Welcome to
Peytonism!
What is Peytonism?
In order to understand “Peytonism”, first, I have to introduce myself. My name is Lawrence Peyton Kelly. Most people know me as Peyton, I’m in my mid twenties and I have been diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy. With social media becoming a toxic place and voices being silenced, I have decided to start a blog where I can express my thoughts and feelings. As well allow you all to leave your own comments without Big Tech looking over our shoulders! In a world where, now more than ever, we as humans need a source of hope, motivation, and a safe environment to express who we are and what we stand for. With aspirations to be on the political battlefield, with Old Norse paganism having a major impact on my life, and with a unique outlook on this complex journey of life, and a love for traveling. Peytonism represents me as a whole, my thoughts, feelings, and the virtues that I live by.
Life With Cerebral Palsy
According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), Cerebral palsy (CP) is a group of disorders that affect a person’s ability to move and maintain balance and posture. CP is the most common motor disability in childhood. Cerebral means having to do with the brain. Palsy means weakness or problems with using the muscles. CP is caused by abnormal brain development or damage to the developing brain that affects a person’s ability to control his or her muscles.
Navigating through life with CP has compelled me to strengthen my problem-solving skills because what works for everyone might not for me, therefore I have to take a step back and solve the problems that lie ahead.
“Look past the disability and see the person. If you have questions, ask them. Be patient because speech may be hard to understand, but carry on a conversation. Just because they’re difficult to understand doesn’t mean they don’t have something to say.” -Dr. Gary Edwards, United Cerebral Palsy Birmingham executive director
Civics
We are currently living in very complex times in the United States. Everywhere we look we see division taking place instead of unity, hate rather than care, and sympathy when empathy is needed. The amazing thing about this country is that ordinary people who are fortunate to be able to be the change that they want to see in the country, it is not easy by any means, however, freedom isn’t free and with enough voices being heard, real change can be made for the better. I am willing to take on that responsibility for the greater good of this spectacular country and beautiful world that most do not comprehend how fortunate we are to live in.
"We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain inalienable rights, among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, that to secure these rights governments are instituted among men.” -Excerpted from the Declaration of Independence, 1776.
Norse Polytheism
Old Norse Paganism, Norse Polytheism, Heathenry, and Nordic Animism are just a few labels that can be used to describe my spiritual views and have become a great part of who I am as a person. Being a Pagan has taught me to tap into the divine and become one with nature. It provides a unique perspective on life, death, and much more. It is a perspective that I believe many can benefit from regardless of religious beliefs.
“Wisdom is welcome wherever it comes from.” ~Bandamanna Saga, c.10
Travel
I have an enormous amount of love for traveling! It is a mental and spiritual cleanser and it allows me to see the wonders and beauty that Jörð (Earth) has to offer. It also provides me a chance to meet people and experience the wide variety of cultures that exist.
"He is truly wise who's traveled far and knows the ways of the world..” -'Havamal'.
The Journey
The picture on the left was soon after I was born, plugged into almost every medical machine possible, hanging on by a thread. The picture on the right is 23 years later about to be a best man at one of my best friends’ wedding. Those two pictures are to show just how far someone can come during this unexpected journey that is called life. It was not easy to get to where I am today and I did not do it alone, I have family and friends that have stood by my side and advocated til I learned to do so myself and those people have had such a big impact on my life. To those who were with me from the beginning, thank you from the bottom of my heart, because without you, the journey wouldn’t have happened.
