I Could Write a Book on Macular Degeneration
Yep, I truly could write a book on macular degeneration — SO I DID! I’m sure it won’t be a bestseller, nor will people scramble to buy it upon its release, BUT if it helps only one person, I will be happy!
Writing has always been in my DNA
Have you ever felt like "there’s a book in you" but you just didn’t know where to start? That fits me to a T. I have written all my life, starting with a diary as a teenager.
Multiple journals followed as I found solutions to life’s challenges by journaling. Then, I began writing direct mail (the more popular term is "junk mail") in a marketing job where I was concerned less with proper grammar and more with being persuasive. A key component to holding the attention of the reader was to speak naturally, not necessarily grammatically correctly. I later wrote and designed real estate newsletters for myself and fellow realtors.
Writing has always been in my DNA. However, never once did I consider myself a writer, but I ALWAYS enjoyed writing. It has been my passion for many years.
Macular degeneration offered a new opportunity to explore
After being diagnosed with dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD), I frequently visited the MacularDegeneration.net site. That is when an opportunity arose I could not ignore. They were hiring people with macular degeneration to write articles about their experiences, moderate on the website, and help monitor the forums. It was a perfect fit for my passion and skills. I didn’t think twice before I applied, was interviewed, and hired.
Now, in my retirement, I find myself back in writing mode and loving it. Not only was I writing again, but it was a way to "pay it forward" by being of service to others with the same condition. All my boxes were checked! Of all my writing projects, this by far was the most rewarding. But it didn’t stop there — there’s more good news!
Deciding to write a book on macular degeneration
Out of the blue, a resident in my community, who happens to be a successful author and publisher, made a Facebook post about publishing another book. I was acquainted with her but knew little about her. I commented how I always felt I had a book in me but was overwhelmed with the process of publishing.
She enthusiastically replied she would be interested in sharing her knowledge and experience. That opened the floodgates, and together we met with our lifestyle director to start our first book publishing group within our 55+ community. She was instrumental in suggesting I write a book about my macular degeneration journey and helped me with every detail. Because of her selfless passion for assisting others in publishing books, many of us now consider ourselves "published authors." We have learned so much and are greatly appreciative.
Helping others by sharing my story
My hope is that, when my book is published, it will help others move beyond the fear often present as macular degeneration progresses and to find joy and purpose again. It was the right time, the right topic, AND an "angel" appeared to help me along! How could I NOT write this book? It was time to follow my heart and get busy. And so I did!
My goal in sharing this personal story is that others will find purpose and meaning beyond the confines and restrictions of macular degeneration. We yearn to do more than just survive — we want to THRIVE in spite of our vision challenges. We CAN shift our mindset and see our glass as half FULL, not half empty. Every single one of us has unique skills and talents that make us who we are. No one can do YOU like YOU do!
Sometimes our challenges bring us new opportunities
When challenged with something like macular degeneration, we have to think creatively about new ways to apply and express our gifts. Our life isn’t over. In fact, when we give ourselves permission to think outside the box, we just might be starting anew! What a gift to be able to change our minds and find new ways to evolve and be productive!
What are your latent talents? How can you use them now? What’s holding you back? It might look different from what you originally thought, but sometimes our challenges bring new opportunities we never imagined.
NEVER STOP DREAMING. NEVER, EVER GIVE UP. We are more than our macular degeneration — MUCH more!
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