I’ve been digging out a few of my favorite lines for a slide presentation. The Phoenix Society’s World Burn Congress is being held in Anaheim this week and I need them for a social skills breakout session. I’m teaching the “staring tool”: simple things a survivor can do to lessen an uncomfortable moment out in public.
“The staring tool for me meant either staring straight ahead ignoring the world, or out-staring anyone gawking at me.”
I had no training on how to deal with the public after my burn injury. My “winging-it” wasn’t very effective.
“Starers aren’t your enemies, just people who don’t understand your journey.”
Looking different draws attention. It’s a fact of life.
“It’s not you against the world, but you for the world.”
I had to learn to drop my armor and engage people. I have become a good chit-chatter over the years. Striking up a conversation can quickly change the interaction for the better. You can help strangers see past your scars. You can pave the way for the next handicapped person to come along.
“It’s easy to be angry. Grace is a better choice.”
Living with an angry heart cripples us emotionally. Grace received and extended builds bridges that can carry us far…