Self-Accountability, Health & Discipline: Living with Glaucoma and Choosing to Protect My Vision

“The way to right wrongs is to turn the light of truth upon them.”

– Ida B. Wells

Each change of season, I like to ground myself and look inwards. Always evaluating my habits to continually improve and flourish. I was recently featured on a podcast, The Heart Connects, where I dove deeper into my mental health. Sharing my journey with journaling and the process of expressing emotions in a safe place. Typically, during a change of season, I revisit my entries from a grounded place, where I can identify the problem and act on the solution. My journal has become a unique place where my younger self holds me accountable for the lifestyle I say I am working towards.

As life continues to add more depth to my narrative, I have to find new ways to avoid being buried under the layers, especially when it comes to my health. 

This past year, I started a social media series, “Drop-O-Clock,” where I share deeper insights into life with Glaucoma and also create joy around one of my least favorite routines. 

Spoiler alert, I do not enjoy taking eye drops, and when life gets overwhelming, that is the first thing I neglect, which is a terrible habit. I’m not playing with fire, I’m risking my ability to see. 

As my journals typically hold me accountable, today, I am holding myself accountable. I am turning on another self-destructive habit and righting the wrong by being more proactive about taking my eye drops. 

I got a wonderful suggestion to set an alarm, an easy solution, that I can’t believe I never thought to do. I have to take one drop twice a day, and I’m no longer accepting excuses; I’m going to be prepared for the days when my mind is overwhelmed with other priorities. 

It is a privilege I have access to and can afford my medication; access is power, and I’m no longer allowing my power to go to waste. 

If anyone has any tips or tricks for remembering to take their medication when life gets overwhelming, please share! 

But let this be your sign to reevaluate your life and ensure you’re fully prepared for what life may deliver.