A Long Island woman’s optimistic outlook on life and positive thinking despite plenty of challenges along the way are helping others overcome obstacles.

Courtney Gabrus, 28, is a self-described “affirmation queen.” She was born with a rare form of muscular dystrophy, a progressive illness that can make everyday tasks a challenge. But Gabrus never let that define her. 

While studying at the University of Tampa five years ago, Gabrus suffered a massive stroke. But despite that, she still managed to dig deep and make a life-altering decision.

“I was like, the doctors are wrong half the time of my life, so I think they are wrong here. I was just manifesting the future, and I was like, ‘No, I am going to speak. I had no inkling that I was not going to speak again, that was not even a thought in my head,” she says.

And she did get better. Now, she uses her experience to mentor other people.

She even created a gratitude workbook, a journal and a coloring book that contain the affirmations she used to pull herself through. Every detail, from the illustrations to the cover art, were created by someone in the disability community. 

She hopes it’s something that can be provided in schools or hospitals.

The coloring book “Life Outside the Lines” goes on sale March 18.

Garbus plans to use some of the profits to help fund her speaking at disability conventions and advocacy work around the country.