A Cochrane woman is getting ready to deliver a speech to address overcoming difficult obstacles. Elisa Neven-Pugh was the 2016 recipient for the town’s Equity and Inclusion Champion of the Year for her efforts to help make Cochrane more accessible for people with mobility issues. She is now on a mission to continue encouraging and fueling others going through a rough patch in their life with motivation. “When I was in my late teens, I went through this two-year depression because of thinking I was only a body, you know only seeing my limitations in being a quadriplegic. And then once I got out a bit by using practical action steps to work with how I was feeling, to be honest with my emotions with the help of my spiritual practice, I was able to come to a place where I know I can handle things, even when things get difficult,” Neven-Pugh said. It was back in fall 2014 when Neven-Pugh began her activism to make the town more accessible. She started out by firing emails to anyone she thought might help, including Cochrane Family and Community Support Services (FCSS). Her advocacy led to improved inclusivity and changes to shops that made it easier for Neven-Pugh to get in and out in her wheelchair. She said she held on to any bit of positivity when she felt discouraged along the way. “That’s what kept me going. Also knowing that I’m the same as everybody else and I deserve to go around town,” Neven-Pugh said. “Know that if you work hard enough, things can happen. She said her speech will address what life has taught her about “practical gratitude.” “Instead of always being positive, you are grateful for the small things, not trying to be always grateful for everything that’s happening because sometimes you can’t,” Neven-Pugh said. “It can be really discouraging when the books are telling you to be positive all the time but you’re going through this big upheaval, you’re going through this big life change you can’t smile all the time.” Neven-Pugh will be speaking at the RancheHouse on May 18 at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $15 and can be purchased at Addie's quilt shop or at the door. “Basically, I hope to give people ways to help them stay motivated to be connected to a sense of something greater,” Neven-Pugh said. “I really like people to know that they’re not victims of circumstance. But you don’t have to jump back up you can slowly get back to your feet, as my life has taught me.”
