Yesterday, I learned the news of someone passing away from cancer. She was 37 years old. I didn’t know her personally, but I know she made an impact on the lives of people I do know. It was through the Instagram feed of one of them that I learned the news.
I was curious to know more about her and I started exploring her Instagram account. Going through her pictures, I ended up reading her post when she announced to her community that she had cancer. It was on April 12, 2019. The same day I was diagnosed with cancer. It took my breath away.
I felt heartbroken to see her struggles going through cancer treatment. But I also saw how she loved her family and friends. I saw how she infused optimism and joy to all those around her. She was also very passionate about her endeavors. She built several successful businesses. And she helped poor communities in East Africa embrace the new economy.
It reminded me one important lesson while I was going through cancer treatment. As much as I had very little control over the outcome of my treatment, I could decide how I wanted to live my life in the moment.
Because life is not in a week, a month or a year. Life is now and you get to decide how you want to live this moment. Do you want to live in fear, anger or regret? Or do you want to live from a place of love, fulfillment and excitement?
The question “Am I going to make it?” will only generate worry and fear. The right question to ask is: “How do I want to live this present moment?”
With love,
Laurent