Issues with the Senses
Thanks in part to the cerebral palsy I tend to face a few more issues that don’t always get mentioned in greater detail. Some of that is because with the nature of the challenges, it has so many components, that it can be hard to keep track of everything on a given day. Until something decides to fire up. Or you are just so use to it that it really isn’t worth talking about.
One of the other issues I don’t cover much is the sensory issues. While in most cases I deal with them decently enough. Sometimes they can become a disruption to my daily life. Issues with touch. Such as clothing bothering my skin. Texture issues with some types of food. Because of the tinnitus I can either be hard of hearing or ultra-sensitive to types of sounds. It’s also well known that my eyes are very sensitive to bright light. To the point I have to be outside with sunglasses unless I want to feel pain in my eyes. Which is a common problem with those who have Visual Snow like I do.
How I understand the world around me is a little bit different than most. I have to navigate life while understanding some of the challenges that I face. Taking into consideration how my system will react to the environment around me. Such as how I respond to events I have to be careful not to let my senses get too overloaded.
Truth is everyone has something they have to deal with. It may not rise up to the level of being considered a challenge or disability. It is how we chose to navigate those challenges that makes the difference. Even when I’m having a rough day. When my own issues just fire up. I’m still able to navigate the world. I understand that the chronic issues I face are just throwing wrenches into everything. Sometimes dealing with it is just a matter of taking a step back and riding out the storm.
Someone once told me “Your able to deal with your challenges because of your faith in Christ.” This very true. These are the times when my faith in Christ comes forward. It is not always about praying for an ease in symptoms. Rather it is praying for the strength to deal with what I’m currently facing. The key to understanding how I deal with the sensory issues (and my disability overall) is though the words of Blessed Solanus Casey: “Do not pray for easy lives; pray to be stronger people.”
This kind of understanding can be applied to many elements in our own lives and across many things. Prayer is the foundation of the life of a Christian. Even as I’m dealing with sensory issues. I find great comfort in knowing that the Lord understands what I face. Comfort in understanding that my struggles are real. Even if the world at large may not fully understand.
Each person navigates their challenges differently. Some are able to ride through the storm others have a more difficult time. And that's where my prayers become more important. Because I can also keep in prayer those who are struggling. Those who are facing challenges that even I don't fully understand. I do understand that things can wear on you. My own sensory issues certainly wear me out sometimes. But by the grace of God, I'm still standing. -
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