Do It Myself Blog – Glenda Watson Hyatt

Motivational Speaker

Letter to Santa 2016

Filed under: General — by at 10:53 pm on Friday, December 23, 2016

Three candles in tjarsDear Santa,

2016 has been a very strange years; one of those “best of times, worst of times” scenarios.

I am saddened by the unrest, hate and destruction that has gripped seemingly much of the world this year. Events and actions that are beyond comprehension.

2016 was also a year of much loss, both of distant celebrities and dear loved ones. Many tears fell this year.

On the bright and personal side, I had an amazing year! Less than three short years after receiving a communication app that truly fits my needs, I won the ISAAC 2016 Consumer Lecture Award with my lecture “Finding Your True Dream, The North Star for Your Life’s Journey“. That lecture has since become my signature talk because it is so me! I am looking forward to sharing it with many people in the coming year.

Santa, I would like to ask for a magical soothing balm that will ease fears, alleviate hate and heal broken hearts. I would love to give such a gift to countless friends and loved ones; surely, your elves can figure out the recipe. And, several paying speaking gigs, too, would be awesome!

Wishing you and your reindeers safe travels.

Merry Christmas and Happy Hanukkah.

With love from,
Glenda

If you enjoyed this post, consider buying me a chai tea latte. Thanks kindly.

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Letter to Santa 2015

Filed under: General — by at 11:54 pm on Thursday, December 24, 2015

Three candles burning in the windowDear Santa,

Gifts are wrapped. Christmas dinner for two, hopefully three, is planned. Stockings are hung. All that is left to do before I crawl into bed for a not-long-enough winter’s nap is to write to you.

Except for a few bumps along the road, I have had a relatively good year. I am feeling blessed and content. There is nothing specific I would like to ask for.

The one gift that I would like to ask for is that my family and friends, near and far, receive the one thing that they truly need at this point in their life’s journey.

Wishing you and the reindeer a safe trip. Merry Christmas!

With love from, 
Glenda

If you enjoyed this post, consider buying me a chai tea latte. Thanks kindly.

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Letter to Santa 2014

Filed under: General — by at 11:56 pm on Tuesday, December 23, 2014

Three candles burning in the windowDear Santa,

When I look around, my heart breaks because so many people – near and far – are hurting and in pain. Not only physical pain and un-wellness, but also emotionally, relationally, and even spiritually. Some folks don’t realize they are hurting.

Santa, my one wish for Christmas this year is health, strength and happiness for those who are hurting.

Let 2015 be filled with well-being, health and happiness. Thank you.

Wishing you and the reindeer a safe trip.

Merry Christmas!

With love from, 
Glenda

If you enjoyed this post, consider buying me a chai tea latte. Thanks kindly.

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Communication Access: The Last Frontier in Accessibility

Filed under: General,Work — by at 2:09 pm on Friday, May 2, 2014

Communication Access symbol symbol contains two faces, one talking, both watching and a two-way arrow indicating an exchange or interaction

One morning, many moons ago…back in high school, while I was wheeling past the school office on my way to class, the boys’ guidance counsellor happened to be in the hallway and asked, “Glenda, would you rather be able to walk or to talk?”

Some people might find that question insensitive or even offensive. I found it sincere and genuinely interested.

I am puzzled by society’s obsession with the ability to walk. That not being able to move about upright on one’s own two feet makes you less of a person, less worthy or valuable. And it is something that needs fixing or curing.

But the inability to clearly communicate verbally is far more disabling. For some reason, which I still do not understand, the majority of society links the ability to speak with the ability to hear and to understand. When encountering someone who has troubles speaking or who they assume do not understand, they automatically begin talking louder and slower, and even use hand gestures as if an impromptu game of Charades had broken out.

Not being able to speak clearly causes much frustration, misunderstanding and isolation. It means the daily interactions people have with others without even thinking about it becomes an ordeal. Little things like making a hair appointment, ordering an iced mocha latte with skim milk, or talking with one’s doctor in private becomes an ordeal, if not impossible. It also means missed opportunities when it comes to socializing, making friends, and finding jobs. This negatively impacts one’s self-esteem and self-confidence, leading to further social isolation.

To the counsellor’s question, I immediately uttered “talk” and continued, unfazed, on my way to class.

Nearly thirty-five years later, the last frontier in accessibility is finally being addressed: communication access.

Communication Disabilities Access Canada (CDAC) has launched a 2.5-year national project Communication Access Now (CAN) to promote communication accessibility for people who have speech and language disabilities.

If that isn’t fantastic enough, I am excited to share that I am now the Social Media Coordinator for this national awareness campaign; a project very dear to my heart for obvious reasons. I am now tweeting and facebooking (that is a word, right?) on behalf of Communication Access Now. I get to help get the message out, using communication tools I love! How perfect.

How can you become involved?

Check out the education and resources about making goods and services accessible to people with communication disabilities. Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.

Please join us in this awareness campaign. Together, we can conquer this final frontier in accessibility.

If you enjoyed this post, consider buying me a chai tea latte. Thanks kindly.

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Letter to Santa 2013

Filed under: General — by at 9:27 pm on Monday, December 23, 2013

Three candles burning in the windowDear Santa,

2013 has been a tough year for myself and several of my friends: many of us experienced heartbreaking losses, others dealt with health issues, while other friends faced disappointment and trying circumstances.

I would like to ask that my friends, near and far, receive healing and happiness.

Let 2014 be filled with hope, health and happiness. Thank you.

Wishing you and the reindeer a safe trip. Merry Christmas!

With love from, 
Glenda

If you enjoyed this post, consider buying me a chai tea latte. Thanks kindly.

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