A window can be an opening to something new.
The path through to the future is to weave through the present with its constraints, barriers and challenges.
The pandemic is the one thing we all share in common at this moment. What does it feel like when you are moving forward in this environment?
It is a lot like my day in “The Narrows”. I had to prepare for an experience I have never had before and likely not many other deaf-blind people at that.
I looked at the hike up the river as an adventure to sights yet unseen. I often say I do these adventures to capture these images before I lose all my vision.
Framing the hike as an adventure triggers what I call a “mindset”. I have no idea how I am going to get there but that does not mean I won’t try. I just realize that after I set my vision and goals that I have to do it differently than other people that would do the same thing.
I wore my deaf-blind vest to self-identify. I grabbed special neoprene wet suit rock shoes and socks with a wooden pole to walk through the rocky river.
Tripping was a common event. I followed the legs of my guide Mary Beth in the water to find the safest paths to traverse the river from side to side. It was slow going, sometimes frustrating, tiring and fun all at the same time. She was a rock star through the whole adventure -calm, patient, loving and enthused!
I find there are many gifts to be had for REACHING beyond yourself when you are facing a barrier or challenge. You end up with new skills, experiences and perspectives when you push forward.
So, today stretch yourself and REACH. It is where you find within you the gifts of resilience, creativity, perseverance, innovation, risk-taking, confidence and more!
