What good has come from your dry eye?

[OlympusMons]

I recently came across the book David and Goliath by Malcolm Gladwell. In it, he discusses the interesting phenomena of "desired disability", explaining that some people manage to turn their disability into an advantage. He gives the example of dyslexia. Although many sufferers of dyslexia are worse off (there is for example an over-representation of people with dyslexia in prison) some have accomplished massive achievements in their life partly because of it.

I'm not saying that dry eyes is a desired disability. But when reading on this forum I realize that many of us are stuck in a "victim-perspective" and so in this thread i am asking you to list what good has come from your condition. It's okay if you repeat what others have already mentioned.

I will start it off:

1. Because of my dry eyes I can't sit as long in front of the computer as my colleagues. This means that I can't spend time checking Facebook or just browsing around, which has made me much more efficient in my work.

2. Since I got dry eyes I have a more humble approach to others trying to cope with some kind of disability or pain. It has made me a more compassionate person.

3. Because I'm wearing moisture chamber goggles so often, I have accepted the odd look and I am no longer as worried with how people perceive me. I am almost amused by the quizzical looks they are giving me and how everyone around listens up when someone has the guts to ask me what the hell I'm wearing.

4. Because of dry eyes, I chose not to watch the TV screen on the flight to Thailand, and instead decided to listen to the David and Goliath audio book. It made me see my condition from a perspective other than "Poor me!" and "Why did this happen to me out of all people?!" This new perspective has proven to be very meaningful to me.

[Colin P]

At first glance I was thinking "absolutely nothing!'.
But a very good post, and I have reacted pretty much the same.

[No tears in ATL]

It has definitely kept me active and more engaged in learning. Instead of being parked on my butt in front of the computer or TV when I get home, I put on my goggles and engage in more enriching activities, such as listening to great non-fiction audio books, trying out new recipes, gardening.

[jack_bristow]

Absolutely nothing.

Just being honest.

[RFREITAS]

So, I am still learning! But having dry eyes have made so much for me... I don't spend so many hour at the web, doing nothing, I don't spend so many hour watching TV... I learned:
- Spleep more;
- Be more healthy;
- Be more patient;
- Be more hopeful;
- Read more;
- Put everything in perspective;
- Lear to deal with limitations;
- Overcome myself... When I think I am at the end of the road, I find more courage;
- Find this place, with amazing people that are always positive and helpful (Rebecca, SAAG, Littlemermaid, DCRdryeye, Hank and so son);
- Strengthened my faith and my realtionship with God;

It's not easy but I am learning everyday that is possible

I now I am going to by the new Gladwell my book!!!

P.S. I am also thinking that having dry eyes is helping me with english!! It's getting better ) My native language is portuguese!!

[RFREITAS]

So many mistakes!! I should use the translator :P

Sorry

[hankm9]

Removed....

[RFREITAS]

One more thing. Check this out:

http://popdust.com/2014/01/07/worlds...ch-video-tedx/

Do you think she is ungly? For me it's so so more than beauty!

[Hope4Johni]

I have learned so much from this trial.
Have learned not to look at others' lives and question how God is working differently in their lives.
Only God knows a person's heart. He has softened mine and changed my attitude.
I now have total empathy for those with illnesses. I pray regularly for people with health issues.
I am much more willing to be obedient and listen for guidance by the Holy Spirit. I am happy to be able to serve. Have learned that only works for God's purpose are really meaningful.
My pride in my appearance has been shattered by having to wear my really thick eyeglasses. Have learned not to care so much about what others think.
I am so grateful for days of comfort that I used to take for granted.
I have been shown the true value of my Christian friends and my husband.
Was shown how weak I am and how much I need God.
Has resulted in healthier eating and more regular exercise.
I am less judgmental and a kinder person.
I am grateful for the improvement in my eyes and have hope for a complete healing.

[Nightbird]

I recently came across the book David and Goliath by Malcolm Gladwell. In it, he discusses the interesting phenomena of "desired disability", explaining that some people manage to turn their disability into an advantage. He gives the example of dyslexia. Although many sufferers of dyslexia are worse off (there is for example an over-representation of people with dyslexia in prison) some have accomplished massive achievements in their life partly because of it.

I'm connecting with truly amazing people through this site, who I never would have found if I didn't have dry eyes. I say amazing, not just because of their compassion and ability to inspire by example. They are just fascinating, unique individuals. The term outliers, from another of Malcolm Gladwell's books, describes them well.

[lizlou29]

I have learned just how supportive my family and boyfriend are. I've let go of some friendships because they gave up on me when I couldn't meet up whenever they wanted. I would trust my group of friends with my life now.

I don't let small things bother me. I don't over-analyse so much anymore.

On a negative note, pain has led to fear for my future. Lying awake at night I can't picture leading the life I want.

There are always people worse off. My ophthalmologist told me about a lady who is blind AND has severe pain yet she is an optimist and lives a full life with her young family.

I've learned that I can't eat and drink anything I want and expect my body to deal with it. I know a lot more about nutrition and believe this will help me heal.

Lastly, i've discovered I'm a clean freak. I spend so much time at home now there is no excuse to be messy

[Faith1989]

I have also realized how supportive the people are in my life that care about me. I now realize how important it is to be healthy and make choices everyday to be more healthy. Other than that, I just want it to go away. Lol seeing the good in everything is healthy and I'm really trying.