Page 10 - Mainstreamer e-Magazine Volume 1, Issue 3 - August 2023

OVERCOMING DISABILITY
The Power of Positive Thinking for the Success of

Person with Disabilities

Nitcharee
Peneakchanasak

y name is Nitcharee Peneakchanasak, or to help empower people and encourage them to
Thun. In 2011, I was a 14-year-old who be positive thinkers. And all of my experiences
Mwanted to study abroad and explore inspired me to use my expertise, skills, and
the world. After I was granted permission by my knowledge to help people with disabilities
parents to study in Singapore, my journey began improve their quality of life. I, also known as
with an unexpected turning point that changed my Thun, have turned things around by becoming
life forever. On a Sunday morning, I was waiting for a motivational speaker, using my life lessons to
a train at Ang Mo Kio MRT Station when I fell onto inspire others. It all began with a TV programme
the train tracks as people rushed to get onto the where I was interviewed about how I overcame my
train. I lost both of my legs, and my life changed tragic accident. After my interview aired, a well-
completely. The train accident gained widespread respected senior from a private company invited
attention in the news in Thailand and across Asia. me to be a speaker because they believed my story
This traumatic experience did not stop me from could inspire others. I remember the topic was
living a normal life. I thought I was lucky that my about positive thinking. I accepted the invitation
friends and family truly supported me during the because it would be a great opportunity for me.
most difficult times, to the point where I almost Since then, other opportunities have come along.
forgot how hard it was to overcome my challenges. The smiles I received in return are what I enjoy
No one made me feel worthless or incompetent. most about being a motivational speaker, which is
They all knew that I needed time to adapt. So, I a worthwhile experience. I think [the experience]
never felt abandoned. I never felt that I had lost cannot be bought with money. I only explain, using
anything. The only things I don’t have anymore my personal experience, to make them reflect on
are my legs, but I’m still loved and I still have themselves and make their lives better.
everything else. Apart from learning how to adapt
to a new life as an amputee, I also believe in two
things that helped me heal from the trauma; my “
goals and dreams. I dreamt of going back to pursue
activities like I used to. I still want to have fun with The biggest challenge is to tell
my friends, go back to school, and tell everyone I the same story with a whole new
graduated and that I can still live a normal life. perspective while keeping its
While I live a normal life, I continue to do relatability, no matter how often
disability activities in my country. My favourite
recreational activities include many physical the story has been told. I think the
activities such as marathons, wheelchair scuba most challenging part is to find new
diving, wheelchair fencing, and swimming. All stories to tell and to inspire others.”
these amazing experiences have helped me not
only overcome the accident but also become an Now at 27 years old, being a motivational
inspirational speaker. speaker for many years can become more
I have been invited to speak on many TV challenging. The biggest challenge is to tell the
programmes and by big companies in Thailand same story with a whole new perspective while

9 Vol. 01, Issue 3 | August 2022