A plea to high school and college students: Get help and stop hiding
Though I'm no longer as fearful of 'exposure' of my sweating as I used to be, I still avoid doing presentations and situations where I would have to shake hands. This is hurting me at work. They gave me a high-profile assignment last year, and I was told I did a good job. However, my boss decided that I don't have leadership qualities and am not an "influencer." She gave me a lower-rank title, telling me "not everyone can be a leader." All those years sitting on the sidelines are hurting me now. I suspect that I have mannerisms that project my inner anxiety, and I come across as less confident and unsure of myself. I tried to fight her decision, but she said she thinks I will be happier this way. Maybe more comfortable, but not happier.
I'm going to fight this one--take public speaking class or whatever it takes. It's harder now because I have am now a married and have a young child, so I have little free time. I limited myself for such a long time, and I will not have others limit me now.
High school and collage are the best, though not the only, times to build your confidence as a leader and a public speaker. That's why it pains me so much to see high school students agonizing over their hyperhidrosis when there is medical treatment that works. Don't sit on the sidelines like I did. Get the medical help you need, then try drama, student council, debate team...whatever interests you. Once you're comfortable, step up and take a leadership role. Your opinions count as much as others'. Realize that everyone is just as insecure as you are...some, however, are better hiding it than others. The more people with HH who are leaders, the better the world will be for others with HH.
Love,
Tiara
P.S. “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven." -- Matthew 5:14-16
3 comments:
That is exactly the inspiration I needed right now! I suffer from HH of the hands and feet and it's really hard at times to do just the everyday activities.
Thank you so much for these encouraging words. God bless you!
Hi Tiara
I came across your "Sweaty Palm Diaries" when I was just 12 years old. I am now 16. Looking back..my life has completely changed. I know we haven't met and probably live miles apart (I live in Canada) but I just wanted to let you know that you are such an inspiration that I hope to be one day. 4 years ago I was a sweaty 12 year old that was completely lost. I was confused and upset and worse of it all: I was upset with God. "Why me, God?" I would plead but not get an answer. Then I came across your forum and wow..the positivity you put into your life..keep goin' because wow it does help others like myself ;) One of your best posts was a sweaty hands poem and I cried so hard. I cried because at least so many good things can come from sweaty hands. But one of the most treasurable gifts you have passed onto me was Mattew 5:13 and to this day I try to live by it day by day. I know God gave me sweaty hands for a reason: he knew I could handle it. Also I just finished a presentation yesterday and like you I want to improve on my public speaking (I'm a very talkative person and it's a shame HH has takien a tole on me but I fight it with courage and taking on more challenges day by day! :)) We only live once and I know the most important is living freely and honouring God. Thank you so much Tiara, from a sweaty comrade. Keep inspiring millions of people because we need more people like you. I hope to carry your positivity with me throughout my whole life. I really hope to meet you one day. God Bless. <3
-Hannah
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