Being blind can be hard...
How did a blind girl like myself manage to jump over the hurdles of facing a disability? Well, I tripped and fell but, at least I made it to the other side. (You can laugh at my blind joke, it's okay)
Facing blindness and my ever-changing vision problems can be disheartening, challenging, and oddly rewarding all lat the same time. If anything, I have grown into a powerful woman because of my disability. So, with all of this change comes a strong sense of pride with all of the obstacles I have faced.
I love being the blind girl
It never uses to be like that way at first, I didn't want anyone to see me struggle. I didn't want to be different and god knows why I ever cared about something so stupid as fitting a norm. I'm the blind girl people can laugh with, relate to, and display my capabilities. That's a challenge and process within itself, thank you Stargardts Disease. ❤️
Gaining the courage to run social media platforms
In today's world, social media is much different from the cringy photos I use to post on my Instagram back in 2012. A big fat no-no. Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and other outlets have grown to enhance businesses, keep connected, and aid as a safe place for creativity. I hesitated to "put myself out there" and share my life as a normal-looking girl fighting blindness. What would my family, friends, or even co-workers think about me talking to a camera for 20 minutes? Or what about posting a photo with my cane and sharing corny motivational words? Little did I know I would reach so many amazing people and have an effect on others in similar situations. It has become the best part of my life!
Advocating!
Speaking up for yourself because you need to is a lot easier said than done. Take it from me, it took me almost 3 years to become confident in my voice and power. Speaking up when I need help or voicing my capabilities to nonbelievers has made an impact on my self-esteem and the way others perceive me. I had to love myself fully before I could back myself up and share my story with confidence. Let me tell you, loving yourself unconditionally will ALWAYS get you far in life. Disability or not, you need to be a voice for anything that you believe in.
Job Interviews
The workforce can be extremely overwhelming for those of us with disabilities. I know, equal opportunity employers but I know it's something I just can't help but think about during the interview process. After a handful of interviews in my life, I have conquered the anxiety that uses to rule my mind. I 9/10 never disclose my disability unless I feel like the atmosphere and meeting just feels right (or if I need accommodations for paperwork/materials). I own it, sell myself, and really engage myself in the qualities I could attribute to a new workplace. Showcase your abilities and think less about disability.
Using my resources
Being stubborn was the worst decision of my life. I was completely missing out on a lot of resources and tools that would allow me to be successful. ASK FOR HELP. After accepting my blindness I finally came around to accepting help, nonprofits, and government-funded organizations that provided useful tools to make my life easier. Reaching out to my local commission for the blind was the kickstart to all the networking that would change my life! met new people learned more about myself, and watched myself grow immensely! So seek out resources and find the help that you need to be successful, you won't regret it!
I am a firm believer that every obstacle we face in life allows you to grow and evolve. There are more challenges yet to come for me and I can't wait to overcome and learn more about my strengths through all the rough patches.