Confidence: it’s a word that resonates with all of us in one way or another, it’s something that we all have stories to share, whether it’s how we’ve grown in confidence, or moments that we don’t feel confident at all. It’s something we all experience in various forms at many points of our lives.
I’ve previously discussed how my self-confidence has grown over the years, but in some ways, I’m still learning and nurturing the art of confidence today…aren’t we all? But one thing’s for sure, I’m no longer that small, quiet person I once was.
Confidence and sight loss is something that goes hand-in-hand for a lot of blind and visually impaired people, myself included. It could be in relation to independence, education, employment or adapting to the world of sight loss. Whatever it is, it’s something we all experience in terms of our vision impairment.
My confidence has grown a lot over the last few years, I really flourished during my time at University, and even more so in the world of work. But it all took time.
So let’s talk about being confident in a sighted world. It may feel like it’s undefeatable, but it isn’t. The world can be daunting at times, but recognising those moments, building on them and finding ways of facing them can be a huge step of moving forward, and taking on the sighted world.
Experiencing the world
I feel very fortunate to have had some truly amazing experiences, and don’t take these for granted as I know that I am extremely lucky to be in that position.
My vision impairment has never held me back when it comes to experiences and opportunities, I’ve always been willing to try things and eager to learn.
My parents have always encouraged me to try things, take up opportunities and have the same experiences as my sighted friends. They have never stopped me from doing something because of my vision impairment, they never wrapped me up in a security blanket because they knew that it was important for me to experience the world like everyone else.
Having experiences has helped me to grow my confidence and gives me the drive to do even more.
Overcoming the challenges
Living with a vision impairment comes with many challenges, but they don’t always have to be seen in a negative way. As I said in my previous post, overcoming challenges and jumping over the hurdles can make us determined, and we don’t give up without a fight. That’s also true in terms of confidence, you could argue that it makes us more resilient and ready to face whatever life throws at us.
The challenges have become a normal part of my life now, and I’ve become more equip to deal with them. As the years have gone by, I’ve become more confident in standing up for myself, speaking out and advocating for myself and others. It has become a big part of what I do here on the blog, and in general life too.
Feeling empowered by my blindness
I have many reasons to be thankful for my vision impairment, I know I probably bang on about it all the time but having a disability has enriched my life in more ways than one.
The positive aspects, the specialist skills I’ve gained and the opportunities it has given me all make me feel empowered by my blindness.
If ever I’m in doubt, reflecting on those things always gives me the gentle reminder I need.
I’ve really felt empowered by my vision impairment over the last few years, for example, it helped me find my love of writing which inspired me to start my blog, which gave me even more confidence.
Stepping out of my comfort zone
Sometimes stepping out of our comfort zone can teach us the most valuable lessons. It is scary, but it can also be rewarding.
Over the last few years I’ve done things that I never could have imagined myself doing, but I have gained a lot from challenging myself and taking on the opportunities and experiences.
We may have to dig a little deeper in order to find the confidence to do some things, but the end goal often leaves us feeling a huge sense of achievement.
Stepping out of my comfort zone has made me say yes to more opportunities.
Taking control of my independence
I’ve always been a determined, independent person, but the elements of orientation and mobility held me back in some ways when I was younger. That wasn’t because I was being a stubborn child, but because I couldn’t see the positive aspects of using my cane. When I found a Mobility Officer that helped me turn those negative feelings towards the cane, everything changed.
The more I embraced the cane and put my skills to use, the more my independence grew, and the more confident I became. I realised the pros of using my long cane, I then became more willing and accustom to using it. Over time, I realised that my cane was a positive symbol of my disability, making others aware of my vision impairment.
As I got older, I also took charge of other things that enhanced my independence, ‘blindness skills’, advocating for myself, as well as the usual things that come with being an adult.
When coupled together, my independence came on leaps and bounds which helped me get to where I am today.
I’m so glad that I found the silver lining, because I wouldn’t have things any other way now.
Independence is a huge aspect of all of our lives, and taking control of it can increase your confidence.
I face the sighted world with my trusty cane in hand, along with the skills that equip me for everyday tasks and anything that comes my way living as a blind person in a sighted world.
Having a positive mindset
I could easily sit at home all day wishing things were different, but where would that get me?
We all have down days, but it’s important that we learn from them and challenge those negative thoughts.
I always try to focus on the positive aspects of my disability – the skills it has given me, the life lessons it has taught me, the opportunities or the people I’ve met through the online disabled community. These are the things that make me love having a disability, the things that make me feel proud to be disabled.
If we have a positive mindset, we start to believe in ourselves and our abilities.
Telling yourself that you can do something can make a world of difference!
Gaining a little perspective
This has probably been one of the main things that has helped me to love my disability in all its glory.
I try to make the most of my vision impairment.
Gaining perspective helps me to react in a positive way to my vision impairment and the challenges I encounter. It gives me the determination and motivation to strive for change and tackle the negative notions surrounding vision impairment and disability.
Being confident in the sighted world may be something you’ve mastered the art of, or it may be a work in progress, but be proud of yourself wherever you’re at.
But most importantly, keep going, you can do this!
Do you have a story or some other tips to share about being confident in the sighted world? Feel free to leave them in the comments.
Holly x
Victoria Zigler (@VictoriaZigler) says
Though I was never as outgoing and confident as my brothers growing up, I never had issues with confidence. That is, until I lost the last of my sight. My inability to do some of the things I could with low vision now I have none – or, to be more accurate, inability to do them as easily, or in the same way – both made the adjustment hard for me (even though it’s something I’d been preparing for all my life, since we knew it would happen one day) and gave my confidence quite a knock. I’ve started to regain confidence in my own abilities over the past couple of years, but it’s a slow process, and I still seem to lack it more days than I have it, if you know what I mean.
Holly says
Completely get what you mean. Thank you so much for sharing your story, Victoria
brianjh66Brian says
Good read. I am also blind and felt the same way after being trained to use the cane at the age of around 35years old, about 19years ago. I felt ambarrassed at going out in the public. I learnt a martial art, joined a business club back then. I am doing different things now, however I am currently doing a different Martial Art and have reached a high grade which has boosted my confidence. Best wishes for all your futures.
Holly says
Thank you. That all sounds fantastic!
Khushi says
I’m still learning to become confident enough and blogs like yours make me feel i’m not alone🙂
Holly says
Aw thank you so much Khushi, I’m so glad my blog posts help in some way! Keep going, you’ll get there!
Elin - My Blurred World says
I think this is one of my favourite posts of yours, it’s so true that confidence comes with time. I’ve always found it tricky to be confident in a sighted world and it’s still a work in progress but it helps to know that there are so many other people in the same boat. I think it’s about reminding ourselves of that and remembering that things don’t happen overnight, all good things come with time, right xxx
Holly says
Thank you so much lovely, that means the world. Yes definitely, 100% agree with you! xxx
Amanda Gene says
Great blog.
Holly says
Thank you