August 22, 2022 • 30 mins
We end the first season of True Tales by Disability Advocates with "Positively Shining Bright".
The stories in this episode highlight the power of choosing a positive mindset. Host Brittany Sessum introduces us to storytellers, Carlos Orellana, and Anne Marie Buckle. In their stories, "Listen to My World" and "Advocate Me," they share how in their own ways they practice having a positive mindset and how remembering to be grateful can help when they have a difficult day or have uncomfortable feelings.
They remind us that focusing on positivity doesn't mean we won't have problems, but it will determine how we dance with them when they show up in our lives.
When Brittany chats with Carlos and Anne Marie about their stories, their conversations offer us a sweet, sensitive insight into their lives living with Cerebral Palsy and Autism respectively. We titled this episode "Positively Shinning Bright" because [chuckles] that was our experience of both Carlos and Anne Marie during our recording sessions.
We chose to launch this episode during August in the spirit of "Happiness Happens Month." I mean, we all wanna be happy, right? But happiness is an emotion and all emotions are fleeting, that is that they come and they go, they're not fixed, that's the nature of them. Every day we experience a range of feelings and emotions, no matter what's going on in our lives. We can learn to practice choosing a positive outlook and focusing on the good in every situation, no matter what we are feeling.
Guest Anne Marie Buckle
Meet Anne Marie (Rie) Buckle. She is a vibrant young adult working every day to overcome autism, IDD and PANS. For Rie, adulthood brings new adventures like getting jobs in various sectors, exploring her passions, and becoming more independent. These things don’t just happen overnight, however. With the ongoing support of her family, therapists, and mentors, Anne Marie has been able to accomplish many of
She was crowned Texas Miss Amazing 2017.
You can find her store at https://www.facebook.com/RiesMarketplace/
And on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/riesmarketplace
Guest Carlos Orellana
A guy that’s passionate about writing, U.S. History, Theater, and wrestling. Carlos is also a kid at heart even if he’s 28 years old, that enjoys to laugh as well. He is extremely proud to be from Guatemala and loves his family too. He makes his friends happy and laughs when they have a hard day in their life. But, the most important thing to know about Carlos is that he has Cerebral Palsy. Even if his life is hard with Cerebral Palsy, it’s also a happy one too.
You can follow Carlos on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/carlosrafael.orellana.7
Photo ID: Carlos is an Hispanic male with black short and spiky hair wearing glasses. Carlos is smiling in the picture with an eagle pendant necklace, black long-sleeved shirt, and white sweats. Carlos is sitting in a black wheelchair with a grayish-blue door behind him.
Host Brittany Sessum
Brittany Sessum is a Houston native and Army veteran that loves making connections with others. She has a passion to serve her family, the community, and her country by giving back in any capacity. She believes that her passions and actions live beyond herself. Brittany loves writing poetry, reading, traveling, and working as an entrepreneur.
Click here to listen with the full transcript.
For more details about our programs go to Art Spark Texas, True Tales Podcast Page.
Segments of this podcast were rea
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Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
John Beer (00:09):
Welcome to True Tales by Disability Advocates,
authentic voices of peoplethriving with disabilities.
Where individuals use the art ofstorytelling to change the
world.
The True Tales by DisabilityAdvocates podcast is produced by
Art Spark, Texas SpeakingAdvocates Program.
Keep listening to hear howlife's challenges can spark a
(00:30):
desire to speak out and advocatefor themselves and others.
MsBoye (00:40):
Welcome to"Positively Shinning Bright" the final
episode of True Tales byDisability Advocates first
season.
This is the podcast whereadvocates harness the power of
storytelling to build communitywith their peers and hope to
develop empathy in others.
A team of Disability Advocatescreates True Tales to give voice
(01:02):
to the personal stories andlived experience of disabled
storytellers.
We offer our unique and oftenunderrepresented perspective to
the growing community of podcastlisteners worldwide.
Now, did you know that accordingto the CDC, one in four
Americans live with some kind ofDisability?
(01:22):
That is about 61 million adultswith 61 million experiences and
points of view about what itmeans to live with a disability.
Recognizing that everyone's lifeis enriched by the inclusion of
multiple voices, Art Spark Texashas been training Disability
Advocates as storytellers forover 20 years.
(01:43):
This episode is being launchedduring August in the spirit of
"Happiness Happens Month." Imean, we all wanna be happy,
right?
But happiness is an emotion andall emotions are fleeting, that
is that they come and they go,they're not fixed, that's the
nature of them.
Every day we experience a rangeof feelings and emotions, no
(02:05):
matter what's going on in ourlives.
We can learn to practicechoosing a positive outlook and
focusing on the good in everysituation, no matter what we are
feeling.
If we are set on being happy, ifwe set that as the goal in our
lives, we are likely to bedisappointed because there are
plenty of situations thatnaturally make us sad.
(02:28):
There are plenty of situationsthat should make us sad, should
make us angry, I mean, that'spart of being human.
However, when we choose to havea positive mindset, to think
positively, we are making adecision to look for the gifts
in any situation.
And to remember that there areblessings in other areas of our
(02:49):
lives, even amidst somethingthat's making us and should make
us really sad.
So we can learn techniques tohelp our feelings, do what they
do best, which is pass throughand make space for whatever's
coming next.
The stories in this episodehighlight the power of choosing
a positive mindset.
Host Brittany Sessum introducesus to storytellers, Carlos
(03:12):
Orellana and Anne Marie Buckle.
Now, Carlos participated in our2016 training and Anne Marie, a
newcomer, joined us in our firstvirtual training and showcase in
2021.
In their stories,"Listen to MyWorld" and"Advocate Me," they
share how in their own ways theypractice having a positive
(03:33):
mindset and how remembering tobe grateful can help when they
have a difficult day or haveuncomfortable feelings.
