My little red tether is my anchor in running with my friends. A beautiful guide dog has been my tether/anchor in mobility and independence for 17 years: 1. Pantera 2. Cricket, and now my beautiful 3. Georgina (Georgie). A life of family and friends is my joy and anchor in life.

The human spirit is stronger than anything that can happen to it. CC Scott

Monday, August 29, 2011

Re-create Continued.

I had a request to write more about recreating myself .  Fun! First in the final week of the 21-day challenge, something new with hair. I so often wash my hair, let it dry, get sidetracked doing various things and then last minute try to pull it together. Today, I opted for using the heat rollers and a small curling iron to curl it back away from my face. It was a little wild so I then pulled it back with a barette at the last minute.  But to spend more than 15 minutes with my hair is something new! 
Shoes: Ann Taylor Loft
Skirt: China Tailor (special memories when I wear this skirt)
Shirt: Ann Taylor
Necklaces: Ann Taylor/Banana Republic.

Back to re-creating myself. Although I have not had normal vision ever, I spent most of my growing up years with ability to see with no night vision and limited peripheral vision. I learned I had Retinitis Pigmentosa, officially, when I was 18 years old. I quit driving (had a restricted license) when my kids were very young and then began to use a cane in 1995. I recall a time of feeling so awkward about pulling out the cane. I had a choice to stay stuck or re-create myself and begin to use a tool that would help me.  During this time, I learned about being authentic to myself.  I still remember a former neighbor questioning my using the cane.  I realized she didn't understand nor could she and I needed to do what was best for myself and my family.   The cane became a symbol of freedom and empowerment. I let go of what will people think and it was amazing! I began to walk with a guide dog in 1997 and again felt some re-creation being experienced. With a guide dog, I learned to be much more assertive and gained so much more confidence.  I walked with confidence like I had not even known was possible.  As I have experienced challenging times -- being asked to leave a place that needs to be educated on the ADA, or someone that talks to me like a child; I find myself taking a gentle breath, smiling and educating them in a clear confidant way.   Perhaps part of my emphasis with my clients on Self-Compassion is I have found it a vital part in my journey of re-creating myself.  I acknowledge and support the hard parts of my journey in hopefully :) a healthy way.  (That sounds like another fun blog post.)   Where would I be without Retinitis Pigmentosa that has pushed me to a next level of re-creating myself.  I think we all have something that nudges us to re-create ourselves.  It is an ongoing journey.  I am grateful, and I hold my head high with a smile and let Cricket watch out for the obstacles.   I'm also glad today to be challenged by April to spend a little time on my hair!

Happy Monday! 

5K run this morning.  A little chill in the air ... fall is coming. 

5 comments:

Beth and Alfie said...

Beautiful and inspiring!

Retired Duo said...

Thanks, Becky, for all your insights. We who have normal vision (well, except for nearsightedness and glasses) can learn a lot from your posts about RP. Love the outfit, by the way.

Pat in Ohio

Natalie | Make Today Great said...

You rock!

christy said...

you never cease to cause me to reach higher, stronger, inward, outward. this post took my breath away.

Anonymous said...

So interesting--and inspiring--Becky. Thanks. (I love that Greece dress!!) You look sharp in everything! Love you, Loye