Are You Blind or Something?

Imperfections. We all have them. Consider an interaction I recently had at work:

“Are you blind or something?”

I look up from my computer screen in bewilderment. My co-worker asks again, with a smirk, thinking I had not heard correctly.

“Your nose is inches from the screen. Are you blind or something?”

I say quite matter-of-factly, “Yes, I am legally blind, actually.”

My co-worker turns a shade of embarrassment and tries to save the conversation by attempting to convince me with their “genuine” curiosity about my diagnosis.

This exact interaction happens more often than I can count. I have never understood why people think it’s necessary to point out that I lean in close to the computer screen. Does it really matter?

This observation is not to discuss the obstacles Optic Nerve Atrophy has given me. Instead, I want to take this opportunity to address adversity.

We all have our own imperfections that make us unique. I know I’m still learning to embrace these differences. I’ve always been inspired by the quote by Theodore Roosevelt: “Do what you can, with what you have, where you are.”

I always thought that elementary school would be the worst in regards to teasing and pointing. As unfortunate as it is, people will always judge and compare others. In my experience, more adults comment nowadays than children! However, if you are comfortable with your imperfections, they have nothing on you!

Go confidently in the path you choose, no matter the obstacles. Be who you want to be and do what you want to do. Snag that killer job despite the fact you are legally blind! Ask the cute barista out on a date despite a struggling body image! Go travel, skydive, white water raft despite fear or obstacle in your way!

Be confident. The only thing stopping you is yourself. In my opinion, those who judge you don’t matter at all.

 

This week’s guest blog is authored by Ciera Ramos.