u/ilikedumbdogs

I just realized that my asthma has improved so much that I feel safe to learn to SCUBA dive!

I've wanted to for decades, but my asthma was out of control.

Now? I've been on the medication for 6 months and I'm doing incredibly well. I haven't needed my rescue inhaler since I started, I can walk uphill without problems (even though I'm still 240 pounds), and I don't feel that terrible clenching feeling anymore.

I! Can! Dive!

My dad was a professional diver who was consulted by Jacques Cousteau, but I'd assumed that I'd never be able to follow in how footsteps (or flipper-flips?).

I am nearly in tears with this realization.

Today, I had nothing clean to wear to work (I own a massage business). Then I saw my old gray scrubs I wore in massage school in 2013.

"What the heck. Let's try."

DUDE. They fit. They fit better than they did back then.

In the ensuing 13 years, I ate to soothe myself through:

A divorce from a narcissist

Fixing many things around my house that my ex wouldn't let me take care of (new windows, roof, electrical, flooring, drains, water supply, deck, etc etc)

My mom passing away

My dad getting incredibly ill for 2 years and requiring 24/7 care that my brother and I provided

My dad passing away

The pandemic

Creating and growing my business

And now?

I'm soothing myself by taking back my health.

It makes all of those hard times a little less hard to remember. Who know?