The recently-concluded Paralympics were a real eye opener – I was amazed and awed by the tenacity and determination of these athletes. In fact, I accord more credit to their achievements that the record 8 gold medals won by Michael Phelps or the lightning run by Usain Bolt on the 100-metre track. Yes, they were not as fast or strong, but they showed a characteristic that’s more valuable than speed or strength – the ability to beat the odds.

A guy with no legs wants to compete on the track; a woman with one leg wants to swim long distance races; and people on wheelchairs want to play professional basketball; we’d normally laugh at or pity such people for voicing aloud their dreams, but then, at the end of the day, we’re the ones who’ve been made fools of, we’re the ones left gaping in surprise and disbelief as these amazing men and women achieve much more than even able-bodied people are capable of.

I know it’s not easy to live with a permanent disability. I’ve had first hand experience in walking with crutches for a period of three long weeks – I was forced to use them after a knee surgery left me single-legged, and I hated every second of those 21 days. I wondered how I would have felt if my situation was permanent, if those crutches had to be an extension of my arms and legs for as long as I lived, and shuddered at the images that flooded my mind. Would I have been as accepting of my disability as the athletes I saw on television? Would I have had the courage to put aside my shortcomings and make a fresh start?

Yes, it’s not easy when you’re suddenly left limbless and have to rely on accessories and medical aids to move around. You feel it’s not worth living when you’re blinded by an accident. You feel anger when you’re forced to make changes to a life you thought was permanent and secure.

But living with a disability is only a hardship if you think it is; it’s your attitude that matters more than anything else. If you think you can, you certainly can. Modern medicine has advanced a great deal and prosthetics have made a huge impact on the way the disabled live. From just existing, they’re back to living a full life. All they need is a whole lot of encouragement and support from the people who mean the most to them. I know that if it hadn’t been for the constant support from my family through those three weeks, I would have found life unbearable.

One way for the disabled to get over their self pity and start to make something of their lives is to draw inspiration from those who have managed to stand out, even though they cannot stand on their own two legs!