Columns

I didn’t realize how pulmonary sarcoidosis would affect my lifestyle until about three years ago. For years, the thought of this “obstacle” didn’t affect me. But that changed on a dime in August 2017 when I had my first spontaneous pneumothorax. I wondered how I would live my life…

No, not that one. The other day, I Fell and Fractured my Foot (though I admit I probably said the other F-word a few times when it happened). I sprained my ankle, too, just to make it more Fun. It was the Fifth metatarsal on the outer side of my…

About 20 years ago I joined a program to lose weight, and ended up gaining not only a healthier body but also a much healthier mindset. Along the way, I fully embraced the idea of transformation, and after an emotional and symbolic speech from another program member, I decided I…

“Not everything that is faced can be changed, but nothing can be changed until it is faced.” — James A. Baldwin Recently, I was asked an unusual and interesting question: “Do you know anyone personally that has sarcoidosis?” After a few seconds of thinking about an answer, I had…

“The secret of change is to focus all of your energy not on fighting the old, but on building the new.” — Dan Millman Now that some of the pandemic-era restrictions are being lifted throughout the U.S., I can’t help but feeling like I missed a good deal of…

As a teen, I got a T-shirt from my best friend that said “Me, paranoid? Who wants to know?” So, you see, trusting maskless strangers to be fully vaccinated just isn’t in my nature.  We are still in a pandemic. With sarcoidosis, two shots in the arm doesn’t mean we…

Mother’s Day was a couple weeks ago here in the U.S., but I must admit, I’m not a big fan of the holiday. Let me explain.  On Mother’s Day weekend in 2003, I suddenly lost my mother. I had just returned to work after having an…

My memory is terrible. But I can vividly recall hovering over a rib-eye steak in a restaurant last February telling a lie. It only took a forkful for it to slide out. And a few more bites to convince myself it would forever be true. I said I would never…

Seeing actor Will Smith post that he was in the worst shape of his life made me smile. Because grinning in short shorts with his paunch on display, he shamelessly owned something I’ve often felt.   Getting and staying fit is tough. Sarcoidosis and other chronic illnesses don’t…

“Discipline is the bridge between goals and accomplishments.” – Jim Rohn Last weekend was really good for me. I had a chance to relax a little and celebrate my aunt’s 90th birthday. Although she wasn’t the youngest, she’s the last of my great-grandparents’ 11 children.