Insecurities and limitations of all kinds hold us in bondage, trapping negative thoughts forcing us to give up too many times. We have the power, though, to choose to focus on what we CAN DO, instead of what we can’t.
Enjoy the remaining list of what I can do, as simple as they are.
6. I CAN read.
Strained eyes after reading three pages in thirty minutes left me taking a nap for an hour during college, and giving up any reading for pleasure. When my eyes wouldn’t detect pencil or faded store receipts, I began using a CCTV. This special machine projected magnified material to be read on a large screen. I read mail, teacher guides, lesson plans, and assignments when home schooling. Desiring to read for pleasure again, I obtained a special digital player from the National Library Service for the Blind and Physically handicapped. While the selection is narrower than that in print, it opened a new world. Then, with a Kindle app, anything I could afford was accessible to my ear. My grandchildren have enjoyed listening to stories on occasion.
7. I CAN dial a telephone.
A raised dot on the numeral five makes dialing any phone simple. Place your first three fingers on that middle row then only move one finger up or down at a time to prevent losing your place. Luckily, I’ve always been able to memorize phone numbers, but I kept them written first in ink, then in large print, then in felt tip markers, and finally in tape recorders. Now, I’m able to type them in my computer as well, along with entering them as contacts in my I-phone. Technology is wonderful. Sirri makes calling as easy as speaking a name.
8. I CAN write.
While this seems like a simple task, most people assume I can’t write at all without sight. I can. In fact, the UPS driver couldn’t get over how well I signed my name upon receiving packages, “Why, you sign better than sighted folks. It’s so straight.” If you give me a blank piece of paper, I can write a few lines without looking (LOL). My left finger marks the start of the line and I make sure to leave room for error in between lines. Back in the day I wrote more, starting with ink on college-ruled paper. As time progressed, I switched to wide-ruled until those lines disappeared as well. Special paper with bold lines came next, but while it was easy to see the lines, it was harder to read my ink so I chose to use blank paper only. When the ink became faded, I wrote larger with felt-tip pens. All of this was with my natural eyes so when I began using the CCTV to write checks, lists, and letters with, my handwriting became so small for others to read since it was magnified so large for me. That was a problem I never would’ve guessed. Now, it’s a rarity for me to write outside of my computer. I just love assistive technology.
9. I CAN think, plan, organize, and have an opinion…sometimes.
Every part of my brain works except some technical aspects of my sight processing. I can think to make decisions, whether gathering facts myself or through others.
As a matter of fact, my husband and I like to compete in solving crimes or playing word games. Many of my thoughts are focused on planning events for our church, ministry, or my family. I organize some of the events and ideas I plan, as well as organizing where my household items go. I get accused of being logical, and it shows in this area. It doesn’t bother me to make a decision at all. Opinions are a bit murkier. I always have one, but it is much more difficult to have since losing all of my sight. Sound strange? Well, it’s impossible to have an opinion when I can’t see an outfit or hairstyle being commented on. Opinions spew out of others without me being able to see all the data, the actual garment in question, or seeing the mess being argued over. My opinion is formed from several others’ opinions instead of totally being my own.
10. I CAN listen, encourage and help others.
Encouragement only requires paying attention long enough to notice something you like and appreciate about someone or something, or an observed improvement. It doesn’t take a class to learn, extra preparation time, or lots of money. If you want to see someone improve fast, try complimenting them. If you have any experience, you qualify to help mentor, teach, and advise.
No matter who you are or what limitations you possess, there is something you can do. Be thankful, and don’t let it set idle.
DON’T BE A BURDEN. BE A BLESSING!
© 2015, Jena Fellers. All rights reserved.
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