If you need perspective in your life, a cup of inspiration, a valuable lesson - read this article.
“...I found myself thinking less about my blindness in my future and more about the blindness in my past.”
Maybe it’s the fear of the unknown, of dependence, of losing our identity. I have always felt that way about becoming paralyzed - how could I live without being autonomous? What has always floored me is how incredibly resilient we are as a species. I saw a story recently on 60 Minutes about an architect who went blind. He went on the reinvent himself as a specialist who created structures that were completely compatible for sight impaired individuals, which is a huge part of our population. His innovations were so revolutionary that he was sought after by all the most famous creatives. He said that becoming blind was a “gift”, that he felt his life all the more rich and purposeful. That if he had the choice to regain his sight, he would not choose it! It was beyond comprehension, this man’s passion and drive. I was in awe of his resilience. We have greatness inside of us that we don’t even know is there until challenged.
Hard for me to read this article because blindness is one of my worst fears. So much of what I enjoy is visual. But when the author said he could still run with his dog, I thought, OK, life can still go on. Also the focus on what I can still do, not what I’ve lost—one of the secrets to a more gracious aging as well.
I know, I think it is common to fear blindness but I am disturbingly afraid of waking up blind. I am not so sure how "adaptable" I would be. At first I was hesitant about reading this but I am glad I did.
If you need perspective in your life, a cup of inspiration, a valuable lesson - read this article. “...I found myself thinking less about my blindness in my future and more about the blindness in my past.”
No, really.....it's my biggest fear, more than death...... I do not know why, but the thought of being blind haunts me.
Maybe it’s the fear of the unknown, of dependence, of losing our identity. I have always felt that way about becoming paralyzed - how could I live without being autonomous? What has always floored me is how incredibly resilient we are as a species. I saw a story recently on 60 Minutes about an architect who went blind. He went on the reinvent himself as a specialist who created structures that were completely compatible for sight impaired individuals, which is a huge part of our population. His innovations were so revolutionary that he was sought after by all the most famous creatives. He said that becoming blind was a “gift”, that he felt his life all the more rich and purposeful. That if he had the choice to regain his sight, he would not choose it! It was beyond comprehension, this man’s passion and drive. I was in awe of his resilience. We have greatness inside of us that we don’t even know is there until challenged.
Wow! A powerful truth how the body can adapt and the mind changes for the better!
Yes! LOVED this. This is the quote that really stopped me in my tracks:
Love that quote!
Hard for me to read this article because blindness is one of my worst fears. So much of what I enjoy is visual. But when the author said he could still run with his dog, I thought, OK, life can still go on. Also the focus on what I can still do, not what I’ve lost—one of the secrets to a more gracious aging as well.
I know, I think it is common to fear blindness but I am disturbingly afraid of waking up blind. I am not so sure how "adaptable" I would be. At first I was hesitant about reading this but I am glad I did.
Yes! This! This is so good, and so true!