Michelle walking the course

Relying on Zanya's eyes.

Michelle and Zanya

Guide Dogs May 2005

  

Facing Challenges!

 

   “I have a lot of things to prove to myself. One is that I can live my life fearlessly.”

-Oprah Winfrey

 

A new challenge is always a beautiful way to stretch our minds and comfort zones. I enjoy actively seeking out new challenges; especially when they help me to experience life as others might, or overcome fears I have harboured for years.

I had the opportunity of challenge at the Guide Dogs Victoria Open Day on May 1^st. I joined Peter Alexander and Jo Bailey in attempting an obstacle course that I had not seen in full, with only a cane and guide to help me navigate my way. There were several occasions where I felt boxed in by different obstacles, and my guide had to help me through by telling me in which direction to exit. I have never walked so slowly or carefully, never been so nervous about crashing into something. I had my cane in front of me to help decipher my surroundings, yet I still found myself occasionally bracing, expecting to walk straight into something and hurt myself. Clearly that was only my personal fear of functioning without visions that I was experiencing, and even that brief experience of less than 5 minutes gave me such respect for those who tackle life with only a cane acting as their eyes. I realized how much I take for granted the gift of sight, and how some challenges, although simple to me normally, are terrifying under different circumstances.

My next test was to put my trust in a guide dog, and again face the obstacle course. My guide dog, Zayna, led me through confidently and beautifully, and I felt far less nervous walking next to her than I had with the cane. Perhaps this was because I grew up with my grandmother walking alongside guide dogs, or just simply because it is sometimes easier to trust others than ourselves? Certainly in that circumstance Zayna had sight, and putting trust in her eyes was easier than when I had no vision at all. She led me through at a normal pace, but I felt like I was being tugged along at a sprint! So clearly I still had some reservations and wanted to walk slowly, but I found myself pushing to keep up with her, and braving the challenge.

Certainly this was only a brief look into life without vision, but it gave new-found respect as to the difficulties faced for those who are vision impaired. I have gained an experience which will help shape my reactions to challenges in future. I will be able to look at adversity and remind myself how capable I really am of combating it.