If you asked me to describe myself, disability — and CMT — wouldn’t even crack my top ten.
Honestly, it might not make the list at all.
I’d probably start with things like:
Mom. Wife. Stepmom. Friend who shows up (with store-bought snacks — but the good ones).
Over-planner. Chronic list-maker. Empty nester — which doesn’t define me, but is something
I’m still adjusting to, learning to live with, and trying to find the joy in.
For twenty years, I was a mom of a boy and a girl.
Now I’m a mom of two adult sons.
One born a boy and still a boy. One born a girl and now a trans boy.
This isn’t something I lead with, but gender comes up more than I ever expected.
I’ve learned I don’t have to fully understand everything in order to accept it.
I’m loud.
I’m gregarious.
I’m Jewish.
Those things tend to introduce me before I do.
I’m 55 — going on 30 in my head.
Some days that shows up as energy.
Other days it shows up as denial.
I’m smart.
I’m also sometimes shallow and a little superficial — and I’m self-aware enough to know both things can be true. I care about ideas and aesthetics. Depth and good lighting. Meaning and great skin.
I work hard on strength and exercise.
I could say it’s because of CMT, but honestly? It’s mostly vanity — and I’m okay with that.
I love Pilates because I’m good at it.
Feeling capable matters to me.
I’m impatient.
Restless.
Always needing a project, a plan, or something to look forward to in order to feel steady.
I know I need to breathe more.
Talk less.
Listen better.
I lost both of my parents a little too young, which has a way of clarifying what matters — and what absolutely doesn’t. It teaches you to stop waiting. To say the thing. To show up. To be a good friend. To put the extra in — because you know time isn’t something you get back.
I’m confident and assertive.
Sometimes too assertive — especially when I’m hangry or hormonal.
I notice people.
I mean the compliments I give — and I don’t give the ones I don’t.
I love knowledge and sharing what I know.
I’m also learning when to hold back.
I can hyper-focus for hours on completely inessential details.
I can be… a lot.
And yes — I have CMT.
It doesn’t define my style.
But it has limited some of my choices, and I don’t pretend otherwise.
There are shoes I wish worked.
Decisions I quietly adjust.
A constant, behind-the-scenes recalculating that most people never see.
CMT is real.
It’s persistent.
Some days, it’s annoying as hell.
But it is not who I am.
What defines me more is how I adapt — and how I keep going.
I’ve never loved the idea that disability has to be framed as either tragic or inspirational. Both feel limiting. Both miss the point.
I’m not brave for existing.
I’m not inspiring for getting dressed.
I’m just living my life — layered, evolving, sometimes messy, often joyful, and very much my own.
That’s what Trend-Able has always been about.
Not ignoring disability.
Not letting it take over the narrative.
But making room for the whole person — style, frustration, grief, humor, vanity, ambition, confidence, and growth.
So as 2026 begins, here’s what I know:
There are at least 101 ways to describe me.
Some strong. Some flawed. Some still in progress.
Having CMT is part of my story –
but if you’re looking for the headline?
You’re going to have to keep scrolling.
Perfectly imperfect. Still figuring it out.
And wishing you a happy new year — exactly as you are.
Xo
Lainie
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Wow! What an inspirational read! I love your honesty and self-awareness. I love your style. And, like you, I’ve made peace with my broken pieces. You are a rare jewel, and I’m grateful to have found you.
Lov this post so much and love your positive and string willed vibes for sure! You go girl and love your strength and your attitude! I hope you have an amazing 2026!
How you view yourself and the adjectives you used to describe yourself shows that you have great self-awareness. Kudos to you for not letting CMT define you!
loved this phrase – making room for the whole person – and while i have always believed in that, now as a teacher working on my special ed credentials, i am more intentionally and consciously making this belief part of my life
I loved reading your post. It was so much fun. You are so creative and self-aware.
I loved reading your post. It was so much fun. You are so creative and self-aware.
This post is a great reminder that a person is defined by their personality and interests, not just CMT. Loved reading this post 🩷.
I enjoyed reading about your thoughts and experiences. Thanks for sharing these things about you and CMT. It is good for others in similar situations to be able to relate.
WOW, I love how you describe yourself and honestly, don’t apologize to anyone for who you are. You are who you are, and your story is truly inspiring. I couldn’t help but laugh at the line, “I’m 55—going on 30 in my head.” I relate to that so much!
It’s great to hear that your disability doesn’t define you. As mothers we all wear different hats.
I appreciate how openly you talk about living with CMT. This makes the condition easier to relate to.
This was such a fun and creative list! I loved how personal and expressive your descriptions are – definitely gave me inspiration to write my own version.
Love how you describe yourself. I too am 60 going on 20 with energy but not in my mind.
I love that it doesn’t define you. That’s incredible! My son has autism and he always says it’s not all he is either. You have so many amazing traits!
Such a lovely post. I don’t think I can even think of 101 things to describe myself.
I couldn’t either. 😂
I loved reading through this fun and creative list. It gave me so many fresh ideas for describing myself in ways that feel both meaningful and playful. Your examples are inspiring and made me smile as I thought about how I might personalize them. Thanks for sharing such a joyful and thoughtful resource that encourages self-reflection with a light heart.