#stick user

Maybe there's some reason I'm not aware of why it shouldn't be done this way, if so do please tell me, but until then I'm going to carry on using my cane my way and wondering why nobody else is.

Basically, you know how a cane has a handle/hook on the top? And everyone uses a cane by holding it with the hook, having the open end of the hook facing behind you, like this

What I do instead is just reverse the cane and have the open end of the hook facing out forwards, like this

I think you can see how the first way of holding it is so much more unstable than the second, but in case you can't, I have prepared a little, (highly scientific,) diagram to explain what I mean

When you're putting your weight on the cane while carrying it with the hook facing backward, your weight travels down your forearm from elbow to wrist, and then there's a weird transition where it has to go sideways for a bit, like you've got an extra joint, and you're relying on continual little adjustments by your wrist to keep everything properly in line.

If you hold it the other way, otoh, with the heel of your hand resting directly above the stick, the stick becomes an extension of your forearm in one long line of force, and there's much less wobbling involved.

Most stick handles are also more comfortable to the palm of your hand this way around, imo

Disability Awareness Month

#2020diversityreadinhchallenge

Kaz Brekker from Six of Crows walks with a mobility aid. As does Leigh Bardugo. When I went to her book signing she talked about how she wanted to create a character who uses a stick but is still a badass and instills fear in everyone who hears his stick click down the street. That's the energy I hope to exude whilst using my stick instead of the pitying looks I sometimes get from people who think I'm too "young and pretty" to be using a stick.