Facebook-f Linkedin-in Youtube Instagram

(02) 8525 4000

Contact Us
Living My Way
  • Services
    • Support Workers
    • Support Coordination
    • Plan Management
    • iCare Services
  • About Us
    • Our Team
    • Meet Our Board
    • Our Charter of Rights
    • Work With Us
    • Give Feedback
    • Reports
  • Resources
    • Blog
    • News
    • COVID Updates
    • Supporting Documents
    • NDIS Updates
  • Member Stories
  • Services
    • Support Workers
    • Support Coordination
    • Plan Management
    • iCare Services
  • About Us
    • Our Team
    • Meet Our Board
    • Our Charter of Rights
    • Work With Us
    • Give Feedback
    • Reports
  • Resources
    • Blog
    • News
    • COVID Updates
    • Supporting Documents
    • NDIS Updates
  • Member Stories
Contact Us
Living My Way
(02) 8525 4000
  • Services
    • Support Workers
    • Support Coordination
    • Plan Management
    • iCare Services
  • About Us
    • Our Team
    • Meet Our Board
    • Our Charter of Rights
    • Work With Us
    • Give Feedback
    • Reports
  • Resources
    • Blog
    • News
    • COVID Updates
    • Supporting Documents
    • NDIS Updates
  • Member Stories
  • Services
    • Support Workers
    • Support Coordination
    • Plan Management
    • iCare Services
  • About Us
    • Our Team
    • Meet Our Board
    • Our Charter of Rights
    • Work With Us
    • Give Feedback
    • Reports
  • Resources
    • Blog
    • News
    • COVID Updates
    • Supporting Documents
    • NDIS Updates
  • Member Stories

Stay informed with the latest NDIS updates and changes

Learn more
Living My Way
  • Services
    • Support Workers
    • Support Coordination
    • Plan Management
    • iCare Services
  • About Us
    • Our Team
    • Meet Our Board
    • Our Charter of Rights
    • Work With Us
    • Give Feedback
    • Reports
  • Resources
    • Blog
    • News
    • COVID Updates
    • Supporting Documents
    • NDIS Updates
  • Member Stories
  • Services
    • Support Workers
    • Support Coordination
    • Plan Management
    • iCare Services
  • About Us
    • Our Team
    • Meet Our Board
    • Our Charter of Rights
    • Work With Us
    • Give Feedback
    • Reports
  • Resources
    • Blog
    • News
    • COVID Updates
    • Supporting Documents
    • NDIS Updates
  • Member Stories
(02) 8525 4000
Facebook-f Instagram Youtube
Contact Us

Stay informed with the latest NDIS updates and changes

Learn more

In Pursuit of Normal: Martha’s Story

  • December 23, 2024

Martha’s new book, In Pursuit of Normal, offers an honest and insightful look at the challenges and milestones that have shaped her journey. In this blog, Martha shares the inspiration behind her story, the writing process, and the themes she hopes will connect with readers. Read on to discover the heart of her journey and what makes this book a must-read.

Martha, with her husband Andrew and their beloved dogs,

I was unconscious for 67 days.  When I came to, I had to relearn even the most basic tasks, like lifting a bread roll to my mouth.   I’ve tried to write a book about my life book before, but this experience made me want to share my story.

My parents never let my cerebral palsy hold me back. From the very beginning, they treated me the same as my two siblings. I was a determined little girl, always eager to tackle the next challenge head-on.

My parents are from Malta, so we went on holiday there often during my childhood and it’s definitely not accessible.  I’d be crawling up and down stairs and my aunts and uncles treated me like their children, so it was beautiful.

The teachers at my school recognised a fire in me to learn and really pushed me academically.  I thought at the time people would think, because I was in a wheelchair that I’m stupid, but my education experience was so positive.

Finding employment hasn’t been easy, but I learnt about going through the side door.  I have contacted CEO’s directly, sharing what I can do, and then making up a job that would work for me too. When I was working at Living My Way, I loved advocating for Members as Support Coordinator and I’ve always tried to push the boundaries of what’s possible.

It took me nine months to finish the book I would get up early and write four days a week.  I just kept writing and writing, and I worked closely with my mentor Sophie so I had accountability. 

It’s a very personal account I share a day in my life and some of the challenges.  I know that sometimes there might be a curiosity about whether people with disability do this or do that. 

Martha, enjoying the slopes on a ski holiday

There’s a lot of different stories in the book that I hope people enjoy.

Because that’s what my life has been all about – embracing challenges and finding ways to live life to the fullest which I’m proud of, like skiing down a mountain, and other adrenaline adventures I’ve always loved.

I want to show the world that having a disability doesn’t have to define you or limit your potential. If I can do it, then I truly believe anyone can.

Martha Siede, Author

 

About the Author

Martha lives with her husband, Andrew, and her dog Bronte, at the foot of the Blue Mountains in Western Sydney.  Martha’s passion is to show others that anything is possible if you are determined to improve and reach your goals. 

Martha has a wicked sense of humour and enjoys making people laugh.  This is the first book Martha has written.

 

Learn more about the book:

– Book Review by Carol Thompson 

– Pre-purchase ‘In Pursuit of Normal’ by Martha Siede from Amazon

Share this article on...

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
Living My Way

Empowering people to get on with life.

Living My Way

  • Home
  • Disability Support Services
  • About Us
  • Privacy
  • Report Incident
  • Subscriptions
  • Home
  • Disability Support Services
  • About Us
  • Privacy
  • Report Incident
  • Subscriptions
  • Home
  • Disability Support Services
  • About Us
  • Privacy
  • Report Incident
  • Subscriptions
  • Home
  • Disability Support Services
  • About Us
  • Privacy
  • Report Incident
  • Subscriptions

Contact Us

operations@lmwl.org.au
Phone (02) 8525 4000
Fax (02) 8525 4011

Facebook-f Instagram Youtube Linkedin-in

Give Feedback

NDIS logo

Menai Head Office

Ground Floor, 44-60 Allison
Crescent, Menai NSW 2234

Seven Hills Office

Unit 10, 197 Prospect Hwy,
Seven Hills NSW 2147

Mailing Address

PO Box 67, Menai Central,
NSW 2234

ABN

47 110 995 518

Acknowledgement of Country

Living My Way acknowledges the Dharawal people who are the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we work. Living My Way pays respect to Elders past and present and extends this respect to other Aboriginal people visiting our website.

Areas We Serve
We primarily offer disability support services across Sydney – including Western Sydney, the Sutherland Shire and St George – Wollongong City Council regions, and Central West NSW
Accessibility by WAH

“Storytelling is how we invite our Member voices to shine and share something meaningful… We want to inspire, engage and educate our community through real stories.”

“We all pitch in to get things done. I would say, hand on heart, that the people we employ are truly Memberfocused and understand how their role can help Members meet their aspirations.”