The “‘Yes, I Can’ Column of My Life” – An Interview with Glenda Watson Hyatt

I am pleased to present Glenda Watson Hyatt, my April interviewee.  She has taken the “least obvious path” and become a motivational speaker.  Why is this something special and unique?  Because Ms. Hyatt has cerebral palsy which has affected her speech to a significant degree.  “Can’t” was not a word used in her household growing up.  She clearly took this lesson to heart and is therefore a most inspiring teacher in modeling an ” I can do” way of life.

 

 

 

1. What personal qualities have helped you carry on and move forward in a positive direction?

My determination and perseverance help to keep me moving forward.  I do what it takes to get the job done – whether it’s spending  seven years to complete my Bachelor of Arts, taking four years to write my autobiography, I’ll Do It Myself, or creating a technology mashup to speak publicly even with a speech impairment.  And, when someone says I can’t do something, it adds fuel to my fire and makes me more determined to get the job done and to prove them wrong.

My optimism keeps me focused on what I can do and what I do have rather than on what I am lacking.  I might have a significant speech impairment, but that isn’t stopping me from becoming a motivational speaker.

My creativity allows me to come up with solutions that enable me to circumvent an obstacle; for example, by using a Gorilla tripod to mount my camera to my scooter, I can now enjoy photography as a hobby.

2. Did you go through a period of self-pity?  If so, what helped lift you out?

Generally I am a happy, cheerful person.  But to be honest, I do have a momentary pity party for one on the rare occasion.  In the really tough moments, I think about my Nanna (my Mom’s mom) who had bone cancer.  She crawled up and down her old wood stairs to do the laundry in the basement.  When needed, I draw upon her inner strength.  If she could manage to do that to get the job done, then I can deal with my momentary frustration or pain.

In the end, I see my cerebral palsy (and how others treat me because of it) as something that is.  No amount of crying and self-pity is going to change that fact.  I might as well get on with it and make the most of what I do have.  There is so much I can do; I try to focus on that.

3.  Was there a specific moment, thought or  epiphany that helped guide you to a better place mentally and psychologically, or did it evolve over time?

From my earliest memories I have generally had a positive and determined attitude.  Granted, some days require more of a conscientious effort to remain positive.  Some days I need to accept that without the valley, there can be no mountain peaks – and that is okay.  Those valleys make the peaks sweeter, something to cherish even more.

4. What are your day-to-day coping skills that keep you afloat?

In terms of keeping afloat day-to-day, I use a variety of coping skills, depending upon what I need in that moment.  When I get slightly discouraged, I focus on what I do have and what I can do.  Coming across a story about someone living their passion lights my fire and gets me going again.   Likewise, listening to one of my favorite songs that holds special meaning to me boosts my energy to keep me going.  To recharge and to have space to think and to regroup, I take time off and go do something I enjoy; even a nap with my kitty can be enough of a break to refresh.  And, when needed, I accept that my day did not go as intended, as planned, and that is okay.  I get to try again tomorrow.

5. What thoughts propel you forward?

Even though I am beyond tired at times and feel like coasting for a while, I hear that little voice in my head say, “Wait? I am not done trying. There is still so much more I want to do or to accomplish.”  That little voice keeps me going, moving forward, to discover what else I can add to the “Yes, I can” column of my life.

6.  In general, how have you managed to push through your limitations and build a rich and successful life?  (Perhaps you can define ‘success’ according to you.)

To me, success means working with my limitations or finding ways around them to lead a happy and fulfilled life.  This means finding a balance between appreciating and being grateful for what I do have in that moment while still trying to improve my situation.  Oftentimes it means getting creative to get something done or to increase my potential.  For example, even though I have created a way to deliver a presentation to an audience, which in itself is amazing, and I am truly grateful to have that ability added to my repertoire, I will continue striving for a more graceful technical solution to deliver my message.  For me that would be success.

7.  What advice can you offer someone going through challenging or {perceived} limiting circumstances with the hope of living a good life?

You are not alone.  Reach out to those around you, either in person or online.  Draw on their strength, support and love.  It is a sign of courage and strength to ask for help.  Focus on what you have, on what you can do, and move forward from there.

 

 

Thanks for stopping by.  What have you put into your ‘Yes, I Can’ column of your life?    Please share this interview – tweet it, facebook it, whatever.  We need more I Can Do around.