This will be something a little different a couple posts in one week! Now, don’t hold me to it if this pace doesn’t continue. I’ll try my best. However, I still plan on tripping when time allows in between the summer and fall plans I have made. And somebody please (I know it’s impossible with the dummies in charge) help the cost of gas go down. For all of us. It’s sad when the most expensive part of a camping/canoe trip is the price it takes to get there. Still there is no excuse I can’t get this done. For the most part of my life I’ve always figured out a way to make things work. Once again, adjusting to the price of fuel.
Now that my cancer has been basically in the stable domain for five good years now I’ve had to do some reflecting on what that means moving forward. That being said just a reminder to you all. This all started with a primary in my G.I. track that moved to my liver, lymph nodes in my mesentery, got a spot on my lung and a couple down my spine. This checklist is proof that I am far from “healthy” or call it a different form of being healthy. It’s very hard to explain to anyone who asks. I’m a healthy sick guy. Some days I feel run down and naps are necessary. Is it cancer or am I just getting a little older?
Getting back to my point, reflecting; six years ago I started to deal with the fact I may not be here at the age of 65. Now, bare with me that was my diagnosis and after the initial shock and speaking to the right people. Support groups, doctors and such I began to accept as long as my quality of life was high I was learning to deal with that reality. For the past couple years however, my thought process has started to change. I have started asking myself the question, “What happens if I live much longer than say 65?” This may seem like a very odd question, but having cancer makes you think and consider things quite differently. While of course I want to live much longer than that, am I prepared for it?
You see at my age most of you are working, planning for retirement, hopefully saving. I on the other hand have been doing things against the norm. Basically I’ve been medically retired now for five and a half years. Living of a fixed income, mostly in part to my extended health benefits from work thankfully they were good ones. Here’s a life lesson for ya, it’s not always about the salary you earn. Be sure to always ask about workplace benefits. Trust me they are important. Anyways, so I have done things a little different and maybe this way is the right way? Think about it I can enjoy my time now while I’m still youngish and able to do what I want, within reason (Cancer treatment and care still takes priority). Hence the reason you see me doing a lot of budgeting travel. Also trying to sock away some money for after I reach 65 and benefits run out. Also, hey I figured if need be I’ll find a way to live when I’m out of money and done the things we all wish we could do when at a younger age. We all only live once. Learning in a short period of time if you really want something there’s always a way. Too often we make excuses for not going after the experiences we dream of. I’m not perfect and catch myself falling back to that train of thought. But, I’ve come a long way and with the right people in your life we can be pushed out of that comfort zone that holds you back.
Do What I Love
Case in point for the last year my solo camping trips or lack thereof. I and only I have talked myself out of not going on my adventures. Attributing my my life as the reason I’m not going as often or at all. The only thing holding me back is me, no one else. In fact I’m encouraged to go, please don’t give up what made you who I the guy I met. Adjusting. My own procrastination has stopped me from what I do. Bringing happiness to my life and to the others who enjoy following along. Showing the world through writing and video that Cancer can be a source of inspiration to live a full life. So, I need to stop overthinking, worrying about the price of gas and do what I preach “Do what you love to to.” Everything will fall into place at the end of the day. Stop worrying. Turn of the T.V. and tune out the fear. You’ll be much happier.
With that being said, I have one solo trip that I partially documentmented ready for editing. It was a way to reintroduce myself back into the world I love. It felt totally weird again speaking to a camera with no one around. After doing it for a couple of years you’d figure it’d come naturally, no so… I have some late summer and fall plans for tripping and will get back into the swing of setting up the camera again. So, this will be making my new life adjust to the things I love to do. It will also make this new life even happier than it already is. Combining the elements of what made me who I am, into a life that makes me understand what living is really all about. Having the important people around me that make a even better more confident version of myself. Also, holding me accountable and reminding me to always be that guy who loves to live his life and takes people along for the ride.
Questions
New segment here to try and engage you
Do you love what you do? Doesn’t have to be work, maybe a hobby, writing, reading, exercising something that brings a smile to your face.
What could make tomorrow better than today? Just smalls things, a quiet walk, journal entry, meditation session. Build on that
Here we are at the end again, posts are coming more regularly, typing is starting to become easier (thank god). Like every skill once it sits for a while, what a pain to feel natural again. I hope you all are still enjoying this after all these years. Just when I think there’s nothing to talk about something just appears on the screen. If this is you first time here please consider subscribing, like and drop a comment. Sometimes I’m slow to respond, hopefully I’m out in the bush off the grid, but I’ll always do my best to get back to you and I read all my comments. This is the little blog that could. It’ll be here for ya when you need it most.
Cancer Won't Run My Life 