Here are a four things I want you to know about me...
I’m the happiest I've ever been thanks to my deteriorating eyesight. Sounds weird, right? Well, keep reading and I'll explain.
Reading that last line may be a hard pill to swallow but truth be told, over the last few years I’ve had to learn how to live without fear, embrace the unknown and accept what was happening to me. I’m fortunate to have and still maintain what sight I do have, be it a mess of obstructed central vision. It’s all mine! I’ve mourned my loss, now, I choose to celebrate all that is yet to come.
This transformation was not easy, I continue to work at it everyday. Somewhere along this road I discovered my passion for cooking. Creating healthy recipes and reconnecting with my kitchen has been empowering! It has given me the gift of a life endless possibilities.
What would have once been a life sentence in solitary confinement because I solely focused on what I had lost paired with an overwhelming sense of fear rushing through my body at rapid speeds. A fear of life and it’s uncertainties.
This disease is cruel, slowly robbing me of seeing life.
Seeing the faces of my loved ones, seeing the smile on my husbands face as I enter the room and lets not forget the feeling of helplessness. I have absolutely no control over this disease and the progression of it. I made a decision, all this will NOT tear me down! I refuse to allow it.
But I'm a warrior.
I am fearless, creative, and a lover of life. Embracing the unknown, celebrating each day and all I’ve accomplished is where I want to be. I’ve struggled, made mistakes and took a long look at myself in the mirror. That was my “light bulb” moment.
The bottom line is this: I'm finding the ability in my disability.
Now let me introduce you to Mary 2.0! A huge shout out to the kitchen and cooking. Without this creative outlet where I would regain my confidence and test my abilities as a legally blind rockstar, I would never have been able to see my life as an adventure.
I hope you’ll stick around, and join me on my journey. Let's be the best version of ourselves together. Let's find the ability in your disability.