How’s Your Vision?

When my vision began to fade from an eye disease called Retinitis Pigmentosa, it became necessary to be more attentive and plan ahead. Finally, down to a sliver of what I call light perception, I noticed my inability to get out of bed until fully awake.

No dragging myself wearily to the kitchen to make coffee – not because I don’t drink coffee, but because my brain must be engaged. Before my legs hit the floor, I need to know what I’m wearing, and where each piece of clothing lay. I need to be aware of any obstacles that might ensnare me. Concentration to focus is a MUST!

This observation made me realize how important vision is to life; not sight. Eyesight is definitely helpful, but having vision requires thinking things through, and visualizing steps before acting on them. Thus, the reason vision boards are gaining popularity . . . thinking, planning, and seeing it ahead of time keeps you focused. It works.

A few years back, a writer colleague referred to me as a visionary without vision, indicating there is a difference between having vision, or having eyesight. Vision and sight aren’t necessarily synonyms. So, what is the actual difference?

I like to think of vision like driving a car. You plan where you’re going, you make sure the tank has enough gas, tires have air, and you keep your eyes on the road ahead. You don’t hop in the car without your keys or drivers license to head to the store without knowing what you want to buy, or money.
But, in life, we do. We’re reacting to avoid head-on collisions, constantly dodging and swerving harmful situations. Or, we spend our time staring in the rearview mirror at where we’ve been. This is called daydreaming; not living in the present.

Imagine what it would be like if we replaced self-indulgence and entertainment with vision.  Actually thinking, planning, and acting on that plan. Our teens might thwart some bad decisions, get our fast food orders correct, and  become responsible adults much sooner. Adults might live in less debt, have fewer unhealthy  relationships, and would be more involved in changing our world. At least, I imagine healthier families, a stronger sense of community, higher productivity, increased unity, and much more.

Personally, I’d rather be a visionary without vision (eyesight), than a sighted person without a vision.

How about you? You have the opportunity to be a visionary with vision.

Thank you for taking time to read and share this message with your friends and family. It means a lot to me. I appreciate Y-O-U! Blessings!