Perspective

Diamonds, originally uploaded by qthomasbower.

Sometimes it’s all in the way we look at things, hear things, that makes all the difference in the outcome. For instance just today, I experienced some very uncomfortable moments when my asthma decided to have its way with me. I fought the onslaught of the shortness of breath by using my inhalers. Too late, I realized that I had in fact, already used the preventative one but 90 minutes prior to this new tightening in my chest. As I climbed up the spiral staircase to my loft (this is where I do most of my work), I made my way to my computer and sat down to try to calm myself and regain my composure. My radio spot was just 9 minutes away and I was struggling for breath. Picking up my fast-acting inhaler, I inhaled one puff. Something like an alarm went off because I felt a wee bit overdosed. “Refrain from panicking,” I reminded myself.

I had so looked forward to calling in and reading one of my latest posts. The title was “Passion Anyone?”, and in it I delve into what it is, and how we are driven and directed by it. I had read it aloud a few times beforehand (they teach you do do this in broadcasting school), just so I could get my mouth oriented to any possible tongue-twisting phrases. To be familiar with my story and to embellish certain aspects of the wording so as to project the right meaning. Speaking my words to best convey my intent and interpretation for the listeners.

My breathing got even shorter and I felt the need to steady myself on my chair, my foot touching firmly on the carpet to balance. It really wouldn’t do to fall off my chair during a broadcast on live radio. I do recall the moment I timidly asked if anyone else was to read. This stalling tactic would allow the medicine to expand the airways in my lungs and promote a feeling of a relaxed demeanor. This wasn’t to be. So … I jumped right in!

How I made it through the reading (I did stumble, albeit a few tiny ones), but I did make it through. Exactly at the precise end, my lungs were now taking in more air, and I could thankfully feel the tension slowly being released from my trembling body. Close call.

The rest of the time we talked was so much better, and by the time it was concluded I was back to my normal self. It was only after I listened back, that I found it didn’t sound quite the way I would have hoped, but it was oh so much better than I had anticipated. Asthma is nothing to take lightly but sometimes it is a real pain to endure. In closing it is in how we perceive things that influences things. Be fair and realize that things aren’t always as they seem. Sometimes they are much better.

You can listen to the show here  Click the July 1, 2010 show.