Being diagnosed with cancer has given me the opportunity to reflect, take stock and re-evaluate life in a way that I don’t otherwise think would be attainable. It strips away everything, at least momentarily, exposing those core things in life that are invariably the only things that really matter. That’s quite liberating, it’s like having some of life’s shackles removed. I am more open, I definitely wouldn't have poured my heart out to an internet web page or people like I do now. I've been on the receiving end of more kindness than most people will ever experience and I feel more comfortable in reciprocating it.
Whilst reflecting, I keep thinking back to my travels. There are some people I think about almost daily; people who barely even know me or actually don’t even know me, but our lives passed at some point and their stories resonated with me. I recently began reading through my old journals from my development worker days in Africa and it inspired me to start writing them up. I suppose I would like to share their stories with others as they may never have the opportunity to share it themselves. It also reminds me how fortunate I am, sat here with access to wonderful medical care, food, water and a world full of possibilities.
I am surrounded by folders full of emails and letters sent back from Zimbabwe. I plan to write up a section per week and share on here. I will put my time in Limbo Land to use.