Gratitude is the Attitude

It is so easy to fall and sink into a quick sand pit of negativity.  I usually end up mired in this when my hearing performance is not measuring up to my personal expectations or hopes.

Some examples:

• Being asked the question: "Can you hear that?".  When a song is playing, or you are watching a movie.  Compounded by the person's disappointed / confused face when you let them down.

• Not being able to follow along and contribute during an informal social group conversation. Usually held in a darkened room with people sitting or standing in various positions, which makes it extremely difficult to lip read effectively.  Kind of like being in a ping pong match.  Maybe without a paddle, so you have to keep running after the ball.

• Having to ask someone to repeat themselves because they've said something really quickly, or while standing behind or beside you.  Resulting in them giving you the "look" (especially if they do not realize you are deaf).  You know the one...

The more you think about what you should be able to do, or what you wish you could do ... the further you sink.  And the more negative self talk occurs.  A couple of drops turns into a downpour.