They remind us that focusing onpositivity doesn't mean we won't
have problems, but it willdetermine how we dance with them
when they show up in our lives.
When Brittany chats with Carlosand Anne Marie about their
(03:56):
stories, their conversationsoffer us a sweet, sensitive
insight into their lives livingwith Cerebral Palsy and Autism
respectively.
We titled this episode"Positively Shinning Bright"
because[chuckles] that was ourexperience of both Carlos and
Anne Marie during our recordingsessions.
(04:16):
May listening to them shareilluminate your day.
Brittany (04:27):
Welcome to True Tales by Disability Advocates, the
podcast where we change theworld one story at a time.
I'm Brittany Sessum and I'm yourhost.
Our first storyteller, today isAnne Marie Buckle.
Before you share your story, I'mvery interested in, you know,
learning more about Anne MarieBuckle.
Anne Marie (04:48):
Good afternoon, everyone.
I am Anne Marie Buckle.
I am 21 years old and haveautism and PANS a brain swelling
syndrome.
I grew up in Fort Bend County,went to high school at The Hub
Houston and graduated from therein May, 2019.
Since then, I have been focusingon transitioning into adulthood,
(05:11):
into adulthood.
Adulthood brings new adventures,like getting jobs, exploring my
passions and becoming moreindependent.
These things don't just happenovernight however.
My family, therapists andmentors have gently and
sometimes not so gently workedwith me through the years to
(05:32):
expand my skills and interestsall the while, encouraging me to
try my hardest at everything Ido.
Family belief in me andcontinued guidance have helped
me achieve many of my goals tothis day.
Brittany (05:46):
Thank you.
I, I love your response.
Tell our listeners, how did youstart doing Opening Minds
Opening Doors?
Anne Marie (05:54):
I started with the Speaking Advocates training
program in January, 2021.
I have stayed involved with ArtSpark Speaking throughout this
year and continued to beinvolved as much as I can.
I have enjoyed meeting newpeople and improving my public
speaking skills.
I am excited to be here today tofor this podcast.
Brittany (06:18):
Okay, so now let's hear your story.
Anne Marie (06:43):
I feel sad because I miss my sister Gracie very much
when she's at Tulane Universityin New Orleans, Louisiana.
I feel mad because I lost myAmazon Prime Video Privileges.
I feel anxious because I haven'tmet new friends for a while.
(07:03):
I feel smart because I do MoneyMath that makes my brain smarter
and bigger.
I feel bored because I stay onmy laptop for an hour or two
instead of helping Mom or Dad orMiss Lippy, get some work done.
I feel lonely because I don'thave anyone to sit with me to
(07:25):
watch a movie or play an arcademachine game or makes smores
outside.
Then I remember listening to thesounds last night in bed.
The wind wildling reminded me ofmy hair blowing behind me.
The blowing wind makes me feel alot better whenever I feel
stressed.
(07:47):
The night sounds reminded me ofthe stars twinkling in the sky,
making constellations.
Windchimes reminded me that Ican hear them making music while
the wind blows by in my backyard.
Water rushing reminded me that Icould see a lake or a pond
flowing water and that makes mefeel calm.
(08:10):
I feel excited today to be inSpeaking Advocates.
I want to write about my serviceand rescue dog Lily.
Lily likes to chase squirrels inmy front yard and run around my
new neighborhood and roll aroundin the grass.
I don't like it when Lily, mydog, my dog throws up after she
(08:31):
eats grass outside my backyard.
Walking with Lily reminds me ofhow grateful I am that my
grandmother Babishka isrecovering from her hip surgery.
I hope she can join me on a walksoon.
I feel happy because I knowthese things are true: I feel
(08:54):
happy that way because the suncomes out in the morning and I
know these things are true (08:57):
I am always here to give you comfort
when you're feeling upset orlonely.
I am always here to give yougood and wise advice when you
feel stressed or angry.
I am always here to give youconfidence when you're feeling
stressed or worried, wheneversomeone tells you what to do.
(09:23):
I feel proud of myself when Iaccomplish something difficult
independently without assistanceor feedback.
I have worked hard to learn howto accept feedback.
That I'm most proud of myselfwhen I can solve the problem on
my own.
I am always here to give you thespace you need to build your
(09:44):
independence just like I did.
It is a goal worth achieving,and you'll be as proud as I was
when you get there I am alwayshere to give you strength when
you feel weak.
I value friendship, loyalty,bravery, kindness, and family.
(10:05):
I am smart, funny, energetic,kind, outgoing, serious, tough,
adventurous, beautiful, loyal,brave, and true.
I offer my kindness to everyonein my class.
Brittany (10:58):
Welcome back.
I'm here with Anne Marie.
Thanks for sharing your storywith us today.
I was listening to your, yourpiece"Advocate Me," and you go
through so many emotions thatmost people go through, being
sad, being angry, being happy,being grateful.
So my question is, can youplease share with us how you get
(11:21):
to those happy and gratefulplaces?
Anne Marie (11:24):
The first thing that I do is to, is turn my frown
upside down.
Sounds easy, but it isn't alwaysthat easy.
The most common way that I calmdown is through listening to
music, singing and dancing.
I love everything about music.
I even sometimes choreographoriginal dances for special
(11:47):
occasions, like my siblingsbirthdays and my brother's
upcoming wedding.
I also started ice skating lastyear.
Even if I'm upset, when I get tothe rink, I immediately feel
happy when I start skating, Ilook forward to performing in
the Nutcracker later this year,and I'm grateful for being
awarded the role of Clara.
(12:09):
Doing all these things reallybrings me true happiness and
reminds me to be grateful forall that I am blessed with in my
life and for all of the peoplewho support me to be the best
that I can be.
