Embracing hypermobility - unlocking professional success

 Hey all, I’ve been working on this for a bit and now I want to give a big cheer to my condition that is an often overlooked professional asset. Hypermobility. I was finally diagnosed Q4 in 2022 and I have come to realise how much of a benefit this super power actually is.

Super powers in play

Adaptability: The clue is in the name of Hypermobility (one of the various Ehler Danlos Syndrome variations). Being hyper mobile my joints and tissue is super flexible and as that includes the mind it results in an increased flexibility and adaptability. Just as those with hEDS are flexible, our minds are also open to new ideas and approaches. Thinking outside the box ((es) in my case..;)) finding innovative solutions (ohh I love me a challenge of a complex problem) and adapting to fast changes means that the skill set I naturally have is gold! 

I’ve been working on this for a bit and now I want to give a big cheer to my condition that is an often overlooked professional asset. Hypermobility.

A positive thought about hEDS

  • Resilience: This is an oft talked about skill and state of being and guess what? I deal with uncertainty every moment of every day. My joints are unstable and always have been, the resilience it takes to just live is quite frankly remarkable. This resilience translates well into the professional realm, being so bouncy I may get knocked down by set backs but still get up and get through difficult situations and do it with wit and a smile. Also with many many puns but if you have worked with me in real life you know how quick I am with my most fantastic witticisms. It makes me the best cheer leader (so modest right) and the support crew to the whole team. Tough times? I’ve got you. 
  • Versatility: My physical limitations means I have learned to navigate a lot - remember when everyone laughed at me in Paris for wearing trainers over the cobbles in Rue Royale? Well honestly I would have broken a hip had I tripped up on those so yeah, instinctively I knew not to wear heels! That versatility means being a quick learner (given that I’ve spent a lifetime assessing such dangers of crossing roads and bumpy pavements), super adaptable to different roles and even more comfy with multitasking. Given that I can also code switch I am like a work chameleon.
  • Empathy and Inclusion: For years I didn’t have the language to know what was going on with me, I knew something was different, knew I experienced things differently so living a hyper mobile life and finding adaptations that work for me means I have a unique perspective on disability and inclusion. Accessibility needs, accommodation needs and encouraging a supportive safe environment are areas that I am fluent in. This heightened empathy allows us to connect with colleagues, clients, and customers on a deeper level. I will see you, hear you and allow you to be you so you can feel valued and lets face it, I make you shine!
  • Problem-Solving: You know that your Hypermobility queen here is a creative machine. And it is years of riffing through life. I’ve had to find creative solutions to my own needs and physical limitations so my mind is at work buzzing away trying to find solutions to make my life a little easier. This translates into having a well oiled problem-solving mindset in the workplace where fresh insights and alternative approaches to challenges are like super easy. Unique solutions is what I do day in day out. 

Polished Professional 

Now, having the language to understand what my HEDS brings me in a positive way makes me a polished professional diamond of an asset. I’ve accepted and recognised my unique skills and by leveraging on my experiences adaptability, resilience, versatility, empathy and problem-solving I make top tier content. 

When this resonates with you, let me know, I would love to hear about your experiences. We have such amazing unique talents so let's celebrate and support each other on this professional journey. Together, we are stronger and for those with HEDS it’s what we need! 

Keep being amazing!

xx


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