choose the infinite possibilities to create a more inclusive society where we see value and dignity in all people
I’m honored to again be chosen as a delegate the Minnesota State DFL Convention. It’s a pretty different experience at the DFL virtual convention this year than in Rochester two years ago. It was exciting to be around all of the people, meet the candidates and other delegates, be part of the action and drama… Continue reading A New Way
Guess what? Today is my four-year blog-versary. So, I have changed the theme, design, whatever it is to the website. The reason why I changed my design is it felt like a change was needed. And, what else to do when I’m stuck at home. Tour of the new site I created a static home… Continue reading 4-year anniversary of Justin Smith Writes
I have started planning the next book and I mean that quite literally. I say that because I pantsered the last two books. Although I didn’t know this, I think that I might actually be more of a plotter. Wait, what is a pantser and plotter? Ok, when I wrote my first two books, I… Continue reading Plotter or pantser?
I don’t do resolutions for the New Year, but I do have a ritual where I write the goals of what I know that I can accomplish. Politics I am extremely excited for this election season because we get to choose who our elected officials are – from my local representatives to state and US… Continue reading 2020 Goals
Today, Chris Serres, reporter for the Minneapolis Star Tribune, wrote an excellent article about how Minnesotans with disabilities are fighting barriers to inclusion and unfilled promises. I love seeing Chris Serres’ articles because he gets it. He’s able to tell the world about what it’s like to try to navigate this system and what happens… Continue reading Barriers to inclusion
Unfortunately, AFC Wimbledon did not win today meaning that they're not going to the quarter finals of the FA Cup. Ahhhh... My good news story for the day is even though we've had a ton of snow over the past couple weeks, downtown Minneapolis near The Local had clear sidewalks and curb cuts. It's usually… Continue reading Wheels in Winter
In 2019 I want to write more about the challenges in front of me to keep moving towards independent living. It’s not easy to figure all this out and I’ll share what I find out in case it helps others in their own lives or just so everyone has a better idea of what’s involved.… Continue reading Hello 2019
My First Letter to the Editor published in White Bear/Vadnais Heights Press, August 8, 2018 This coming Tuesday, August 14th, is the primary election for governor in Minnesota. As a young person living with a severe disability, I know that the next election can have a huge impact on the disability community. I am supporting… Continue reading Vote! My letter to the editor
I turned 20 years old this week. A couple years ago, I thought that after high school, I would go to college. Get my Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree. And then get a job as a writer or journalist. Here’s the thing, I’ve started taking some college classes. Two worked out pretty well – got A’s.… Continue reading 20
Medical Marijuana Recently, I have been trying medical marijuana and it has worked better than most medications that I tried. One of the components, CBD, is a pain-killer and has worked on the joint pain in my knees and hips. College Recently, I toured a local private college and I decided that I am probably… Continue reading Marijuana, college, and more