So you see, it really is easy tofind a way to turn your round
upside down and S M I L E, smileas much as you can.
(12:32):
This will bring you a happy andgrateful heart.
Brittany (12:36):
Well, thank you, Anne Marie, you make me wanna, uh,
put on my little ballerinaoutfit and my little tutu and
get out there too with you, um,when you do your Nutcracker
performance.
Um, but what I want to ask next,um, we know that everything is
not gonna be sunshine andrainbows, but what is it that
you want others, uh, withdisabilities that may be going
(13:00):
through certain things that arenot positive.
What do you want them to takeaway with how you handle, um,
things in your life?
Anne Marie (13:08):
I want to share my story in answering this
question.
I was honored to be crownedTexas Teen Miss Amazing in March
of 2017.
Later that year, I representedTexas at nationals in Chicago,
where I tied for third place.
Miss Amazing is an nonprofitorganization which celebrate
girls and women withdisabilities by providing
(13:31):
opportunities for them to buildconfidence, a self esteem.
My message as Texas Teen MissAmazing was,"Dream it, Believe
it, Do it!" I, I have adopted itas my inspiration in life.
My message is dream big, believein yourself, no matter what
anyone tells you and work hardto make your dreams come true.
(13:52):
By doing these three things.
I hope to leave a lasting impacteverywhere I go.
I encourage everyone listeningtoday to do the same.
Lastly, I want everyonelistening, who is not disabled
to know this people withdisabilities want to be treated
with compassion and respect, notpity.
Thank you.
Brittany (14:13):
That's very awesome Anne Marie.
And y'all heard it here first,"Dream big and believe in
yourself." And she also gavegreat tips.
Don't feel sorry for people withdisabilities, we have feelings,
everyone has feelings, but as webegin to grow and try to work
with each other, love eachother, have compassion we find
(14:33):
out that we all have somethingin common.
And I just wanna say, you know,thank you again for coming on
the show today.
Now, Anne Marie, can you tellour listeners, how to get in
contact with you?
Anne Marie (14:49):
I do have Facebook and Instagram, Brittany.
Brittany (14:53):
Okay! Did you have like a certain website that you
would like to promote?
Anne Marie (14:58):
I sure do, it's called Rei's Marketplace.
I'm selling salsa and sweettreats at a Fall Festival
tomorrow at Saint Vincent DePaulCatholic Church.
Brittany (15:08):
And what do you sell?
Um, Anne Marie you said salsasand what?
Anne Marie (15:12):
Salsa and Sweet Treats! I also sell gift boxes.
Brittany (15:16):
That's cute.
So, Anne Marie is abusinesswoman find Rei's Sweets
and Treats" sweets and treats onFacebook.
And so that's R as in Romeo, Eas in Echo, I as in Indigo,
apostrophe S Sweets and Treats.
You'll find out many things thatshe's doing and support her
business.
(15:36):
And if you don't have enoughtime to write it down, don't
worry, don't worry, we'll puther information in the
description box below thisepisode.
Great chatting with you, AnneMarie.
Anne Marie (15:48):
Thank you
MsBoye (16:05):
Stay with us for our second storyteller after this
short interlude.
Brittany (16:31):
Welcome back.
I'm here with our storyteller,Carlos Orellana.
So, Carlos, before you shareyour story"Listen to My World."
can you tell our listeners, howdid you get started with telling
your story through Opening MindsOpening Doors?
Carlos (16:50):
Because of my, ACC, because a, because of my ACC
teacher.
Brittany (16:55):
And what year was this that you got started?
Carlos (16:58):
Um, I wanna say....
I wanna say 20, er, 2015.
Brittany (17:04):
And how did your teacher encourage you, um, to,
to go to Opening Minds, OpeningDoors?
Carlos (17:11):
Well she just told my,, my classmates about, about
Opening Minds and I was like,okay, it it's something that I
could do create creatively.
So, I was like, I'm willing tocheck it out.
So, it was pretty cool!
Brittany (17:27):
Okay.
We'll hear your story up next.
Carlos (17:30):
Yeah!.
And thanks to Eric.
Eric he, he helped me...
he helped my group, not only me,my group a lot...
so.
Brittany (17:41):
I've, I had a chance to meet Eric and he's, he's a
great guy and I I'm so glad thatyou have been inspired by him,
um, to continue to pursue yourpassion for writing and
expressing yourself.
So that's very commendable.
Carlos (17:57):
Thank you.
(18:22):
Hi my name is Carlos.
This is my story,"Listen To MyWorld." Now it's my turn.
I'm last, but not least.
Listening to my dogs barkingmeans that I'm home after going
to ACC for four hours.
The barking tells, tells me thatlife gets a bit crazy each day.
(18:46):
One level crazier than the daybefore.
Every morning I hear, I hear thebirds sing.
The sound means that I get towake up and see the, the girl
that I love for one more day.
Her name is Winter.
When I hear her voice, I hearangels singing.
(19:07):
In my eyes she's a mir..., in myeyes, she's a miracle from
heaven.
But she's not just any miracle,she's my golden miracle girl!
When, when I hear the wheels ofmy walker, that tells me that
it's time for Physical Therapy.
During PT, I get to walk, andstand tall like men, I respect.
(19:31):
Men like FDR who said,"The onlything we have to fear is fear
itself." When I hear thelightning and rain and the sky
gets dark, it makes me think ofthe word leukemia because that's
the...the type of cancerWinter's boyfriend died from.
She's still grieving for him.
(19:54):
When I hear my TV, I think ofMr.
Donald Trump, who's trying tomake a wall, a wall between
brothers and families.
If Trump succeeds with his wall,I may not see my uncles again.
Now, when I hear the stars, youmay ask Carlos,"How can you hear
(20:15):
the stars?" Well, I, I envisionmyself talking to the stars.
