Dare I say I have learned the secret to a great life!
Years ago before I had cancer, I was living in a different world than I am now. I had a great job working at Apple, I was more independent and I could do anything I wanted to without restrictions. All of that changed in 2004 when I was diagnosed with bi-lateral mesothelioma. A year later, I was cancer free, but left with permanent disabilities. I have severe respiratory issues, cannot lift anything to heavy, I have a trache, I sleep on a ventilator, and I don’t drive. The world I had was gone. So, what was I going to do? Feel sorry for myself? Nope. Sit around all day and do nothing? Nope. Are you ready for the answer?
The answer is:
Create a new world that I would be happy in. Wait- is that even possible? Yes it is! And here’s what I did.
I made list of all the things that I loved to do before I had cancer. And at the top of that list was photography. I took a photography class in high school and loved it! And I took design classes in college, plus I taught photography classes while working at Apple. I love taking photos and when I had rabbits I was always taking photos of them. So I went online to to the photo sites and forums to read about the latest gear. I watched reviews. I went to my local camera store to try out different cameras. And then I bought my first DSLR. Once I had that camera in my hand, I knew this is the world I want to be in. A world where creativity is endless. I was just beginning my journey. I took online classes. I followed fellow photographers that had the same interest I have. I went on photowalks. There’s a famous quote by Ansel Adams that I love- “You don’t take a photograph, you make it.” And that is what I try to do. My camera drives me to be creative and I love it.
The disabilities aren’t going away so I create from them. I don’t let them stop me from doing what I love. I may not be as independent as I used to be, but I am lucky that I have a very supportive husband who drives me to places where I want to go for photo opportunities, I have a suitcase of medical supplies that I have to take with me everywhere I go, but I don’t let that stop me from going out. I’m on oxygen when I fly, I don’t let that stop me from getting on an airplane. I can’t lift anything to heavy, so I bought a camera bag on wheels that makes it simple for me to take my camera gear when I go out.
In summary, if you’re not happy in the world you are in- go create your world in which will bring you the most joy. Surround yourself with things you love, create a vision board, go online and follow sites and people who inspire you. In time, you will see the world you want and you’ll be a lot happier.
