“Today is a bad day,” I happen to say sometimes. When the sight becomes blurred, the world seems hazy and gelatinous, and I realize I am tense or sad, no matter for what reason. Still that day goes by and then you find again the energy to go on and smile.
One morning a few days ago, in the aftermath of one of those bad days, I found myself singing in the shower, and I was reminded of one of the most valuable advice among the ten suggested by Ingrid Ricks to live well with retinitis pigmentosa, the number 9: HAVE fUN. I should remember it more often, and not only the number 9.
Here, in summary, the points of the decalogue:
- Avoid stress
- Exercise, which is actually one of the many ways to aviod stress
- Do not smoke
- Eat well
- Take nutritional supplements
- Explore every medical and alternative therapy available
- Get perspective. (Ingrid writes: “When you are feeling down, think about all you have to be grateful for in life. It helps” )
- Get involved (The discussion and participation are essential)
- Have fun
- Embrace the moment (Sometimes the future can make you worried, living the present can give you a lot)
I have a clear picture of the first time I read the decalogue of Ingrid Ricks, about a year ago. It was one of the first mornings of January, time for financial plans, proposals, new ideas, research on the internet. I came across in those ten tips and I decided to honor them instantly. I went into the kitchen, I prepared a Moroccan coffee like in one of the best cafe’ and I drank it with pleasure, toasting to me and to my capability to be wel simply listening to a song.
The little moments of serenity and fulfillment are essential, I do not know where I would be if I could not recognize them and live. The “Ten tips” of the Decalogue refers precisely to this.
If points 2 to 6 are related to fitness, and they can help on a healthy life , the others refer to a broader idea of wellness.
I think avoid stress, have fun, remember things you should be grateful, they all refer to how to recognize the pleasure in the simple things. For me, a beer and chat with a friend, lots of music, a good book or movie are a remedy for the bad days, the stress and tensions of every kind, and a great way to relax and enjoy a pleasant moment.
Regarding participation, via the internet or in person through organizations and associations, with those who live the same condition, who know what you’re talking about and deal with or has dealt with the same problems, I believe that this is also a way to reduce stress and, at the same time, a pleasure. There is nothing better than making out, feeling that you are not as alien on Earth, finding solutions together, being able to vent or joke about aspects too serious not to be treated with a bit ‘of lightness.
In short, and I remind myself as to anyone reading this, HAVE FUN and EMBRACE THE MOMENT, because to appreciation is the best way to live well despite the low vision and, as the motto of NoisyVision says, we don’t see… the problem.
Carpe diem.