Stay Uncomfortable!

I often find myself feeling a pang of sympathy for those who seem “normal.” You know the type: perfect hearing, no struggles with dyslexia, and blending seamlessly into the crowd. But honestly? I wouldn’t trade places with them for anything.

Why, you ask? Because every challenge I faced has forged a kind of resilience within me akin to tempering steel. Just like metal transforms from glowing red to a hard, durable state through the heat of the forge and the shock of cold water, I’ve learned that discomfort is where true growth happens.

Most people shy away from unease, but I’ve spent my life in it. Take my daughter, for instance. The other day, she questioned how I navigate legal conferences where I don’t know a soul. I could see her curiosity—was I uncomfortable? I explained that I’ve learned to view vulnerability not as a source of fear but as an opportunity. Embracing discomfort has allowed me to conquer both my physical and mental boundaries.

Being profoundly hearing impaired has meant growing up with difficulties in both speech and sound. Many might expect a certain struggle in my voice, but here’s the twist: my enunciation and pronunciation are sharper than most. Hours of verbal training with Ms. Mangafrida every week shaped how I spoke but could not remove the stigma.

Children can be cruel. Yet, in their cruelty, I discovered a powerful form of empathy for those whom life has challenged. I transformed my discomfort into a purpose-driven career—one where being an unapologetic, zealous advocate for injured persons can save lives—an advocate who resonates with their struggles.

When attorneys don’t return my phone calls, I persist—calling repeatedly until I hear a definitive no. Then, I inquire about the meaning of that no. While this may be uncomfortable for some, it fuels my determination. Each attorney I connect with, each one I educate about finance, represents a life saved—one less life burdened by despair.

Ultimately, this journey through discomfort has shaped who I am today—a journey I wouldn’t trade for a “normal” experience for all the wealth in the world. So, let’s stop fearing the uncomfortable; instead, let’s dive into it and come out stronger on the other side!