Meet Elliot
By Abby Yim
Happy Spring, ICS Friends! As the weather warms up and we’re out and about more, we invite you to take a closer look and get to know one of the ICS faces you may run into at one of our social clubs, or at your local bookstore, Elliot Kist.
I sat down with Elliot to discuss travel, literature and his reflections on being a part of ICS. I hope you enjoy this conversation as much as I did!
Abby:
“Hi Elliot, thanks for meeting with me. Maybe we could start with where you’re from and how you got to ICS?”
Elliot:
“Hi Abby. I’m happy to meet with you. I’m originally from Atlanta, Georgia, then I lived in Chicago for over 20 years, some of that time was living independently, and then moved to San Rafael with my family about five years ago. Atlanta will always be home, but I’m getting more comfortable living in California. I lived here for about a year before getting referred to ICS by Golden Gate Regional Center. So I’ve been with ICS for four years now.”
Abby:
“I could tell you had some Atlanta connection because of the Atlanta Braves hat I’ve seen you wear.”
Elliot:
(laughs) “Yep, I’m a huge Braves and Falcons fan.”
Abby:
“I also hear you’re an avid reader. What are you reading lately?”
Elliot:
“I’m reading this book about the movie Inception and the philosophical concepts within the movie. I’m also reading Astoria: Astor and Jefferson’s Lost Pacific Empire by Peter Stark. It's about how there was this expedition in the 1800s and the Western Part of the US. My parents and I went on a trip last year in that area and it was fun. It was the first colony or settlement west of the rockies. The idea of finding a whole part of the continent that nobody knew about is fascinating. I’m fascinated by history and thinking about why things happen critically. I try to look at things with an open mind. But I also like turning my mind off at times. Mindless TV is also good.”
Abby:
“It's interesting that you came from Atlanta then Chicago then to San Rafael and that you went on that trip with your parents. it sounds like you’re well travelled.”
Elliot:
“That’s true, I’ve travelled through the US. I like to travel. I wouldn’t say I love the process of travelling though. Being a person with a disability, travel can be tough. I have cerebral palsy and use a walker and a wheelchair. But, I love getting to where I’m going. That’s life though, the process can be tough but the destination is worth it.”
Abby:
“I like that point about getting through challenges with an end destination in mind. You can also learn a lot in the process and the challenges. Would you mind sharing some of what you’ve learned in the process of travelling through life?”
Elliot:
(laughs) “I’d say my life is like the Empire Strikes Back, that movie has tons of challenges but you know there’s a movie after that, which is hopeful. There’s always something that comes after the challenges. But the challenges have taught me a lot. I’m 41 now and if I could look back at 20 year old Elliot I’d have a lot to say to him… I think the big thing that I’ve learned over time is how to trust my convictions and go with my gut.”
Abby:
“I really like how you articulated that. Trusting your convictions and going with your gut.”
Elliot:
“Yes, but that isn’t something I did alone. It took time and what I’ve learned is trusting my convictions is a collaborative effort. I haven’t always gotten it right and I’ve made mistakes but I think through trusting others I’ve learned to trust myself more. The relationships I’ve had have helped me build my confidence which is what gave me the trust in listening to my gut and my convictions.”
Elliot socializing with ICS friends
Abby:
“I had never thought about self-trust as being a collaborative process. But you’re absolutely right, the confidence I’ve developed over time is something I developed thanks to the friends and mentors who have supported me along the way. Who are some of the people that have supported you?”
Elliot:
“Oh so many people at ICS, I feel like I’m at the Academy Awards if I was to list everyone! Definitely Jeffrey, Erik, Brent, Jessy, Keira. I could go on. I’m also thankful for the crucial role my parents play in my support system. ”
Abby:
(laughs) “Yep, it does sound like an awards speech! What have you learned from collaborating with the folks at ICS?”
Elliot:
“Well it isn’t a one time deal, learning to trust yourself and others, it takes time. I haven’t always gotten it right. Learning to trust yourself and trusting people is an important lesson but it is an everyday effort. I still struggle with it but it’s through the collaborative effort, it feels like it's doable. It’s through the consistent work we do with each other that trust for each other and for myself builds over time.”
Abby:
Yes, it’s the consistency that is so important. We think a lot about how to keep people engaged in the work because these goals we’re talking about or the challenges we’re facing takes grit to stick with. What keeps you engaged with ICS or what do you like about it?”
Elliot:
“I love the sense of community, the overall sense of joy that I not only feel but also what I feel from everyone I’ve come into contact with. It’s a joyful place. Before I was with ICS my life wasn’t as open or I didn’t have as many opportunities. Life feels more open now. More joyful.”
Abby:
“When you think about that movie that comes after the Empire Strikes Back for you, what does it have in it? What are your hopes for the future?”
Elliot:
(laughs) “I’d like to have a girlfriend, live independently, and feel more in charge. And have a dog someday. Simple. Something like that. Also, I hope I give the people I come in contact with at ICS as much joy as they’ve given me.”
Thank you Elliot, for sharing your story with ICS. If you’d like to meet Elliot he currently co hosts the Men’s Group at ICS and can also be found travelling the globe by Zoom at our Travel Club.