Though vulnerability is a stretch out of our comfort zone, it can lead to amazing opportunities. I was recently invited and honored to attend a celebration from my hearing aids company – ReSound. They wanted to honor patients who have been willing to share their journey to better hearing through using their product. This was also going to be recorded so it could be shown globally.
The employees work so hard to provide those in need solutions. So, I wanted to make sure they felt appreciated while also expressing what we go through on a day to day basis.
Needless to say I was a little nervous – I always feel a little anxious before speaking in front of a large group. But this speaking engagement was different because I would be sharing my deep personal story about something I’ve hidden for a long time – my disability – my hearing loss. This story was also deeply connected to my Dad, who I lost 5 years ago. I actually became very emotional during it and needed to pause for a moment.
The whole experience – starting with a celebration dinner the night before, to a tour of their facility and then sharing my story with everyone – was very moving for me. I kept thinking about my Dad during the tour knowing he would have loved to see how his hearing aids were made. 😊 I also know he would have appreciated how passionate, generous and welcoming everyone was at ReSound, and he would have been proud to have his daughter invited to be there.
I’m grateful I get to continue creating awareness around hearing loss and possible solutions. I hope it keeps inspiring people to strive for solutions to help those in need and for those in need to get help.
My greatest gift was feeling more closely connected to my Dad. Have you considered that, in sharing your vulnerabilities, you can inspire others… and yourself?
P.S. If you want to learn more about the product I use, here is a link to my experience.
P.P.S. If you want to hear more about what I shared with ReSound, my experience with my hearing loss journey and their solutions, here is the link.
