Once small change = deeper connection to people

So I have been very open about my hearing aid, prepping people for my quick removal ( when sound was too much).While I have been adjusting, I have kept talking. I am a talker , one who works most things out by connecting with others.

Interesting developments have happened sinced I opened up about my hearing aid -- I found support in an unlikely place, someone I never knew had a hearing issue talked about the way wearing her hearing aid made her feel more introverted in her life, and therefore chooses not to use it. Another provided instant support because while we have always (I feel ) connected we had an additional thing in common - one to share, but her words were comforting, and when struggling in a meeting today I looked to her and knew she completely understood how overwhelming all the sounds were.

I know how  sound and my brain reprogramming work - but if I didn't - this would be a scary ride right now, one that might result in not wanting the additional input in my brain!! But luckily for me.. I found support in surprising places.. just by talking and being open about what I am experiencing.

The feelings of self doubt that breifly surfaced when I found out about the hearing loss,was very reminiscient of the feelings of  not being "smart" enough as a kid. The struggling  I had with myself  to prove I was an intelligent person ( my learning disability , hit myself esteem hard as a teenager , and now sometimes as I am surrounded by academics- Dyslexia was not as understood then as it is now) briefly reared it's ugly head in the past few weeks. (This also brought to focus the crazy eating for emotional reasons - insane!! - now getting back on track )

Then this Sunday , we went to our "old neighbours" new home - the kids played and the grown ups talked. And once again, we connected on so many things, including shared fears of parenting, of the school system and of what it feels like to be a parent to us. It was great to realize we struggled with some of the same behaviours in our children, that we had common fears, and also a very common connection - we only want one child each ( I will save that conversation for another day - but no I don't feel quilty and no I am not beinging selfish - just like some woman choose to have no children, I choose to have one!!!) and when I mentioned the hearing aid, she wowed me with her support. Her understanding, and her lack of pity :)

My wonderful assortment of life long friends, well they did what they do and each provided the needed comment, message, ignoring or flat out get over it. that I needed. But in the end as always they shared their love.

These are the moments we so desperately need to share with each other, a moment to connect to truely be present when someone needs it -- just for a few seconds -- it is funny how little it takes to make someone feel heard and cared for.

Thanks to all, I am truely --- waiting to listen... I am here