This is a better late than never post. Today is Anosmia Awareness Day. Two years ago, I wrote I would no longer be writing “Happy” in front of it and sticking by that decision. It’s been 16 years since I first experienced this anosmatic life…whew, time flies. Over the past decade, I have gained my smell back several times with medications and then lost it again, but am still trying to get it permanently back…it’s possible. To some, losing the sense of smell may sound minor, but it’s far from minor. It’s a major journey. I really didn’t realize how much smell can have an impact until I literally acquired anosmia.
Throughout the years, I learned how the lack of sense of smell:
…creates a disconnection from (my) experiences.
…impacts what I eat, how I eat, and what and how I cook.
…has affected my health.
…makes me hypervigilant when it comes to safety in and outside my apartment.
Despite my lack of smell, I am grateful for all the love, support, and blessings I have received over the years. I will always be grateful to the folks that smell things for me aka my designated noses. Thank you for smelling for me for free…the good and the bad.
This would not be a complete post without mentioning some resources and amazing people raising anosmia awareness:
An Aromatic Life, a podcast about the anosmia lived experience by Smell Coach and Certified Level II Aromatherapist and owner of F.A.L.K. Aromatherapy Frauke Galia.
The Girl Who Can’t Smell is a blog full of awesome articles (tips), funny stories, and memes created by Yazz Salazar who lives with congenital anosmia.
The Smell Podcast, created by Katie Boateng who lives with acquired anosmia and interviews people to talk about all things related to smell, including people with lived experiences. Check out my 2021 interview here.
YouTube channel by Comedian Dia Kline who also lives with congenital anosmia and shares hilarious videos, sniff tests and all.
To see the difference between congenital and acquired anosmia, check out my and Yazz’s video that I can’t believe we created three years ago.
Last but not least, check out organizations/charities raising anosmia awareness and/or doing research:
The Smell and Taste Association of North America – also check out their petition to support efforts to make smell and taste testing universal.
MY ANOSMATIC LIFE 
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