Leslie
Stage 4, Illinois
“If not now then when, if not me then who?’. – Hillel, first-century Jewish Scholar
This quote pretty much embodies the way I am now viewing my life as a Stage IV cancer thriver: seize the moment, enjoy what I like, and accomplish what I want to, no holds barred. Now is the time, for tomorrow is promised to no one.
Here is what seizing the moment has looked like for me so far:
Want to walk the 500 mile Camino de Santiago? Plan the trip and go. There is never a perfect time.
Always toyed with writing a book? Hire a co-writer and publish it. Not everyone is going to like the book. That’s OK.
Want to tell your story so others can avoid your path? Become a professional speaker. Work through the fear of public speaking.
Feel called to make a difference? Create a website and start advocating. If one life is saved, it will all be worth it.
In other words, I decided to stop allowing any excuses or insecurities to get in the way of what I really want to do, where I want to go, and what I want to accomplish. Honestly, I wish I had done this long before my diagnosis. It is quite liberating!
I would not wish cancer on my worst enemy, but if you should be diagnosed, I hope you also get something else from it – something so freeing and liberating that you feel grateful for it. Take that trip, mend that relationship, do what you thought you never could! If not now then when, if not you then who?