50% of the article's content. About two years into working for SIGNARAMA, (like 1989) I noticed my eyesight changing. I was slowly getting nearsighted, meaning I could see close perfectly, but far away became a challenge. I guess it was from computer programming and staring at monochrome amber & green screens all day. This inevitably strengthened the muscles in my eyes that focus close, but weakened my ability to use the eye muscles necessary to focus at a distance. It was so weird, I discovered it by accident, I put someone else's glasses on as a joke and WHAM! I could see signs & license plate numbers across the street that unaided, were just a blur.
To clarify, it never really was that bad. Prescription-wise, I had a mild nearsightedness, like 0.75 in each eye. I didn't really wear contacts or glasses, unless I wanted razor sharp definition at a distance. Like when I played hockey, trying to find the little puck from a rink away demanded contacts. I also noticed the problem being more pronounced later in the day, like my eyes were getting "tired". Bottom line is, my vision wasn't perfect, and I wished it was. Hmm, age was setting in...
Fast forward to today, late in 2008. If I put on the glasses for 0.75 nearsightedness, they are too strong. They help, but I don't need that much. Guess what's happening? Apparently, at approximately age 40, your eyes can decay for close distance viewing. This explains people needing reading glasses. I think my eyes are actually curing themselves! They've gotten better at distances. The aging effect of people gradually becoming farsightedness is helping me see better at distances. My wish of great eyesight (minus Lasik) is coming true! But for how long and at what price? I hope things just pause, stall, cure or stay where they are. This is better than 20 years ago! They may. Or they could swing in the other direction, soon I could have problems seeing the web, books, the fingernails I still bite (another story), and small print in the SPAM mails I get. Eeeek, I could be experiencing the other side of warped eyesight issues. I guess if it happens, I could get the newfangled corrective surgery, it's better every year. Even though it toys with my chances of climbing Everest or other high peaks, (article) I might go for it. Besides, I've never climbed a mountain before, why would that rate now?
Can we learn to enjoy what we have, when we have it? Should we be cautious of what we keep wishing for, more of this, less of that, always something else to chase? If I were to loose my eyesight tomorrow, I'd beg for 0.75 eyes everyday. I have them today. I should realize all that I have and use the talents, physical and mental gifts and ideas to make today a great day. You too. If you're one of our franchisees, you have already broken the curve and started your own business. Most won't dare stretch this far. Keep going, growing and improving. Look around at the products and services you deliver & produce, the jobs you've made for others in your community and the good you've done. It's ok to be satisfied and happy. Let this stir you to bigger & better things. The chase for more & more can happen with a different perspective. If you'll open your eyes and see what you already have.