Featured
Stories

1. Chahbani (she/her/hers), Low Entropy Volunteer Writer 

When I reflect, I realize that life has spoiled me. I grew up with two loving parents and never experienced hunger or poverty in my childhood. Growing up, I realized that not everyone around me lived the same way or had the same opportunities. 

The privilege of an affluent upbringing gives us access to many benefits. This includes a good education, better health care and more resources for personal development.  

It took me a long time to realize that being healthy was a privilege, and surely one of the most significant. I have witnessed many cases of disability throughout my humble existence. I have always believed that individuals grow with their disabilities. This makes them more adaptable. Losing a limb or sense is probably the hardest part of the adaptation process. It makes life more depressing and chaotic.  

I was in my early 20s, with a head full of dreams, when I lost the use of one of my eyes. I had graduated from college as a graphic designer. I could no longer spend hours in front of my laptop or drawing. This filled me with anger. I began to feel that life was unfair for making me endure all this. I had the feeling  that I had lost the career of my dreams before I had even started to pursue it. I began to see everyone as more fortunate than me, considering that they still had the functionality of both their eyes. When things like this happen, you become more aware of every detail. You perceive things differently. You start to question the way things looked before the handicap.  

All of a sudden, you realize that you have not been paying full attention to your surroundings. You should have enjoyed this privilege. Despite that loss, however, your privilege remains. I lost an eye, which turned my world upside down for the first couple of years. Someone else might have lost their entire vision. I began to think this way. It was not only for the sake of my soul, but also a reminder that I was still blessed. 

You probably don’t always feel grateful for what you’ve endured or what you have. On hard days, your mind can play tricks on you. I was going through one of those days not long ago. I was grieving. I was imagining what my career would have been like if I hadn’t lost sight in one eye, with fewer struggles and a more stable career.  

I had no idea how difficult it could be until I saw a blind man. I guess I needed something to shake me up a bit. It made me see where I had been. I looked around and noticed that the world is bigger than a disability. 

Having blurry vision is part of my disability, especially during the night. When you are outdoors, you have to pay more attention and be cautious when  crossing the road or walking. It was a cold and snowy evening. This meant more obstacles for me. 

While waiting for the pedestrian lights to turn white, I observed the blind guy coming towards me. He had a happy and cheery face. He was there waiting for the lights during the storm and didn’t even ask for help. I felt confused and speechless. I pondered: how could anyone leave a disabled man outside in this weather? I had been there for two to three minutes. As I look back on it, I realize that those few precious minutes made me recognize how lucky I was. 

 It’s always better to have a little light than to be in the dark. Asking this man about life as a disabled  person would have been inappropriate. His serene, joyful face has become a compass for me when I’m lost in a difficult day. This encounter changed my perspective. I came to realize that I do have it all. 

You will have to be mentally tough to get through the bad days. It won’t be easy, but it’s worthwhile.  You’ll be lucky if you can become aware of what you’re privileged to have without having to lose anything to realize it. Cherish everything you have, whether it’s material or emotional.

— 

1. Chahbani has pursued several career paths over the past decade. She is now making a career change. Her purpose in writing is to share her thoughts and experiences with others in her own words.  Sharing is caring.