that my book, I Win, will provide insight into the extraordinary possibilities of those who live with disabilities. I also hope that those without disabilities– instead of focusing on our differences – will come to understand what we all have in common.

This book is for my mom, with love.

Win Charles Bio:  My name is Win Charles. In 1987 I was born in Aspen, CO where I continue to live. I am a self-taught artist and became interested in doing artwork as a way to cope with having cerebral palsy. My inspiration for my artwork is life in general as well as roses, orchids and the flora and fauna of the Bahamas; I always had a life long admiration for the Bahamian Islands and it’s people and the flora and fauna of the Bahamian Islands.

You can follow Win on Facebook, and on Twitter @iwinbook

Here is Win’s Video.

 Sonia Marsh Says: Your energy and passion shines through and your message of “I have cerebral palsy; please focus on what we have in common, not on my disability,” needs to be heard, and will be heard through all your work.

Please ask questions and leave comments for Win Charles below.

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Our first “My Gutsy Story®” for April 3013, is by David Prosser. It’s a very moving story about his wife Julia.