ADHDean on Nostr: I’ve been doing this thing lately: I’m trying to tell every interpreter I work ...

I’ve been doing this thing lately: I’m trying to tell every interpreter I work with what I appreciate about them and their work. I make it specific, based on my interactions with them, observations of their work, and their connection with the Deaf people whom we serve.

“I really admire how you always make sure to check in with the consumers to see whether they’re having to work too hard to get what’s happening, and I love that no matter what’s going on, you’re here in the moment and I know I can rely on you if I miss something.”

The result is what you’d imagine: it brightens their day and lifts them up, and it may make them aware of a good thing they do unconsciously. But something else happens, too: I am enriched. I realized that I’m *really* paying attention to who they are and how they work. I’m treating them like actual colleagues instead of other people who just happen to be in the same place as me doing the same thing.

I’m realizing that it’s far too easy to take people for granted, which I’m done doing. Life is too short and this work is too big a part of my life to just pass through on cruise control.