How to "ACE" Macular Degeneration

When it comes to macular degeneration, it’s not always easy to keep a positive attitude. Some days are better than others, and when the going gets tough, it helps to have a plan to boost your mood. That’s when I came up with the A.C.E. formula.

A = Allow and Accept

C = Choose Again

E = Equanimity

A: Allow and accept whatever is happening

Easier said than done — I know — but I have found that what I resist persists! What I focus on most seems to multiply. The stories I make up and tell myself get more sinister as I dwell on the worst case scenario.

When I put out negative energy, that’s what I get back. If you don’t believe it, prove it to yourself. It seems we attract the very same energy we’re putting out there, exactly what we DON’T want — more negativity! What I’ve learned is when I pause and redirect that negativity to allow and accept what’s happening, the going gets MUCH smoother. Here’s what I mean.

Say you walk into your routine eye appointment and get unexpected news. You were going to get an eye injection, but now you’re told your "good" eye also needs an injection, which strikes fear in your heart. When fear takes hold — anxiety, anger, dread — it only makes matters worse, because then you become stressed and tense. However, if you can calm yourself and allow the situation to unfold, it likely will go more smoothly.

C: Choose again

Initially, F.E.A.R. (False Evidence Appearing Real) may invade your consciousness, creating unnecessary drama. However, we DO have a choice — we can choose again! By replacing fear with acceptance, we will more calmly allow the procedure to occur without the pain and stress that often accompanies fear. Anything you can do to calm yourself — music, a walk, sitting quietly, deep breathing, prayer and meditation — can ease you into a calmer state, which leads us to the final step.

E: Equanimity, the final step

Equanimity is defined as "mental or emotional stability or composure, especially under tension or stress; calmness." Equanimity is holding onto the calm in the midst of turmoil, strife, or chaos around you.¹

After acceptance of the situation and choosing again, equanimity naturally follows. Gratitude is a big part of this stage. How can you be grateful for a "shot in the eye?" This requires a BIG shift in perception — a shift from negativity to optimism and gratitude for the medical advancements that have made this solution possible.

In the example of the injection, it makes it possible to slow the progression and stabilize the condition. That’s a lot to be grateful for and reason to calmly hold the peace as the solution is administered! The situation is the same, but how you are seeing it has changed or shifted — a HUGE difference!

Practice makes perfect

Practice makes perfect — apply the A.C.E. formula when faced with your next challenge! It works for me every time!

What have you got to lose, except F.E.A.R.?