Finding Happiness with Cerebral Palsy: 10 Things That Bring Me Joy Every Day
Posted by Jessica Denise Grono
Living with cerebral palsy isn’t always easy. Some days my muscles cooperate, and other days they don’t. Pain, fatigue, involuntary movements, and accessibility challenges can be frustrating. Like everyone else, I also face disappointments, health concerns, and unexpected obstacles.
Yet through it all, I’ve learned something important: happiness isn’t something that happens to us. It’s something we choose to look for each day.
That doesn’t mean pretending life is perfect. It means recognizing the blessings that still exist, even on the hardest days. Some days happiness is found in a major milestone. Other days it’s simply enjoying a cup of coffee, hearing birds outside my window, or laughing with my family.
Over the years I’ve experienced breast cancer, vocal cord paralysis, increasing arthritis, and the everyday challenges of living with cerebral palsy. I’ve watched my children grow into incredible young people, celebrated career milestones as a teacher, traveled to places I once thought impossible, and learned that joy and hardship often exist side by side.
These are the ten things that consistently bring happiness to my life.
1. My Faith
God is the foundation of everything I do. My faith reminds me that difficult seasons don’t last forever and that my value isn’t determined by my abilities or limitations.
Prayer gives me peace when life feels overwhelming. Attending Mass, praying the Rosary, and reading Scripture help me refocus on what truly matters. I don’t always understand God’s plan, but I trust that He walks beside me through every challenge.
2. My Children
Becoming a mother is the greatest blessing of my life.
Watching Laura grow into a confident young woman and seeing Jason develop into a kind, thoughtful young man fills my heart with gratitude. As they become more independent, I treasure every conversation, family outing, and memory we create together.
Motherhood has taught me that love has nothing to do with physical ability. My cerebral palsy has never prevented me from being their biggest supporter, encourager, and mom.
3. My Husband
Marriage isn’t perfect, but neither are people.
Jeff and I have faced many challenges together, including health issues, career changes, parenting, and the everyday stresses of life. Through every season we’ve continued moving forward together.
Having someone who supports me through the unique challenges of cerebral palsy is a gift I never take for granted.
4. Quiet Moments
Life is busy.
As a wife, mom, teacher, writer, and disability advocate, quiet moments can be hard to find. When I do have time to simply sit, think, read, pray, or write, I appreciate it more than ever.
Sometimes happiness is found in silence.
5. Family and Friends
The older I get, the more I value people who accept me exactly as I am.
Real friends don’t see the wheelchair first. They see me.
My family has supported me through every stage of life—from childhood therapies to raising children, teaching, writing, and navigating health challenges. Their encouragement reminds me that no one succeeds alone.
6. Familiar Routines
There’s something comforting about routines.
I enjoy coming home after teaching, changing into comfortable clothes, spending time with my family, and ending the evening writing or relaxing.
Living with cerebral palsy often means dealing with unpredictable symptoms. A dependable routine brings a sense of calm and stability.
7. Nature
I love spring flowers, colorful gardens, warm sunshine, birds singing, and the smell of fresh rain.
Nature reminds me that every difficult season eventually gives way to new growth. Even on days when my body isn’t cooperating, simply sitting outside can lift my mood.
8. Animals
Animals have a special way of loving without judgment.
Whether it’s a dog excited to greet me at the door or a cat curled up beside me, they remind me to slow down and enjoy simple moments.
Losing beloved pets has been heartbreaking, but every animal that has been part of our family has filled our home with laughter, comfort, and unconditional love.
9. A Comfortable Home
One of the hardest parts of cerebral palsy for me is not always being physically able to clean or organize my home the way I’d like.
Because of that, I never take for granted the help I receive from my attendants, my husband, and my children. A clean home brings me peace, and I’m incredibly thankful for the people who make that possible.
I’ve learned that accepting help isn’t weakness. It’s simply part of living with a disability.
10. Teaching and Writing
Teaching has always been a dream come true.
Every classroom reminds me that students thrive when someone believes in them. I hope my presence teaches children that disability does not limit intelligence, kindness, or success.
Writing has become another passion. Through CPMommy.com and my personal website, I hope to encourage families, educate others about cerebral palsy, and remind readers that accessibility and inclusion matter.
If sharing my experiences helps even one person feel less alone, every article is worth writing.
Happiness Is a Choice
Life with cerebral palsy isn’t always easy.
There are days when pain is exhausting, accessibility is frustrating, or disappointment feels heavy. I don’t ignore those realities.
Instead, I choose to notice the blessings that exist alongside them.
Happiness isn’t found in having a perfect life. It’s found in appreciating the people you love, trusting God through uncertainty, celebrating small victories, and refusing to let difficult circumstances steal your joy.
Every day gives us a reason to smile. Sometimes we simply have to look a little harder to find it.
What brings you happiness? I’d love to hear in the comments.
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