Saturday, May 10, 2008

Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff

So one thing I’ve learned about fighting for my life due to cancer is not to sweat the small stuff, not to dwell on the bad things in life and instead only focus on what is good in my life. I clearly had to grow up very fast when my world was falling apart and I was - and will be everyday - fighting for my life. Everyday people find out they have cancer, or that their cancer is back. Cancer does tremendous things to people, some people unfortunately don’t always win their fight with it – my dear friend Morgan passed away this year after a several year battle with it, she was only 22 with a full life ahead of her. Some people learn their inner strength and what really matters to them.

When things like this happen in your life, it just seems silly to sweat the small stuff, doesn’t it? Some people were offended by a post of mine from a month ago, because I expressed my feelings about a situation that happened at work – but my blog is therapeutic to me (read this article from CNN this week), and although I do understand that the internet is a public forum, my blog is about my personal life and is only intended to be read by my cancer community, close friends, and family. I understand that people may come and go as they please, but I think people should understand that if you’re just dropping by to mock my situations, it’s unacceptable. Until they have actually physically been thru life changing experiences as I have, the small things in life just don’t matter – I don’t care about your roommate drama, or who’s dating who, I’m just taking care of business in my life. I have a job that I love, I have great friends and family – this blog is to share my life experiences with my cancer community, I know that it’s already helped dozens of people with questions, concerns, and needs for support and I’ve actually gotten several thank you notes for being so candid.

I don’t intend to change the integrity and focus of my blog, it’s personal and I understand it – but I think you should think wisely (as I do) about what you say about people’s personal thoughts. I have since taken down my post that has caused such an uproar, although what I said was how I was feeling at that time. But my intention isn’t to offend anyone else, so I have taken it down for that reason. I will be there for any of my friends that ever need me in the drop of a dime, and they know that – it’s the people with the insincere intentions that upset me.

XO

12 comments:

Wullie said...

Some people are just shallow and insensitive. They always will be. They're sadly jealous that other people are getting attention that they should be getting.
Stuff people like that, K.

Great post.

Love ya!

BaldyLocks said...

What the hell? Can't you just delete their comments rather than your posts?

I don't really know what happened but it sounds sad.

I'm thinking about you.

Anonymous said...

I am SOOOOOO happy for you!! Sue

B. said...

One of the best lessons... we learn, as survivors.

To no longer sweat the small petty things.

Hope you are well Kel.

Know I'm thinking of you often,

B

Anonymous said...

Kelly, a fantastic post. You have really helped Chris and me. Don't ever close your blog!! Thinking of you.

Vxx

Unknown said...

I agree 100% with what Wullie said. If people don't like what you have to write then they don't need to read it. I on the other hand love reading your blog.

Take it easy Kel and like you said "don't sweat the small stuff"

Hugs!!

Duane said...

SOLIDARITY, Kelly. I agree with Wullie. Excellent post!

Anonymous said...

Hi Sweets, I'm sorry I missed ya, and yes, I was doing the mom thing! =) I agree with you wholeheartedly about what you wrote. You have a good, good heart and your intentions are never to hurt. When you are upset, yourself, you have every right to speak here, especially when it helps you feel better and move past the "small stuff."

Your words and your blog (and the blogs of many others in our beautiful cancer community) have helped me through many a rough patch. You put the things I have felt during this experience into words, and in sharing how you've positively dealt with the difficulties that come with a cancer diagnosis, you perpetuate hope and happiness. You are bright, funny, and positive, with a great attitude, and I love you for that!!

I appreciate what you write, and I hope you never stop.

XOXO,
T.O.G.!

Anonymous said...

Hi Sweets, I'm sorry I missed ya, and yes, I was doing the mom thing! =) I agree with you wholeheartedly about what you wrote. You have a good, good heart and your intentions are never to hurt. When you are upset, yourself, you have every right to speak here, especially when it helps you feel better and move past the "small stuff."

Your words and your blog (and the blogs of many others in our beautiful cancer community) have helped me through many a rough patch. You put the things I have felt during this experience into words, and in sharing how you've positively dealt with the difficulties that come with a cancer diagnosis, you perpetuate hope and happiness. You are bright, funny, and positive, with a great attitude, and I love you for that!!

I appreciate what you write, and I hope you never stop.

XOXO,
T.O.G.!

BaldyLocks said...

I don't think I can come in June unless some miracle happens. I have my surgery on May 30th and I'll be healing. I also have no $$$.

I really wanted to come and have been feeling kinda bummed about it.

:(

Veronica said...

Only just read this post and all I can say is 'Amen'.....for once I am in 100% agreement with Wullie
;0)

Ya know I love ya......xx

Mary said...

As a PS to what I said before on the forum without discussing what your post was about, what your post had me thinking about was how people just don't understand what it's like to have cancer unless they have it. In one sense, it's like, how could they? but in the other it's like, that's no excuse to be insensitive or not try to be sympathetic. It just amazes me what people think is acceptable sometimes.