Motivational Coach, Communication Skills
and The Truth
Do you have anything you hate? Believe it or not, as a motivational coach who is mostly positive, I do! Here is my short list for those who are short-sided.
- I hate it when people dumb down their communication skills to shrugging their shoulders and nodding. Pointing is annoying too—especially when you cannot see.
- I hate it when people do not look at someone in the eyes when they are talking to someone. I know when a sighted person is taking advantage of me not seeing. I do feel their breath and notice it too.
- I hate the long pause and silence in the room when someone helping me points to their own eyes and then points to me, letting the room know I cannot see. It makes me want to point to my own head and roll my eyes.
- I hate it when no effort is put forth for anyone for any reason.
- I hate it when people give me directions and say, “It is over there.” Which direction is “there” exactly?
- I hate it when people talk louder to me when they find out I cannot see. It is just my eyes that are impaired. I can still hear.
- I hate it when a clerk says to anyone helping me, “Do you think she will want this in a bag?” Hello! I can still think on my own and you probably do not want to know what I am thinking at this moment.
- I hate it when people wave at me.
- I hate it when people take my arm and push me forward, thinking they are guiding me. It makes me lead and this could be unwise for both of us.
- I hate it when people don’t tell me they walked away while we were talking. I look foolish talking to empty space.
- I hate it when many think my best friends are also blind. Someone has to drive in this bunch!
- I hate it when people are directionally challenged and give me the wrong direction thinking I will never notice.
- I hate it when people around the table are on their phones texting and instagramming while I am telling a story.
- I hate it when people tell me their favorite Helen Keller joke.
- I hate it when I am led to a chair and am told, “There. Have a seat.” On whose lap and at what table please?
- I hate it most when people hate their life away. Only His grace and a good sense of humor temper the sting of the above list and give me reason to laugh. Plus, it all makes for some great stories. Perhaps, tolerance is needed and some sensitivity training. I commit to be more sensitive to deal with a visual world. They drive me nuts. What a rare disability and limitation to live life based on what you see. Open your eyes to others around you and ask how you might effectively help them move forward. They will be glad to assist you.