Reaching Out

In order to survive in society these days, it is sometimes neccessary to reach out for assistance. When you are living with a hearing impairment, opening up to others seems to be quite a gruesome task. Yet, once you swallow your pride the experience can be a very rewarding one.

You will notice a change in how you perceive your own self worth. The fears which used to nag at you, will eventually go away. Reaching out to others benefits everyone who is touched by any act of kindness. As the saying goes kindness is it's own reward.

After all, when you sit around and worry it isn't a solution to any of your problems. People suffering from a hearing loss need to stop focusing on their own situation. This week, I was happily surprised of the change in me. In such a short time, my own ego was lifted, when I reached out to others.

On Tuesday I attended my first staff meeting for the city hall's newsletter, Applause. I introduced myself to the group (as each of us did individually) and I brought my latest article from Suite 101 for all to read. We voted to fill the vacated spot of assistant editor. Julia Chang was the most qualified and she won the position.

My first assignment (which I chose) was an interview with a lovely senior volunteer, Phyllis Smolk. She will appear in the piece known as In The Spotlight, in our next issue.

Challenging projects can turn out to be a blessing in disguise. Whether you help your community or run across other ways to keep your hands busy, you will become so occupied in the cause your disablity won't be getting all of your attention. Exactly as it should be in the first place, you agree?

Meeting new people and exchanging different views stimulates the mind for a positive outcome. Fear only closes all doors of opportunity. Reaching out to others (no matter what your fears) will make your life change for the better.

As I sat inside the building on Thursday, typing into the computer (my first assignment) a wave of pride filled my heart. Writing for this publication will be a learning experience. Since journalism is a far cry from writing a short story or a poem.

Finally, I am becoming comfortable with my new responsibilties. Writing always brings me fulfillment and a keen sense of purpose. Hearing Impairment has never been my enemy. Day by day, I am learning to stand tall and live a complete and happy life.

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