It’s amazing what nearly losing your vision will do for your point of view
Over six months in early 2014, what had started as flares of light around headlights became an encroaching blob that fogged my vision both day and night. Two doctors hadn’t been able to tell me what was wrong, and my symptoms kept getting worse. I couldn’t read street signs, I had to be driven to new places, and I could barely work.
It was terrifying.
Luckily, a third doctor was able to diagnose early onset cataracts, and two surgeries later, I was as good as new.
Along with gratitude for the miracles of modern medicine, this health scare made me appreciate the wonder of my flawed but functional physical self.
Even at my slimmest and most fit, I had always felt that I wasn’t working out enough. I was impatient with my dawdling dog and the demands of work and home that kept me from the gym. I would curse my weakness for chocolate which has always sabotaged my weight-loss goals.
Now, my focus has shifted to wellness. In addition to the physical, this holistic term includes seven other aspects: emotional, environmental, financial, intellectual, occupational, social and spiritual.
I may only be able to make one yoga class a week, but I come to the mat with gratitude and focus. When my dog insists on the stroll, stop and sniff, instead of my preferred brisk walk, I remind myself to enjoy the journey. My diet includes a wide variety of fruits, vegetables and whole grains, so I don’t stress about the occasional fudge brownie.
I’m also lucky to have good friends, a loving family, financial stability, an uplifting faith community and meaningful, challenging work.
All these things keep me happy and well.
Or as Pantea Dougani, co-owner of Excel Body Fitness, told me recently, “Wellness comes in a lot of shapes and sizes. It’s not just jumping around.”
- I’ll Have the Combo!
- Yoga for Everyone
- Making friends after 55
- Nonprofit Spotlight: Wheels 4 Hope
- Building a Resilient Cary
- Small Business Spotlight: Excel Body Fitness
- A New Kind of Brew
- Seven Saturdays from R&D Brewing
- Flying Pepper Tobago Infused Vodka
- Sing a Song of Solomon’s Seals
- From the Editor: April 2019
