When Asthma Stopped Being a Whisper
I never expected that pollen could send me to the ER…but in North Carolina, it did. That moment made me realize asthma isn’t something you outgrow. It’s something you learn to live with. My journey with asthma hasn’t been a straight line. It’s been a series of struggles, small victories, and big choices that have shaped how I live my life today.
Childhood: Carefree but Aware
Growing up, asthma was more of a whisper in the background than a loud obstacle. My family knew about it, but it rarely slowed me down. My childhood was filled with running through the park, climbing trees, and jumping rope until the streetlights came on. I was fearless, and for the most part, my asthma let me be.
It wasn’t until middle school and high school that the whisper got louder. I caught colds more easily, my breathing grew heavier, but I refused to sit on the sidelines. I wasn’t the star athlete, but I was a cheerleader and a softball player. The roar of the crowd and the crunch of grass under my cleats were too precious to give up. I learned early on to push through, to listen to my body—but not to let it define me.
College Discoveries: Food as Medicine
College opened a new chapter. Moving away from home meant experimenting with how I cared for myself. I tried being vegan, then Paleo, and discovered just how powerful food could be for my body. For the first time, my asthma symptoms eased. It felt like I had found a secret weapon, something more than just an inhaler. I thought, “I’ve got this figured out.”
Family Life in the Midwest: Health in the Chaos
Marriage and motherhood brought a new kind of chaos—the beautiful, messy kind. My carefully planned routines took a backseat to midnight feedings, toddler chases, and fast meals between nap times.
My health wasn’t just about me anymore; it was about being strong for my family. The dry, icy Midwest winters tested my lungs, but I adapted. Flare-ups came and went, but I learned resilience in this season: that health isn’t about perfection—it’s about persistence, even in the chaos.
The North Carolina Setback: Pollen and Fear
Then came North Carolina. What I thought would be a fresh start became one of my hardest battles. The pollen was relentless. My once “controlled” asthma spiraled, leaving me in and out of hospitals, tethered to nebulizer treatments, and afraid of the next attack.
It felt like I had lost all the progress I’d made. Fear tried to take center stage in my life again.
Taking Back Control: Starting Over
My turning point came in 2023. I refused to let fear be my story. I went back to the drawing board, rebuilding my health from scratch. I journaled my food, tracked my symptoms, and practiced patience. Slowly, my body responded. As my overall wellness improved, so did my breathing.
It wasn’t a miracle cure—it was persistence. And with each step forward, I felt stronger, more in control, and more hopeful.
Where I Am Today: Control with Compromise
Today, my asthma is no longer the loudest voice in my life. I’ve learned how to manage it, and my daily struggles are fewer than ever before. But there’s still one challenge I can’t ignore: North Carolina’s spring pollen season.
Some days, the idea of moving somewhere with cleaner air feels like the only option. It’s a reminder that living with a chronic illness isn’t just about managing symptoms—it’s about making big, sometimes painful choices to protect your health.
My Takeaway: Resilience Over Perfection
If you’re living with asthma—or any chronic illness—know this: it’s okay to restart, to pivot, to make hard decisions. Every flare-up doesn’t erase your progress. Every breath is a victory worth fighting for.
Asthma may be part of my story, but it doesn’t get to write the ending.
Living with Asthma: A Journey Through Struggles, Resilience, and Control
Until next time, shine amongst the stars!
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Living with asthma means more than carrying an inhaler—it’s about choices, resilience, and starting over when needed. Here’s my story of setbacks, hope, and taking control. 💨💪 #AsthmaAwareness #HealthJourney
I’m in North Carolina too, and that pollen is no joke. It’s comforting to know someone else gets it and is still pushing forward. Thank you for sharing your strength.
Hey J! Yes, that NC pollen is wild, right? I’m glad my story connected with you—stay strong, keep those meds handy, and remember you’re not alone out here. We’re in this together!
Girl, this blog post was everything. I’ve been styling clients all day with tight lungs and a tight schedule, and I needed this reminder to slow down and take care of myself. Thank you for keeping it real. You’ve got a new reader for life!
Hey Kiara! Whew, I felt that—tight schedules AND tight lungs? You are out here doing it all! Thank you for the love, and don’t forget to rest those lungs and that fierce creative spirit. 💅🏾💨
Thank you for being so vulnerable, sis. Chronic illness in our community doesn’t get talked about enough. Your words are healing and validating. I’ll be sharing this with my wellness circle.
Hi Tonya! Thank you so much for standing up and speaking out—it makes a difference. I’m honored to be part of your wellness conversation. Together, we normalize the hard stuff and create space for healing.
Hey Lavanda, I stumbled across your blog and got pulled in. Didn’t expect to relate so much, but you made it real and understandable. I don’t have asthma, but now I get it a little better. Thank you for your transparency.
Loved this post, Lavanda! I mentor teen girls and I’m definitely sharing this with a few who struggle with asthma. Your journey is full of grace and power. Thank you for using your voice!
Hi Nia! That means so much—thank you for pouring into the next generation. I’m honored that my story could be part of your mentorship journey. Keep being that light for those girls!
Hi Darnell! I love that you took the time to read and reflect—even without a diagnosis. That understanding is powerful and appreciated. Thanks for being open-minded and curious!