Talking to the stars about mydad.
And don't worry, I talk to themabout the girl that I love too.
The most important sound, thesound I have heard all the days
(20:35):
of my life, the sound of mywheelchair.
When I push it, I am remindedthat having CP is a blessing,
and at the same time, it's likebeing trapped inside my body.
The sound of my wheelchairrepresents my way of life.
I can show people that I am morethan...than my wheelchair.
(20:58):
It's not the foot rests, thebrakes or the wheels that make
the wheelchair...
It's the person sitting inside.
Brittany (21:15):
Welcome back.
I'm here with Carlos and Iappreciate the story you share
with us today, I really do.
You show so much strength inyour story that you share with
us today.
People should never judge a bookby its cover.
Can you please tell us who isCarlos?
Carlos (21:33):
Well, Carlos is 28 years old, but still a kid at heart.
And a proud kid from...
a proud kid from Guatemala Who'spassionate about U.S.
History, writing and theater.
Brittany (21:50):
I'm a big kid at heart too....
so...
my next question is what advicewould you like to give to our
listeners today?
Carlos (22:01):
When life puts obstacles in, in, on your road to a, to
your dreams, don't let them,don't let the obstacles drag you
down.
Brittany (22:20):
That's such great advice, Carlos.
And y'all heard it here, whenyou have obstacles in your way,
don't let people drag you downor don't let that obstacle drag
you down.
Carlos (22:29):
Yes.
Brittany (22:31):
Carlos, I'm so glad you were able to come and share
your experience and enthusiasm,um, telling us your...
your story.
And listeners, you can't, youcan't, you can't see what I see,
but you can hear it through hisvoice, great personality and so
much strength and how muchpassion he has in the story,
(22:54):
which was very heart moving.
So Carlos.
I'm very interested in, youknow, learning more about you.
You told us just a little bit,but I would like to kinda throw
you a curveball.
I hope you like baseball!
Carlos (23:08):
Okay, I'm good with that and I'm used to improvising
because I was in, in theater
Brittany (23:15):
So, my next question, you know, you said you love to
write and I would like to knowwhat do you like to write about?
Cause some people they like towrite and tell stories.
Some people like to writepoetry.
Um, some people do free writing,which is not limited.
(23:37):
What, what type of writing doyou like to do?
Carlos?
Carlos (23:41):
I like to write about, um, about my friends in U.S.
History like FDR and AbrahamLincoln.
Those two have, they're veryinfluential regarding my love of
history, because they both facedchallenges.
(24:02):
Like for example, FDR had apolio, which is like Cerebral
Palsy.
And he didn't let that deter,deter him from becoming one of
our greatest presidents inhistory...
(24:23):
so, yeah.
Brittany (24:26):
I just like to kind of piggyback a little bit about
what you just spoke on.
So, I think, I don't wannaassume, but I just wanna ask, so
our listeners can hear it fromyou, so is it everything that
encompasses FDR by him kind ofbeing, I would like to say your
(24:47):
role model in a sense, can weput it like that?
Carlos (24:51):
Yes, he's one of my he's one of my role models.
Yes.
Brittany (24:55):
Okay.
alright.
Since you said you been intheatre, you know, in high
school, I wanna know what is thebest performance piece that
you've done while in highschool?
Carlos (25:07):
Oh, that's a hard, that's a hard question to
answer, but I'll try my best.
Um, I would say, um, my first,my first, my first play that I
ever did, thanks to Mr.
Fisher who, who was my theatreteacher.
Um, it was, it would've to beHairspray.
Brittany (25:29):
Okay and so why?
Why, is it because the characterthat you played, you like the
storyline?
Carlos (25:37):
I like the, I like the, the story of, of Hairspray, of
Hairspray, because it talkedabout the Civil Rights Movement,
the Civil Rights Movement, in away.
Which again, I'm connected to,because I love U.S.
History.
So yeah.
And, and it connected with menot only in, in a, in a U.S.
(25:57):
History way, but it, it showedme that no matter, no matter the
shape or the shape or, or sizeof you, you could, you could
become someone.
No, no matter your condition.
Brittany (26:13):
Thank you.
I, I love your response.
Um, and you have like a lot, alot of heart.
And I really am very interested,like even now, you talking about
Abraham Lincoln and, and FDR,but the little things that
you're doing right now is, um,history making within itself.
(26:34):
Because right now you're, you'reconstantly every day that you
get up, every day that youprogress, you're creating your
own story and your own history,not just for you, but for your
family and friends.
Carlos (26:47):
I, I got you!
Brittany (26:49):
Great chatting with you, Carlos.
I'm so glad that you were ableto come and share your
experience and your enthusiasmfor a great mindset with our
audience today.
And listeners, you can't seewhat I see, but you can hear it
through his voice, his greatpersonality and so much strength
and how much passion he has inthe story, which was very heart
(27:10):
moving.
And if you want to get incontact with Carlos or any
information in regards to hisstory, his bio, it will be in a
description box below, um, inthis particular podcast.
Carlos (27:26):
Or you can find me on Facebook or instagram.
Brittany (27:34):
We'll definitely put your information out there for
Facebook and Instagram.
Y'all heard it here first.
We'll make sure, um, you havethat information.
Carlos (27:42):
Okay Uh, my Facebook is Carlos...Carlos Raphael, Raphael
is my middle name.
And then wait.
Yes, just put Carlos Raphael andthen you will find me, you will
find a picture of me, my profilepicture.
Brittany (28:02):
I just wanna say, you know, thank you again for coming
on the show today.
Carlos (28:09):
Thank you.
MsBoye (28:21):
Thanks for listening to "Positively Shinning Bright." We
hope you have enjoyed enteringthe worlds of our storytellers
and that maybe you gained someinsight for yourself.
