Turning Deficits into Strengths

This morning, as I lay in bed long before my alarm clock went off, my skin was keen to the texture of my pillow, my blankets and even the smooth surface where my alarm clock stood. Some mornings, I feel the ocational wet but cold nose so familiar of my sid-kick  touching my hand to signal to me that he too was awake nd wanted to know if we could get up. Then imagining the days travel plans. s results in either signalling him back down or me just taking comfort in his warm fur coat.

All of this is done, in the dark and without hearing a single thing. Yes, complete darkness and without sound because my cochlear implants are not in. They are in their machine being "cleaned" of airborne debris to help maintain their working condition, while the batteries are charging.

Imagine that! It must be scary!  It may be fore some, but not for me. It is times like this that I often go into meditation. I feel blessed with the ability to block out all distractions of sight and sound and really meditate, really be mindful of what is going on with my other senses while examine my thoughts, memories and even anticipations of the future. I often examine my fears.  Because of this, I am really able to examine my fears, examine how my thought process works (although, others will tell you something different!).

I really enjoy this ability to meditate deeply as it helps me reflect and refocus my energy.  It is through this process that I am okay being deaf-blind. It is also a time for me to connect to my Higher Power to seek insight in how to overcome or approach a challenge. 

The beauty of this is that I can choose to put my cochlear implants in, and turn on some music, and also bring that sort of stimulation into my mediation. But I don't do that. I turn on my internal MP3 player. I mentally create my music of what I want to hear, acting as the conductor. I have had this ability for as long as I can remember, especially when I had no benefit from hearing aids.

So yes, being deaf-blind isn't all that scary. In fact, it has some benefits and perks!

I am back!

I am back!

I just took a little time to read through some of my previous posts. Some of the posts I have forgotten about. Some of them evoked mixed emotions. I think that's normal for anyone who has been through many challenges in their life. I have learned that it is okay to have and express emotions. I really don't need permission to do so. Some people may not allow you that safe space to express emotions, and that is okay. I can always go somewhere else where it is safe, right?

So much is going through my mind at this time. So much has happened. I've earned my Master of Social Work! That has been a huge accomplishment that I never thought were possible. I graduated with a 3.921 GPA.

I have had to retire my beloved Archer from guide work. I won't lie, but I miss him dearly! But I also know he is in a great home enjoing his retirement. I need to stop making excuses and just go visit him.

I have my new guide, Lou. We have been together for 3 months. We've not been off to a good start but things are starting to turn around. He has had some GI issues that I hope we finally got resolved.

Moving forward....I plan to talk about various topics that can affect an individual who is both deaf and blind. Such topics will include job search, challenges getting services, challenges dating and sexuality.  As I have lost quite a bit of vision that this poses several issues for me. Will I lose my vision before I meet her? What does attraction look like for a blind person? Attraction is initialized by some form of physical appearance that draws you towards someone. How does that work when you cannot see?

Comment to state a pressing topic that you are itching for me to share! I think that will make my journey a little easier! What do you want to know about the World According to Darran? :)

Until next time...be good to yourselves, spread smiles and show love to all that you encounter. It could just make their day!