Confidence, it does come back it just takes time

I am happy to report that things are going very well. I am amazed at how once I got over some of my biggest hurdles, my self-confidence came back.  I was starting to wonder if it was gone forever.  Knowing that my driver’s license now reflects everything it needs to in order for me to legally drive is one booster and the other of course is my cane.  Many of my fears have been resolved and I am really enjoying where I am at right now.

I was certain that now that I can drive with my bioptic that I would be getting pulled over all the time to ask “what in the world is that on your face.” I am happy to report that I have passed multiple law enforcement and have not been stopped once.  Driving with a bioptic brings such a peace of mind knowing that at any time I can look through and gather information that my disabled vision can’t get me. 

I cannot say enough about the cane.  All the things I thought others would think or do, has not been the case at all.  People are kind, helpful, and respectful. I still feel like I need to say “my vision doesn’t get in the way, I can work through it with my tools”, but it is getting better.  Every time I can prove that I can do something in spite of my vision, I gain even more confidence.  Yes, there are things I miss but at the same time the cane gives a big ‘hey this is why she has issues’ that really frees me from explaining anything.  For example, I was at an event the other day and I swore I knew one of the parents who was going in behind me.  And I asked “Is that….?” And they said, ‘No’.  Ooops.  No big deal, move on the cane communicates without me saying anything, “don’t be surprised if this person makes weird visual observations’. “ The cane in of itself is a public service announcement.

Jumping the hurdles of my driving being completely legal and my cane as a communication tools I can get back to living life and not worrying about how I am going to explain anything.  I can now focus on what I can do and continue to regain my confidence in those things and learn, grow, and adapt from the things that are still a struggle.