I’m gasping for breath in the ER, yet again, hit by my asthma, hearing a man on meth scream at the top of his lungs in Spanish. I wonder when the doctor will come and help me. I’m thinking, “Please don’t put me on prednisone again.”

I have been on prednisone three times in the past month and a half. Each time I’ve gained significant weight because of the medication.

I seem to be losing my battle of the bulge. I just want to be healthy.

Losing weight would help me in so many ways. Not only would my body be happy but my mind would be free from the burden of worrying about diabetes. I’d just be happy to move easily.

So why is it not in my cards?

The meth-man behind the curtain wrenches at his restraints and screams profanities in Spanish. That’s when it hits me . . .

I’m the screaming man. I’m in a situation I cannot control, tethered to my asthma, angry as hell.

The doctor comes in and orders two nebulizer treatments and puts me back on prednisone. Again!

I can’t stop my asthma, it is something I don’t control.

So what can I control?

What goes in my body

Yes, I need strong medications. But I can control my intake of food and drink. I’ll eat what the God and Goddess provides such as natural vegetables and fruits instead of artificial foods. (Donuts are my bane.)

Moving my body

Yes, it is more difficult to exercise; it’s hard to breathe. But I can move some each day. It doesn’t have to be overtaxing so I have an asthma attack. Any movement is good. Walking in the beauty of the world that the Gods have created is good for us, and the Gods especially like it when we appreciate their handiwork.

Getting rest

Getting rest to heal is just as important as movement. Getting adequate rest lessens my asthma problems. I am going to increase time for meditation, which will soothe my brain, body and soul.

Feeling Some Comfort

Understanding I have power in these three areas is comforting. I can’t control the side effects of the drugs I take. But there are things I can do.

Concentrating on what I can do in these three areas raises my morale. I can practice letting go of worries about what I cannot control.

This brings moments of happiness to my daily life.

I invite you to look at the two areas: What can you control? And what is completely out of your control?

When you get clear about these distinctions and you bring your efforts to the Gods, you’ll find some comfort.

You deserve it.

Blessings,

Moonwater SilverClaw