It’s the Little Things in Life

By Sharon Moore

2 min read

On January 26th, I had 2 surgical procedures on my foot. My podiatrist did everything possible to prepare me for post-procedure rehabilitation. He repeatedly stressed that I would be non-weight bearing for a period of weeks.

The same podiatrist operated on a friend of mine a few weeks before my surgery. She was in a walker boot and was back on her feet in less than a week. It appeared she healed well with her procedure. In spite of what my doctor told me, I expected my recovery to be similar to hers.

Recovering from surgery

My recovery did not follow the plans I had in mind. Sure enough just as my podiatrist warned me, I was non-weight bearing for a full 5 1/2 weeks. During the recovery, it was impossible to take a normal shower. Trying to keep my bandaged foot dry and sit on a shower bench made taking a shower an ordeal.

Walking in a walker boot made me very unsteady. As I was required to walk only on the heel and with my foot turned outward, I was quite unsteady. A cane was needed to maintain my balance.

Finding joy in the little things

After surgery I discovered the joy in the little things in life. The ability to wear matching shoes to church pleased me immensely. Walking without a cane was nice too.

I was able to resume daytime driving. No longer was I tied to the house. Standing up to shower gave me the most joy. I had not felt truly clean for weeks!

Finding joy in spite of age-related macular degeneration

When it comes to age-related macular degeneration (AMD), my goal is finding joy in spite of the limitations caused by AMD. I choose joy rather than happiness. I find happiness to be fleeting.

Ice cream makes me happy in the moment but isn’t lasting. Joy for me is a deeper emotion I choose to have. It is internal; not dependent upon my circumstances.

Enjoying nature

Being outdoors in the beautiful mountains of Southeast Oklahoma, causes joy to well up deep within. I could be unhappy that I can no longer see clearly.

Instead, I revel in the beauty that surrounds me. My favorite form of art is Impressionism. As an artist captures the beauty of outdoors with soft lines and vivid color, I can still enjoy the beauty that surrounds me.

Reading

I come from a family that loves reading. My taste in books has changed over the years but my love of reading continues. Even large print books are too hard to read. I have not allowed my limitation to hinder my joy in reading. I read digital books so that I can enlarge the text and change the background color.

Helping others

Through the years, I have driven friends to distant appointments or offered my nursing skills to those terminally ill. Having AMD changed all that. I drive in the daytime in familiar areas but city traffic is not safe for me to drive in.

Even so, I find deep joy from doing those things I can do; making food for a friend with cancer or bringing a jar of jalapeño strawberry jelly to another friend.

Conclusion

I am not happy I have AMD! Rather, I choose the deeper emotion of joy found in the little things of my life.

Share your macular degeneration journey with us!

This article represents the opinions, thoughts, and experiences of the author; none of this content has been paid for by any advertiser. The MacularDegeneration.net team does not recommend or endorse any products or treatments discussed herein. Learn more about how we maintain editorial integrity here.

Join the conversation

Please read our rules before commenting.

Linda Hoopes Moderator
I LOVE your contrast between happiness and joy, Sharon! It makes perfect sense that we can still have joy in our lives while not being happy about having AMD - Well said. I also related especially to your reference to art & Impressionism after visiting the Monet & Friends art show recently. I love colors & how the lines blur together. It makes me want to learn how to paint. I wonder how many painters & artists we have out there? Please let us hear from you. You are sure to inspire others! Linda Hoopes, Team Member
1. Sharon Moore Moderator
 <inline-mention username="Linda Hoopes" user-id="3120797"/> thanks for your feedback. At this point in my AMD journey, my whole world looks like a Monet painting. I know we have some artists in our community. Sharon, Patient Leader
ChrissyZ Member
Such a beautiful outlook you have. I aspire to that. Thank you for this beautifully-written article. I'm sure it speaks to so many. 
1. Sharon Moore Moderator
 <inline-mention username="ChrissyZ" user-id="6740984"/> thank you so much for your positive feedback. It is not always easy to keep a positive mindset but I try. Warm wishes, Sharon, Patient Leader
Mary573290 Member
Thank you for your heartfelt article. Slowly, I am starting to accept that my life is changing, and I am learning to do common life tasks in a different way. Two steps forward and one back. Joy is from our soul. 
1. Sharon Moore Moderator
 <inline-mention username="Mary573290" user-id="6690574"/> thank you for taking a moment to comment on my article. With macular degeneration our lives are changing and we either find new ways to do things or we will miss out. Yes joy is from the soul. I love the hymn “It is Well With my Soul”, written after the authors loss of his family at sea. I can have peace and even joy no matter my circumstances. Best wishes, Sharon Moore patient leader
Linda Hoopes Moderator
Mary, acceptance is crucial to again experience joy - I’m glad you are on that path. Please share with us some of the common tasks you are doing differently. Linda Hoopes, Team Member
Blueanneo Member
Thank you, Sharon. I needed to read your article this morning, and there it was!
1. Blueanneo Member
 <inline-mention username="Sharon Moore" user-id="3129425"/> so far the dry AMD is staying dry. I don’t have GA yet, but the clarity of vision is worse. My new glasses can correct a tiny bit but not all the way. Still I am pleased the FDA approved a new drug - I may need it.
2. Sharon Moore Moderator
 <inline-mention username="Blueanneo" user-id="6693851"/> I agree, the new treatment for advanced dry macular degeneration or GA offers some hope when I progress to GA. I hope even more treatments become available. Best wishes, Sharon Moore patient leader
Faithie80 Member
Sharon, thank you for such a positive outlook. I am going to try to be thankful for the little things and enJOY them.
1. Sharon Moore Moderator
 <inline-mention username="Faithie80" user-id="4744385"/> thank you for taking a moment to comment on the article. Some days are harder than others but there is always something that gives me joy. Blessings, Sharon Moore patient leader

Community Poll

Which type of macular degeneration are you seeking support for?