My name is Aspen, and I'm a content creator/copywriter. I also live with Functional Neurological Disorder (FND), a condition that makes my reality a dynamic one. As it says in my photo, this is me, and this is Dynamic Disability. My needs can change in a second; flexibility isn’t a luxury for me — it’s an absolute necessity.
The Fragile Bubble of FND
I once took a photo of a perfect, iridescent bubble resting delicately on a daisy. It was beautiful, whole, and mesmerisingly fragile. It was the perfect metaphor for my life with FND.
On a good day, the bubble is strong. The words flow, ideas connect, and I can be the creative professional I am. I can outline a content strategy, draft compelling copy, and edit with a sharp eye. In those moments, I feel clear and capable.
But FND means the bubble can pop without warning. A sudden onset of brain fog can make simple sentences feel like complex equations. Unpredictable physical symptoms can mean stepping away from the keyboard is not a choice, but a mandate. As I wrote on the photo, "FND is fragile and can change regularly but even though the bubble has since popped I have worth!"
This is the core challenge of being a disabled creator: detaching your sense of self-worth from your daily capacity. My ability to produce work may fluctuate, but my value as a writer and as a person does not. The final product you see doesn't show the pop, the recovery, and the strength it took to reform the bubble and begin again.
Redefining the Creative Workflow
Working in a creative field while managing a dynamic disability has forced me to throw out the conventional rulebook. "Hustle culture" is not just unhelpful; it's actively harmful. My creativity isn't a factory assembly line; it's more like a garden that needs careful, adaptive tending.
This means:
Radical Flexibility: My work schedule isn't a rigid 9-to-5. It's built around my body's signals. I work when I have the clarity and rest when I don't. This approach leads to better, more thoughtful work than if I tried to force it during a high-symptom period.
Transparent Communication: Being open with clients about having a dynamic disability is non-negotiable. It sets a foundation of trust and allows for realistic deadlines and expectations. The right clients will see it not as a liability, but as a testament to my resilience and unique perspective.
Adaptive Tools: I lean heavily on tools that support my brain and body. Voice-to-text software is a lifesaver on days when typing is difficult. Digital planners help me map out projects in a low-energy way, and noise-cancelling headphones are essential for managing sensory overload.
My disability isn't something I work around; it's something I work with. The empathy required to navigate my own health challenges directly translates into my copywriting. It allows me to connect with audiences on a deeper, more human level, understanding their pain points and needs with genuine insight.
Living with FND is a constant exercise in letting go of expectations and embracing the present moment. It has taught me that true creativity isn't about relentless production. It's about honouring your capacity, celebrating the good days, and remembering that even when the bubble pops, your worth remains perfectly, beautifully intact
Comments
Post a Comment