If you heard your personal storyreflected in their stories or
were touched by the content ofthis episode, we'd love to hear
from you.
You can share your stories andcomments on our True Tales
(28:42):
Podcast Facebook page.
The link will be in the shownotes.
If you'd like to hear morestories like this the whole of
season one is available at ArtSpark Texas dot org, A R T S P A
R K T X dot O R G.
True Tales podcast or on yourfavorite podcast platform, we're
(29:07):
on'em all.
Look out for updates aboutseason two and bonus episodes by
following Art Spark Texas onFacebook, Instagram, TikTok,and
Twitter Please share us withyour friends.
Thank you for your support
Brittany (29:24):
This episode of True Tales was hosted by me, Brittany
Sessum and produced by KayeLove, editing and mixing by
MsBoye.
The production team alsoincludes Kamand Alaghehband.
Special thanks to ourstorytellers Anne Marie and
Carlos for coming on the showtoday.
(29:45):
Thanks for listening to TrueTales by Disability Advocates.
John Beer (29:51):
All episodes of the True Tales by Disability
Advocates are free on Applepodcasts, Spotify, and anywhere
you get your podcasts.
The program is funded in part bya grant from the Texas state
independent living council, theadministration for community
living and individuals like you.
To learn about The SpeakingAdvocates Program sign up for
(30:13):
our newsletter at Art Spark,Tx.org.
That's A R T S P A R K T X dot OR G.
The free virtual training isopen to people of all
disabilities, no matter whereyou live.
Welcome to True Tales by Disability Advocates,
authentic voices of peoplethriving with disabilities.
Where individuals use the art ofstorytelling to change the
world.
The True Tales by DisabilityAdvocates podcast is produced by
Art Spark, Texas SpeakingAdvocates Program.
Keep listening to hear howlife's challenges can spark a
(00:30):
desire to speak out and advocatefor themselves and others.
MsBoye (00:40):
Welcome to"Positively Shinning Bright" the final
episode of True Tales byDisability Advocates first
season.
This is the podcast whereadvocates harness the power of
storytelling to build communitywith their peers and hope to
develop empathy in others.
A team of Disability Advocatescreates True Tales to give voice
(01:02):
to the personal stories andlived experience of disabled
storytellers.
We offer our unique and oftenunderrepresented perspective to
the growing community of podcastlisteners worldwide.
Now, did you know that accordingto the CDC, one in four
Americans live with some kind ofDisability?
(01:22):
That is about 61 million adultswith 61 million experiences and
points of view about what itmeans to live with a disability.
Recognizing that everyone's lifeis enriched by the inclusion of
multiple voices, Art Spark Texashas been training Disability
Advocates as storytellers forover 20 years.
(01:43):
This episode is being launchedduring August in the spirit of
"Happiness Happens Month." Imean, we all wanna be happy,
right?
But happiness is an emotion andall emotions are fleeting, that
is that they come and they go,they're not fixed, that's the
nature of them.
Every day we experience a rangeof feelings and emotions, no
(02:05):
matter what's going on in ourlives.
We can learn to practicechoosing a positive outlook and
focusing on the good in everysituation, no matter what we are
feeling.
If we are set on being happy, ifwe set that as the goal in our
lives, we are likely to bedisappointed because there are
plenty of situations thatnaturally make us sad.
(02:28):
There are plenty of situationsthat should make us sad, should
make us angry, I mean, that'spart of being human.
However, when we choose to havea positive mindset, to think
positively, we are making adecision to look for the gifts
in any situation.
And to remember that there areblessings in other areas of our
(02:49):
lives, even amidst somethingthat's making us and should make
us really sad.
So we can learn techniques tohelp our feelings, do what they
do best, which is pass throughand make space for whatever's
coming next.
The stories in this episodehighlight the power of choosing
a positive mindset.
Host Brittany Sessum introducesus to storytellers, Carlos
(03:12):
Orellana and Anne Marie Buckle.
Now, Carlos participated in our2016 training and Anne Marie, a
newcomer, joined us in our firstvirtual training and showcase in
2021.
In their stories,"Listen to MyWorld" and"Advocate Me," they
share how in their own ways theypractice having a positive
(03:33):
mindset and how remembering tobe grateful can help when they
have a difficult day or haveuncomfortable feelings.
They remind us that focusing onpositivity doesn't mean we won't
have problems, but it willdetermine how we dance with them
when they show up in our lives.
When Brittany chats with Carlosand Anne Marie about their
(03:56):
stories, their conversationsoffer us a sweet, sensitive
insight into their lives livingwith Cerebral Palsy and Autism
respectively.
We titled this episode"Positively Shinning Bright"
because[chuckles] that was ourexperience of both Carlos and
Anne Marie during our recordingsessions.
(04:16):
May listening to them shareilluminate your day.
Brittany (04:27):
Welcome to True Tales by Disability Advocates, the
podcast where we change theworld one story at a time.
I'm Brittany Sessum and I'm yourhost.
Our first storyteller, today isAnne Marie Buckle.
Before you share your story, I'mvery interested in, you know,
learning more about Anne MarieBuckle.
Anne Marie (04:48):
Good afternoon, everyone.
I am Anne Marie Buckle.
I am 21 years old and haveautism and PANS a brain swelling
syndrome.
I grew up in Fort Bend County,went to high school at The Hub
Houston and graduated from therein May, 2019.
Since then, I have been focusingon transitioning into adulthood,
(05:11):
into adulthood.
Adulthood brings new adventures,like getting jobs, exploring my
passions and becoming moreindependent.
These things don't just happenovernight however.
My family, therapists andmentors have gently and
sometimes not so gently workedwith me through the years to
(05:32):
expand my skills and interestsall the while, encouraging me to
try my hardest at everything Ido.
