Looking Forward to a Brighter Future

Editor's Note: We are heartbroken to share that Liana passed away in November of 2021. She is deeply missed, but her encouragement and positivity live on in her articles. Thank you for everything, Liana.

It's coming up to the warmer months here in my village, and I'm really excited. I'm excited about being with family and friends outside and in the fresh air. It may seem like such a simple thing, but when you have COPD, your body is definitely affected by the seasons.

Plans for leaving the house

I've been told to shield for another three months, which is understandable considering I haven't yet been vaccinated. I can, however, have family over as long as it's in the garden and that's just wonderful.

My first activity after I've stopped shielding will be to take a walk around my neighborhood. I haven't been able to do that at all. My only outside contact has been with the various doctors and hospital staff I've had to see. After that, I plan to share my days with the people I love in a much more sociable way.

Activities in warmer weather

Handling the heat

I'm one of the luckier COPD sufferers who can handle the heat. Spending time outdoors is really important and good for my health.

After we move into our new home at the end of the month, I know my garden will be my refuge. I hope to be able to plant some new flowers and shrubs, as the garden is quite unloved at the moment.

Barbecue

I know my family loves to barbecue in summer so we will definitely be doing more of that. We call a barbecue a braai in South Africa, but I need to be far enough away so I'm not engulfed in smoke. That means I'll be in the kitchen with a glass of wine, making a green salad.

Exploring my new home

Since being here, we haven't been able to do much exploring due to restrictions, but that will all change soon. I know I'm not as mobile as I'd like to be, and I certainly won't be running any marathons in the near future, but I will make it my mission to see as much of where I live as I can.

Weather and exercise

Weather

The weather plays a major role in how COPD sufferers feel. It impacts our lives in many different ways.

One of the most important factors is our breathing. Fortunately for me, my mood is always brighter because I enjoy the warmer months, and my optimism is way up there.

Exercise

Summer reminds me of happy days at the beach, having picnics, and wearing bright summer dresses. This all helps to motivate me while exercising and one of the most important exercises I still need to face head-on is walking.

Living in a beautiful village with lovely paths and forests will no doubt encourage me to try. Walking is big in the UK, I suppose I need to catch up. But as they say, baby steps.

Healthy eating

I absolutely love salads and cold meats, so summer is the perfect season for eating those all-important greens. I much prefer lighter meals with my COPD as it helps with my breathing. Finding fun foods and recipes are next on my agenda of things to prepare for over the coming months.

Lookout, summer, here I come!

A new season, a new me. I'm so looking forward to what the future holds for myself and the world in general. COPD and all. I hope that whatever happens, we will always have people who love us, the courage to fight, and the strength to make the world a better place.