When I traveled to San Diego for the PRPH2 Workshop, presented by the Nixon Visions Foundation and the Foundation Fighting Blindness, I expected to share my story and connect with people navigating vision loss. What I didn’t expect was how much the city itself would lift my spirits!

Everyone was so friendly and happy! From the Uber drivers to the hotel staff to everyone at the conference, people greeted me with warmth and genuine kindness! It was amazing, and honestly, it was exactly what I needed!

I recently stepped into my new role as Director of the North Carolina Division of Services for the Blind. To be honest, it’s been a difficult transition. I left a company I launched from scratch and watched grow into something really special. Now, instead of serving a bottom line, I serve thousands of North Carolinians who are blind, visually impaired, and DeafBlind.

That can feel like a different kind of weight on my shoulders. But it’s a weight I wanted and chose. It’s a service I want to provide, and it’s work I know I can do!

Still, having friendly faces around makes a transition like this so much easier.

San Diego reminded me of that, but I’ve been receiving that same kindness tenfold here in North Carolina. My new team has welcomed me with open arms. And colleagues from other divisions, including Tony Davis from the Division of Services for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing and Kathie  Smith from the Division of Employment and Independence for People with Disabilities (EIPD), have been incredibly supportive. They serve different populations across our state, but they understand what I’m going through, and they’ve been there for me every step of the way. I’m so grateful for them!

At one point in San Diego, I couldn’t help myself. I asked people why they were all so happy. Again and again, I heard the same answer: life is great, except for the cost of housing.

Think about that. When you only have one worry in life, what’s not to be happy about?!

I know that isn’t the reality for everyone. Many of us are carrying more than one worry, sometimes a lot more! But I’ve learned that appreciating the good things in life, even the small ones, gives you the strength to push through the barriers that come up (which they inevitably will!)

That’s worth remembering, especially when things seem impossible. Look for the friendly faces, notice what’s going right, and let the good carry you through the hard parts.

And if you’re in the middle of your own transition, whether that’s a new job, a new diagnosis, or a new chapter you didn’t plan for, know that you don’t have to carry it alone. Reach out. I’m always happy to be one of those friendly faces!

This is the second of a series of blogs that I wrote, after speaking at the PRPH2 Workshop in San Diego, presented by the Nixon Visions Foundation and the Foundation Fighting Blindness. So, make sure to check out the first one I wrote, “You are Not Alone.” And stay tuned to the final one, which I will collaborate with my wife Nicole on, so you aren’t going to want to miss that!”