Family belief in me andcontinued guidance have helped
me achieve many of my goals tothis day.
Brittany (05:46):
Thank you.
I, I love your response.
Tell our listeners, how did youstart doing Opening Minds
Opening Doors?
Anne Marie (05:54):
I started with the Speaking Advocates training
program in January, 2021.
I have stayed involved with ArtSpark Speaking throughout this
year and continued to beinvolved as much as I can.
I have enjoyed meeting newpeople and improving my public
speaking skills.
I am excited to be here today tofor this podcast.
Brittany (06:18):
Okay, so now let's hear your story.
Anne Marie (06:43):
I feel sad because I miss my sister Gracie very much
when she's at Tulane Universityin New Orleans, Louisiana.
I feel mad because I lost myAmazon Prime Video Privileges.
I feel anxious because I haven'tmet new friends for a while.
(07:03):
I feel smart because I do MoneyMath that makes my brain smarter
and bigger.
I feel bored because I stay onmy laptop for an hour or two
instead of helping Mom or Dad orMiss Lippy, get some work done.
I feel lonely because I don'thave anyone to sit with me to
(07:25):
watch a movie or play an arcademachine game or makes smores
outside.
Then I remember listening to thesounds last night in bed.
The wind wildling reminded me ofmy hair blowing behind me.
The blowing wind makes me feel alot better whenever I feel
stressed.
(07:47):
The night sounds reminded me ofthe stars twinkling in the sky,
making constellations.
Windchimes reminded me that Ican hear them making music while
the wind blows by in my backyard.
Water rushing reminded me that Icould see a lake or a pond
flowing water and that makes mefeel calm.
(08:10):
I feel excited today to be inSpeaking Advocates.
I want to write about my serviceand rescue dog Lily.
Lily likes to chase squirrels inmy front yard and run around my
new neighborhood and roll aroundin the grass.
I don't like it when Lily, mydog, my dog throws up after she
(08:31):
eats grass outside my backyard.
Walking with Lily reminds me ofhow grateful I am that my
grandmother Babishka isrecovering from her hip surgery.
I hope she can join me on a walksoon.
I feel happy because I knowthese things are true: I feel
(08:54):
happy that way because the suncomes out in the morning and I
know these things are true (08:57):
I am always here to give you comfort
when you're feeling upset orlonely.
I am always here to give yougood and wise advice when you
feel stressed or angry.
I am always here to give youconfidence when you're feeling
stressed or worried, wheneversomeone tells you what to do.
(09:23):
I feel proud of myself when Iaccomplish something difficult
independently without assistanceor feedback.
I have worked hard to learn howto accept feedback.
That I'm most proud of myselfwhen I can solve the problem on
my own.
I am always here to give you thespace you need to build your
(09:44):
independence just like I did.
It is a goal worth achieving,and you'll be as proud as I was
when you get there I am alwayshere to give you strength when
you feel weak.
I value friendship, loyalty,bravery, kindness, and family.
(10:05):
I am smart, funny, energetic,kind, outgoing, serious, tough,
adventurous, beautiful, loyal,brave, and true.
I offer my kindness to everyonein my class.
Brittany (10:58):
Welcome back.
I'm here with Anne Marie.
Thanks for sharing your storywith us today.
I was listening to your, yourpiece"Advocate Me," and you go
through so many emotions thatmost people go through, being
sad, being angry, being happy,being grateful.
So my question is, can youplease share with us how you get
(11:21):
to those happy and gratefulplaces?
Anne Marie (11:24):
The first thing that I do is to, is turn my frown
upside down.
Sounds easy, but it isn't alwaysthat easy.
The most common way that I calmdown is through listening to
music, singing and dancing.
I love everything about music.
I even sometimes choreographoriginal dances for special
(11:47):
occasions, like my siblingsbirthdays and my brother's
upcoming wedding.
I also started ice skating lastyear.
Even if I'm upset, when I get tothe rink, I immediately feel
happy when I start skating, Ilook forward to performing in
the Nutcracker later this year,and I'm grateful for being
awarded the role of Clara.
(12:09):
Doing all these things reallybrings me true happiness and
reminds me to be grateful forall that I am blessed with in my
life and for all of the peoplewho support me to be the best
that I can be.
So you see, it really is easy tofind a way to turn your round
upside down and S M I L E, smileas much as you can.
(12:32):
This will bring you a happy andgrateful heart.
Brittany (12:36):
Well, thank you, Anne Marie, you make me wanna, uh,
put on my little ballerinaoutfit and my little tutu and
get out there too with you, um,when you do your Nutcracker
performance.
Um, but what I want to ask next,um, we know that everything is
not gonna be sunshine andrainbows, but what is it that
you want others, uh, withdisabilities that may be going
(13:00):
through certain things that arenot positive.
What do you want them to takeaway with how you handle, um,
things in your life?
Anne Marie (13:08):
I want to share my story in answering this
question.
I was honored to be crownedTexas Teen Miss Amazing in March
of 2017.
Later that year, I representedTexas at nationals in Chicago,
where I tied for third place.
Miss Amazing is an nonprofitorganization which celebrate
girls and women withdisabilities by providing
(13:31):
opportunities for them to buildconfidence, a self esteem.
My message as Texas Teen MissAmazing was,"Dream it, Believe
it, Do it!" I, I have adopted itas my inspiration in life.
My message is dream big, believein yourself, no matter what
anyone tells you and work hardto make your dreams come true.
(13:52):
By doing these three things.
I hope to leave a lasting impacteverywhere I go.
I encourage everyone listeningtoday to do the same.
Lastly, I want everyonelistening, who is not disabled
to know this people withdisabilities want to be treated
with compassion and respect, notpity.
Thank you.
