Kim Lumelius – That's how she rolls

Laughter is the best medicine. In this sense Kim Lumelius is a pretty jolly person. Instead of getting angry about barriers, she prefers to overcome them. That's why her travels are always an adventure. What kind of journey she has not made yet and why she considers gratitude to be an important asset, she tells us on REHACARE.com.

What makes you laugh?

Kim Lumelius: My husband Lorenz makes me laugh the most! Apart from that, people tell me I am pretty jolly and have a contagious laugh. I love to laugh out loud and often with the people around me, but I also like to laugh at myself!

What have you always been wanting to do and why have you never done this so far?

Kim Lumelius: I generally always do what comes to my mind. Sure, you cannot do all of it at once but I was able to gradually fulfill many of my wishes during my travels. On my blog Wheeliewanderlust.de, I share my travel adventures on four wheels with the world. Something I haven’t dared/managed to do yet is a trip up North. I would love to visit Scandinavia and see the polar lights! So far, I have always been drawn to the South and sunny places. I am simply not made for cold temperatures and I don’t have snow chains for my wheelchair yet ;) However, spending the night in a glass igloo definitely tops my wish list.

Which person has influenced you most? And why?

Kim Lumelius: I can’t really settle on one specific person – probably mostly my friends for their support and because they make me forget my worries and turn a normal boring day into a special one. Many dear people have given me a positive outlook. My own mistakes and experiences, good or bad, affect me every day.

I am mostly impressed by those people who fight for their convictions and stand up for the rights of those who are unable to "say things out loud". I believe that it’s all about a great mix between you and the people who cross your path along the way.

You have the chance to become the Commissioner for the Disabled in your country. What would you do first?

Kim Lumelius: As a wheelchair user, accessibility in all public buildings and paths is essential and a cause I would definitely champion. Unfortunately, it’s probably very difficult to break down the mental barriers and broaden the narrow perspectives of some people ;) Another major concern for me would be to end financial injustice – we desperately need a fair Federal Participation Law. I also believe inclusion in preschools and schools is important, to ensure that disabilities are not considered as something that’s strange. That being said, I don't want inclusion at all costs. After all, inclusion can promote consideration and helpfulness, but it can just as well trigger contempt, excessive demands and a sense of inferiority.

Oh, and one more thing, I would increase the fines tenfold for all those who wrongfully park in disabled parking spaces.

Kim Lumelius: Mindfulness for yourself and others. A world where we live together versus a dog-eat-dog world! This world would be so much nicer if we all could be more open, curious and willing to help others. It’s also important to be happy about the little things in life because gratitude makes us more balanced and friendlier. We have so many reasons to laugh and only one reason to cry and thus have every reason to be happy. We all have our crosses to bear (and some crosses might be heavier than others) – but you have to try and make the most of your life.

I would like to be ...

Kim Lumelius: Healthy! I am very much at peace with my disease and life in a wheelchair. However, I could do without my dependence on others in some situations. ;)

Which question would you like to get answered?

Kim Lumelius: When will we be able to finally beam ourselves up?

What else I wanted to say...

Kim Lumelius: A little smile, a friendly look,
Send it out and it comes back to you.
Give a smile wherever you are,
It spreads like wildfire.

A smile, the language everyone understands
And one that transcends all borders.

A smile, the language everyone loves,
It captures all eyes
And moves out into the world.

A smile that warms the heart,
It doesn’t cost anything
And makes you beautiful

 ... and if someone doesn’t respond,
Just smile again and see what happens ...