Finally the day has come and past, my first speaking engagement.  I have spoken many time in front of crowds and TV cameras/Radio mic’s but until recently I have not really thought of it as a possible career path.  I very very much enjoy speaking and sharing my story (as most would know, I’m never short on words:)…

However I was never sure if I had the proper presentation, speaking skills to actually make money from it at some point in time.  Now this first talk was a volunteer talk, which I was very happy to do, as it was for an amazing cause/purpose.  The Rick Hansen Many In Motion 25th anniversary celebration made it’s way through Chatham-Kent on Nov.23rd ending at the St.Clair College Health Plex for the end of day celebrations.  The festivities had presentations and songs from various community advocacy groups; and this is where I was to share my story.

Below you will find a YouTube link to my 14 minute talk.  I feel it went well, I really enjoyed myself and it cemented the fact that I feel this would be an enjoyable occupation even on a part time basis.

I ALWAYS welcome feedback, and I know there are a couple things I’d work on for next time, but for a first official attempt, it went ok.

Thanks to my family and friends who came out to cheer loudly and support me!

Take a look!  If you know of anyone who could benefit from my talk or a similar one, just let me know!!

Cheers!

Well the last month has been a bit of a busy time with lots of travelling back and forth to Chatham and the London area. A couple weeks back, my friends from the Ottawa Blind Curling Club came down to Ilderton for a bonspiel and invited me to play with them. I haven’t been on the ice much at all this year, so my curling wasn’t top notch. However, it is a team sport and we managed to win both of our games. Blind curling is just like regular curling with a few rule modifications to allow for the varied levels of vision. We are allowed to have a sighted guide on ice to tell us the shot called and to give us splits and warn us of any rocks we (me) may not see. With blind curling you have one totally blind curler and he/she throws the rock via voice command; these curlers are truly remarkable with their consistancy and skill. So thanks to Bill, Micheal, Alan, Roger and our guide Peter Trobridge for a wonderful day of curling.

Well, here goes nothing! On Wednesday November 23rd, I will be embarking on the first official step into my inspirational speaking “career”.  I put this in quotations as it is more of a test career.  I know I love to speak, I know some people enjoy hearing me speak, however I am very uncertain if I have the knack of being a good inspirational speaker.  There is no lack of passion in my talks, that is not a problem; my main concern is making sure I am concise enough to actually be affective in delivering my message of “breaking down stereotypes”, “overcoming obstacles” and “looking for the silver lining in every clous”…to name a few.

The support I have recieved even BEFORE any speaking has been wonderful, many people believe in me and that is a great problem to have.

As this site comes together with a now updated Twitter feed on the side, a soon to come YouTube feed and some new Guide info; I am excited to share with all of you the journey of my reinvention.

If some employers feel that my education and experience are null and void because I carry a cane (yes this is speculative), then I will be happy to make my name elsewhere and prove to each and every one of them that I live by my motto of “assessing my situaion, adapting as best I can, then moving forward…”   and I will move forward, right on past them and to something better.

(editor’s note:  I know to some this paragraph may seem controversial, but please note my intention is not to “call out” any particular companies -hence the speculation comment—this is merely to state that even if this does not apply to me, there is still stereotyping happening.  I would like to think/hope it is simply a lack of education on what employees with a disability can do.  I speak out of general frustration on this topic; yes I have my own thoughts/theories but I would never call anybody out without proof and my intention is not to pick a fight )

I am a firm believer that everything and I mean EVERYTHING happens for a reason…..so my reinvention continues, because this is the way it is supposed to be.

Come listen to my 10-15 minute rambling on Wednesday November 23rd @4pm at the St.Clair College Healthplex in Chatham, ON.

WHAT WILL I BE TALKING ABOUT?!!! I can’t say yet (some of you already know but I have to wait for official word before i can publish it)…

I will have this talk taped, mostly for harsh personal critiquing, but also to post on my new Youtube page (when created).

Man oh man!! Those that encouraged me to talk ……and to do it professionally!!?  They’ll be sorry, heck look how much I even TYPE!!

Cheers for now all….keep moving forward!