Brittany (14:13):
That's very awesome Anne Marie.
And y'all heard it here first,"Dream big and believe in
yourself." And she also gavegreat tips.
Don't feel sorry for people withdisabilities, we have feelings,
everyone has feelings, but as webegin to grow and try to work
with each other, love eachother, have compassion we find
(14:33):
out that we all have somethingin common.
And I just wanna say, you know,thank you again for coming on
the show today.
Now, Anne Marie, can you tellour listeners, how to get in
contact with you?
Anne Marie (14:49):
I do have Facebook and Instagram, Brittany.
Brittany (14:53):
Okay! Did you have like a certain website that you
would like to promote?
Anne Marie (14:58):
I sure do, it's called Rei's Marketplace.
I'm selling salsa and sweettreats at a Fall Festival
tomorrow at Saint Vincent DePaulCatholic Church.
Brittany (15:08):
And what do you sell?
Um, Anne Marie you said salsasand what?
Anne Marie (15:12):
Salsa and Sweet Treats! I also sell gift boxes.
Brittany (15:16):
That's cute.
So, Anne Marie is abusinesswoman find Rei's Sweets
and Treats" sweets and treats onFacebook.
And so that's R as in Romeo, Eas in Echo, I as in Indigo,
apostrophe S Sweets and Treats.
You'll find out many things thatshe's doing and support her
business.
(15:36):
And if you don't have enoughtime to write it down, don't
worry, don't worry, we'll puther information in the
description box below thisepisode.
Great chatting with you, AnneMarie.
Anne Marie (15:48):
Thank you
MsBoye (16:05):
Stay with us for our second storyteller after this
short interlude.
Brittany (16:31):
Welcome back.
I'm here with our storyteller,Carlos Orellana.
So, Carlos, before you shareyour story"Listen to My World."
can you tell our listeners, howdid you get started with telling
your story through Opening MindsOpening Doors?
Carlos (16:50):
Because of my, ACC, because a, because of my ACC
teacher.
Brittany (16:55):
And what year was this that you got started?
Carlos (16:58):
Um, I wanna say....
I wanna say 20, er, 2015.
Brittany (17:04):
And how did your teacher encourage you, um, to,
to go to Opening Minds, OpeningDoors?
Carlos (17:11):
Well she just told my,, my classmates about, about
Opening Minds and I was like,okay, it it's something that I
could do create creatively.
So, I was like, I'm willing tocheck it out.
So, it was pretty cool!
Brittany (17:27):
Okay.
We'll hear your story up next.
Carlos (17:30):
Yeah!.
And thanks to Eric.
Eric he, he helped me...
he helped my group, not only me,my group a lot...
so.
Brittany (17:41):
I've, I had a chance to meet Eric and he's, he's a
great guy and I I'm so glad thatyou have been inspired by him,
um, to continue to pursue yourpassion for writing and
expressing yourself.
So that's very commendable.
Carlos (17:57):
Thank you.
(18:22):
Hi my name is Carlos.
This is my story,"Listen To MyWorld." Now it's my turn.
I'm last, but not least.
Listening to my dogs barkingmeans that I'm home after going
to ACC for four hours.
The barking tells, tells me thatlife gets a bit crazy each day.
(18:46):
One level crazier than the daybefore.
Every morning I hear, I hear thebirds sing.
The sound means that I get towake up and see the, the girl
that I love for one more day.
Her name is Winter.
When I hear her voice, I hearangels singing.
(19:07):
In my eyes she's a mir..., in myeyes, she's a miracle from
heaven.
But she's not just any miracle,she's my golden miracle girl!
When, when I hear the wheels ofmy walker, that tells me that
it's time for Physical Therapy.
During PT, I get to walk, andstand tall like men, I respect.
(19:31):
Men like FDR who said,"The onlything we have to fear is fear
itself." When I hear thelightning and rain and the sky
gets dark, it makes me think ofthe word leukemia because that's
the...the type of cancerWinter's boyfriend died from.
She's still grieving for him.
(19:54):
When I hear my TV, I think ofMr.
Donald Trump, who's trying tomake a wall, a wall between
brothers and families.
If Trump succeeds with his wall,I may not see my uncles again.
Now, when I hear the stars, youmay ask Carlos,"How can you hear
(20:15):
the stars?" Well, I, I envisionmyself talking to the stars.
Talking to the stars about mydad.
And don't worry, I talk to themabout the girl that I love too.
The most important sound, thesound I have heard all the days
(20:35):
of my life, the sound of mywheelchair.
When I push it, I am remindedthat having CP is a blessing,
and at the same time, it's likebeing trapped inside my body.
The sound of my wheelchairrepresents my way of life.
I can show people that I am morethan...than my wheelchair.
(20:58):
It's not the foot rests, thebrakes or the wheels that make
the wheelchair...
It's the person sitting inside.
Brittany (21:15):
Welcome back.
I'm here with Carlos and Iappreciate the story you share
with us today, I really do.
You show so much strength inyour story that you share with
us today.
People should never judge a bookby its cover.
Can you please tell us who isCarlos?
Carlos (21:33):
Well, Carlos is 28 years old, but still a kid at heart.
And a proud kid from...
a proud kid from Guatemala Who'spassionate about U.S.
History, writing and theater.
Brittany (21:50):
I'm a big kid at heart too....
so...
my next question is what advicewould you like to give to our
listeners today?
Carlos (22:01):
When life puts obstacles in, in, on your road to a, to
your dreams, don't let them,don't let the obstacles drag you
down.
Brittany (22:20):
That's such great advice, Carlos.
And y'all heard it here, whenyou have obstacles in your way,
don't let people drag you downor don't let that obstacle drag
you down.
Carlos (22:29):
Yes.
