Being Thankful

I recently wrote an article focusing on something my macular degeneration makes it more difficult to do. Which was seeing colours well. Before that, one about the difficulty of applying makeup, another one on diminished depth perception, and the possibility of a serious fall, and on and on.

All the things I can, or can’t, do well anymore.

Can vs. can't with vision loss

Why is it that we focus so much on what we can’t do, instead of what we can do? Why spend time worrying about what we’re missing when we could be enjoying what we have in the here and now?

I still have all of my faculties, I think. Just because one sense is beginning to diminish is no reason to step back and stop living life to the fullest. Isn’t it time to accept our new normal, as opposed to looking back and mourning what we’ve lost?

We may need to re-learn how to continue doing some of the wonderful things we love, or even just the regular activities of daily life. But despite the challenges, we can still lead fulfilling, interesting lives.

Celebrating Thanksgiving

So with it being Thanksgiving here in Canada, I thought it was time to write about what I can do and what I’m thankful for. This year’s smaller family celebration of Thanksgiving was a festive family dinner. Just the four of us, as Covid-19 requires we keep our bubble small.

• I’m thankful I can still see the smiles on my family’s faces.
• Thankful my hearing is good and I can hear their laughter.
• Thankful I can see the birds in the huge Garry oak tree just outside my window.
• Thankful I am still able to drive myself to the market to choose the best fresh vegetables.

A new recipe

My daughter emailed a new recipe for roasted brussels sprouts and butternut squash salad that she thought sounded good. I’m thankful I was able to zoom in on it with my iPad. It’s going to be a regular dish. If you’re interested, here’s the link.

My wig

I’m very thankful I remembered to wear my old wig. (The heat from the oven frizzed the front when I forgot to stand back while opening the oven door.) The front gets shorter every time! Some of you might remember I have no hair. That’s another thing to be thankful for. I can afford a decent wig.

And more...

Other things we all need to be thankful for? Good friends. Eye vitamins. Injections. Retinal specialists. Technology. Research scientists. Descriptive video service is available on TV if I ever need it. So many things!

A difficult year

COVID-19 has made this a difficult year, perhaps even more difficult for those of us dealing with macular degeneration. But I find that being at home so much more has shown me how much I appreciate all that I can still do by myself. I’m thankful for all the things I took for granted before, which have been brought to the forefront with the pandemic.

Finding silver linings

I realize it can be difficult to find the positives in losing some of our abilities,  but today is the day for being thankful, and perhaps we can extend it. One day at a time.

Have you found yourself spending more time lately on what you can’t do rather than what you can? Maybe you’ve fallen into that way of thinking without realizing it. What are you thankful for?