@Michele Hayes Thank you! :)

@Michele Hayes Oh really, that is so generous of you! *rushing to read what is allowed and not*

@Michele Hayes Thank you for the warm welcome :) “Don’t let the wheelchair fool you—I can still kick your ass.” Those words sum up the grit and humor that define me, Åsa Strahlemo. Born in Uppsala, Sweden in 1970 with a severe form of Goldenhar syndrome and a significant spinal cord injury, I learned from an early age that life isn’t just about surviving—it’s about thriving, even when the odds are against you. Partially deaf, visually impaired, and paralyzed from the chest down, I spent my childhood in hospitals and institutions where I witnessed and endured experiences that no child should face. But those years also ignited a fire in me: a passion for human rights and the belief that everyone should have the power to shape their own lives. At 13, I found myself sidelined from school sports, told I couldn’t participate. That didn’t sit well with me. So, I organized a parasports day with the help of two of Sweden’s top para-athletes. The event was a success, and it earned me a spot in physical education. That moment wasn’t just a win for me—it was a testament to the idea that barriers are meant to be broken. Sports played a huge role in my life, shaping not just my body but my mind. Competing at an elite level for nearly a decade as a young adult taught me the power of discipline, perseverance, and setting new goals once you reach the first ones. But more than that, it taught me that true strength is found in helping others see their potential and guiding them toward it. That’s exactly what I do today through my company, Sköldmö AB. I’m a certified life coach, writing (journaling) coach, and conversation coach, with a magister degree in social work focused on individuals with disabilities and the elderly. With over a decade of experience helping people who have faced sudden life changes rebuild their sense of self and purpose, I know that the road to transformation isn’t a quick fix. It’s honest, deep, and requires consistent effort. But you’re never alone when I’m by your side.