Brittany (22:31):
Carlos, I'm so glad you were able to come and share
your experience and enthusiasm,um, telling us your...
your story.
And listeners, you can't, youcan't, you can't see what I see,
but you can hear it through hisvoice, great personality and so
much strength and how muchpassion he has in the story,
(22:54):
which was very heart moving.
So Carlos.
I'm very interested in, youknow, learning more about you.
You told us just a little bit,but I would like to kinda throw
you a curveball.
I hope you like baseball!
Carlos (23:08):
Okay, I'm good with that and I'm used to improvising
because I was in, in theater
Brittany (23:15):
So, my next question, you know, you said you love to
write and I would like to knowwhat do you like to write about?
Cause some people they like towrite and tell stories.
Some people like to writepoetry.
Um, some people do free writing,which is not limited.
(23:37):
What, what type of writing doyou like to do?
Carlos?
Carlos (23:41):
I like to write about, um, about my friends in U.S.
History like FDR and AbrahamLincoln.
Those two have, they're veryinfluential regarding my love of
history, because they both facedchallenges.
(24:02):
Like for example, FDR had apolio, which is like Cerebral
Palsy.
And he didn't let that deter,deter him from becoming one of
our greatest presidents inhistory...
(24:23):
so, yeah.
Brittany (24:26):
I just like to kind of piggyback a little bit about
what you just spoke on.
So, I think, I don't wannaassume, but I just wanna ask, so
our listeners can hear it fromyou, so is it everything that
encompasses FDR by him kind ofbeing, I would like to say your
(24:47):
role model in a sense, can weput it like that?
Carlos (24:51):
Yes, he's one of my he's one of my role models.
Yes.
Brittany (24:55):
Okay.
alright.
Since you said you been intheatre, you know, in high
school, I wanna know what is thebest performance piece that
you've done while in highschool?
Carlos (25:07):
Oh, that's a hard, that's a hard question to
answer, but I'll try my best.
Um, I would say, um, my first,my first, my first play that I
ever did, thanks to Mr.
Fisher who, who was my theatreteacher.
Um, it was, it would've to beHairspray.
Brittany (25:29):
Okay and so why?
Why, is it because the characterthat you played, you like the
storyline?
Carlos (25:37):
I like the, I like the, the story of, of Hairspray, of
Hairspray, because it talkedabout the Civil Rights Movement,
the Civil Rights Movement, in away.
Which again, I'm connected to,because I love U.S.
History.
So yeah.
And, and it connected with menot only in, in a, in a U.S.
(25:57):
History way, but it, it showedme that no matter, no matter the
shape or the shape or, or sizeof you, you could, you could
become someone.
No, no matter your condition.
Brittany (26:13):
Thank you.
I, I love your response.
Um, and you have like a lot, alot of heart.
And I really am very interested,like even now, you talking about
Abraham Lincoln and, and FDR,but the little things that
you're doing right now is, um,history making within itself.
(26:34):
Because right now you're, you'reconstantly every day that you
get up, every day that youprogress, you're creating your
own story and your own history,not just for you, but for your
family and friends.
Carlos (26:47):
I, I got you!
Brittany (26:49):
Great chatting with you, Carlos.
I'm so glad that you were ableto come and share your
experience and your enthusiasmfor a great mindset with our
audience today.
And listeners, you can't seewhat I see, but you can hear it
through his voice, his greatpersonality and so much strength
and how much passion he has inthe story, which was very heart
(27:10):
moving.
And if you want to get incontact with Carlos or any
information in regards to hisstory, his bio, it will be in a
description box below, um, inthis particular podcast.
Carlos (27:26):
Or you can find me on Facebook or instagram.
Brittany (27:34):
We'll definitely put your information out there for
Facebook and Instagram.
Y'all heard it here first.
We'll make sure, um, you havethat information.
Carlos (27:42):
Okay Uh, my Facebook is Carlos...Carlos Raphael, Raphael
is my middle name.
And then wait.
Yes, just put Carlos Raphael andthen you will find me, you will
find a picture of me, my profilepicture.
Brittany (28:02):
I just wanna say, you know, thank you again for coming
on the show today.
Carlos (28:09):
Thank you.
MsBoye (28:21):
Thanks for listening to "Positively Shinning Bright." We
hope you have enjoyed enteringthe worlds of our storytellers
and that maybe you gained someinsight for yourself.
If you heard your personal storyreflected in their stories or
were touched by the content ofthis episode, we'd love to hear
from you.
You can share your stories andcomments on our True Tales
(28:42):
Podcast Facebook page.
The link will be in the shownotes.
If you'd like to hear morestories like this the whole of
season one is available at ArtSpark Texas dot org, A R T S P A
R K T X dot O R G.
True Tales podcast or on yourfavorite podcast platform, we're
(29:07):
on'em all.
Look out for updates aboutseason two and bonus episodes by
following Art Spark Texas onFacebook, Instagram, TikTok,and
Twitter Please share us withyour friends.
Thank you for your support
Brittany (29:24):
This episode of True Tales was hosted by me, Brittany
Sessum and produced by KayeLove, editing and mixing by
MsBoye.
The production team alsoincludes Kamand Alaghehband.
Special thanks to ourstorytellers Anne Marie and
Carlos for coming on the showtoday.
(29:45):
Thanks for listening to TrueTales by Disability Advocates.
John Beer (29:51):
All episodes of the True Tales by Disability
Advocates are free on Applepodcasts, Spotify, and anywhere
you get your podcasts.
The program is funded in part bya grant from the Texas state
independent living council, theadministration for community
living and individuals like you.
To learn about The SpeakingAdvocates Program sign up for
(30:13):
our newsletter at Art Spark,Tx.org.
That's A R T S P A R K T X dot OR G.
The free virtual training isopen to people of all
disabilities, no matter whereyou live.
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