About Sha

Close-up selfie of me with my bright pink hair (having a surprisingly good hair day!), round statement glasses, and a fabulous furry collar coat. I'm out and about in Lichfield town centre - you can see the blurred buildings behind me. Rocking my alternative look with a cheeky smile! My wheelchair isn't visible in this shot, but trust me, it's there and looking just as fabulous. Pink hair don't care - the wheels might slow me down, but the style never stops!
Sha Taylor Sha Taylor

Hello There, I'm Sha! πŸ‘‹

Welcome to Wheely Happy Days, where I'm sharing my adventures (and misadventures!) navigating life on wheels.

The Woman Behind the Wheels

I'm Sha Taylor, a 52-year-old adventurous spiritual soul from Burntwood who refuses to let life's challenges stop me from having a bloody good time! Since developing Functional Neurological Disorder (FND) in 2024, I've been getting around in my trusty wheelchair, which has given me a whole new perspective on the world.

My FND causes balance, coordination and fatigue issues, along with the occasional dissociative seizure when I'm stressed or tired. I also live with Fibromyalgia and ME/CFS, which means pain and tiredness are my unwelcome companions most days. But you know what? I'm determined not to let these conditions define me or limit my zest for life!

What I'm All About

Before my body threw a proper wobbly, I worked as a Brand, PR and Marketing Manager, putting my creative skills to good use. Yoga and meditation grounded me - I am not a religious person but these really gave me peace. I also loved Pilates, going to the gym, cycling, swimming, and spending days walking through the local countryside and going on random, spontaneous adventures and shenanigans with Paul and friends old and new. Theatre and the arts have always been my passion - from treading the boards as a teenager at Lichfield Youth Theatre to now soaking up as much live culture as possible, whether it's music, dance, plays or exhibitions.

These days, I wear different hats - I'm a councillor for both Lichfield District Council and Burntwood Town Council, representing the Boney Hay and Central ward. I'm also dead chuffed to be a Trustee of the Lichfield Garrick Theatre, having been a theatre kid myself back in the day!

These days, you might find me:

  • Getting my fix of live music (wheelchair moshpit, anyone?)
  • Sleeping
  • Planning my next festival adventure
  • Resting
  • Enjoying some garden sunshine with my wild cats (dozing)
  • Attempting to find my spiritual self through meditation and yoga (it's a journey!)
  • Updating my days of gratitude, daily affirmations, sweary affirmations
  • Supporting my community as Food Justice Champion for LDC
  • Pacing (counting spoons) - also a work in progress
  • Spending quality time with my favourite people in the world; husband Paul (aka "theaardvark") and whenever possible our grown-up kids
Me and my husband Paul (aka 'theaardvark') enjoying a cheeky pint at our local! I've got my pink hair and star-print top, sporting a massive grin and bright blue nails wrapped around a cider. Paul's rocking his magnificent purple beard that would make Gandalf jealous! We're proper couple goals - between my wheels and his wizard beard, we turn heads everywhere we go! Love a good pub that's wheelchair friendly... the accessibility might get me in, but it's the cider that keeps me there!
theaardvark and I at a gig

Why Wheely Happy Days?

This space isn't just about moaning (though there will be the occasional proper rant when things get frustrating!). It's about showing that life on wheels can still be vibrant, meaningful and, yes, happy!

  • The reality of navigating the world as a wheelchair user
  • The good, the bad and the downright ridiculous moments
  • Tips and tricks I've learned along the way
  • Reviews of accessible venues and events
  • My ongoing journey with chronic illness and disability
  • A hefty dose of humour and positivity (because laughter truly is the best medicine)

I also want to have this account of these times so I can reflect and remind myself, whatever the future holds I made it through these days, hours and minutes, and to remember on my bad days there are good times ahead.

My Philosophy

Life throws curveballs, doesn't it? One minute, you're running around like a headless chicken, the next you're figuring out how to navigate the world on wheels. But I firmly believe in making the most of every day, being kind to yourself and others, and finding joy in the small things. The silver linings.

I think, "Whoever you are, wherever you are from, whatever your beliefs, we all deserve to be treated kindly and with respect." The same goes for how we treat ourselves and others facing health challenges.

Join Me!

Whether you're a fellow spoonie, a wheelchair user, or someone who enjoys a bit of real talk sprinkled with a little glitter and positivity, I'd love to have you along for the ride. Follow my adventures here and on my social channels, and don't be shyβ€”drop me a message anytime!

Remember, life may not always be perfect, but it can still be wheely, wheely good! πŸ’œ and occasionally wheely, wheely naughty!

With love and gratitude, πŸ™πŸ»

Sha
(aka the occasionally very grumpy 'kincowbag when pain levels hit 10+)