"I have a movement condition."

I can remember my very first job interview, I was in high school.  As any typical 17 year old I was nervous but unlike a typical teenager my legs were shaking and hands were tremoring.  I walked in and took a deep breath and said matter-of-factly, I have a movement condition and I do shake but my tremors will not effect any work you have doing.  That job I had for the next 5 years.  I've had many jobs, internships, and positions in my life since and interviewing has become second nature to me. 

However, a common question I receive is: how do I approach my tremors when interviewing?  The first question to tackle is whether you are confident your tremors will or will not interfere with the work you will be doing.  It is very important to come to terms with the fact that you cannot deny the simple fact that you have this condition or hide your tremors. 

I have come to terms with the fact that because of my tremor I will not be a brain surgeon, a pianist or a hair dresser due to my tremor.  This does not mean that my aspirations or goals have demised.  Personally, I have always had extremely lofty goals, but my goals have also been realistic as they relate to my physical condition.  When it comes to interviewing, however, I have found the best course of action is to be up front and straight-forward.  With this strategy, both your employer and you are covered in all areas and it eases any anxiety you may have while interviewing.  It also gives you an opportunity to educate.

The ability to be open and speak about your condition honestly are both vulnerable and honorable qualities.  Essential Tremors are a daily struggle, effecting an estimated 10 million people in the United States alone.  As I get older I notice that less and less people ask questions while more and more people begin to stare.  It is frustrating, but I feel it’s not ignorance its simply curiosity. 

The more you speak up (whatever form that may be); the more your educating and raising awareness.  Now that may be out your comfort zone and that is okay, but remember nothing new, exciting or different ever came from comfortable.  Your tremors make you unique, celebrate your uniqueness!

 #Speakup #essentialtremors #ET101 #comfortablebeinguncomfortable #spreadawareness #girlwithtremors #goals #loveyourself #movementcondition #ETawareness #curiousity #educateothers