Putting Macular Degeneration Into Perspective

It’s easy to become obsessed with macular degeneration — researching, doctor appointments, surfing the internet, and preparing for the worst case scenario. It can take over one’s life if we allow it to have that power.

We do have a choice. Nothing brings me back to reality quicker than the following 3 points to help me shift from fear-based thinking to gratitude.

1. Something else could take me down before macular degeneration

When I’m focused entirely on what the future holds with dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD), I waste a lot of time and energy on something I can’t control and something that may never happen — energy I could be spending on far more productive activities. When I overthink the possibility of a bleak future with AMD, I lose sight of what’s right in front of me and allow other worthwhile endeavors fade away.

I could be exercising my body, expanding my mind, and evolving spiritually. When I let other things go because of my preoccupation with AMD, I increase my risk of another physical condition deteriorating due to lack of my attention. It’s likely my neglect of the things I can control will take me out before AMD gets worse. Putting my attention and energy on those things I can control makes much more sense. I am in control of my mind, and I can shift negative thinking into more positive, productive thinking.

2. What could be worse than this?

In my mind, many things could be worse than AMD. Granted, the loss of central vision is huge; however, it pales in comparison to losing my mind. I can still reason, think, and make choices.

Sadly, I know many with perfect vision who can no longer think for themselves. Others have tremendous mobility issues, while I am still mobile and active. An extreme case is the late  Stephen Hawking, renowned physicist living with a progressive debilitating condition, who brilliantly used his mind until his death at age 76. Surely if he could overcome extreme paralysis and being unable to speak, I can continue to thrive with AMD. Almost seems minor in contrast to what some others endure. It’s all relative, isn’t it?

3. The serious health concerns of loved ones can add perspective

When I get carried away with all the "what ifs" that may (or may not) occur with AMD, suddenly they seem unimportant when I learn of life-and-death situations involving loved ones, especially immediate family and those much younger than myself. There’s nothing that puts my own health issues into perspective like learning about the pain and suffering of a loved one.

My whole heart is immediately diverted from my own concerns to their well-being. When I’m obsessing about my condition, there is little space for others. When I shift my energy toward them, miraculously, it always makes me feel better, too. Funny how that works!

Gratitude for lessons learned — and future lessons

AMD is not a road I would have chosen, but it’s what life has dealt me, and finally I am finding purpose in this role. As we continue learning ourselves, we can be teachers to others by imparting our "vision," knowledge, and experience with AMD.

When macular degeneration is no longer the main priority, our lives can be full with new purpose. It took me awhile to get here — where I choose joy and purpose over fear — but I am so grateful to be on the right path now.

Together, we can stay on the right path and live meaningful lives with macular degeneration — when we keep it in perspective.