Embarking into the Unknown: A Prelude to New Beginnings - Part One

Have you ever gone through a phase where everything is going well, and there's nothing but excitement and optimism for the future? This phase dawned upon me in the Spring of 2022. I vividly recall planning hikes, trips, and events with my closest friends and family for the upcoming summer. However, as the saying goes, "Life doesn't always go as planned," and one event was about to change the trajectory of my life for the next ten months.

It was the middle of the week, and I was working from home when my mom got home from work. Her routine usually involved freshening up, grabbing a snack, and settling down to watch the news on TV. On this particular day, though, she mentioned having pain under her arm and expressed an unusual exhaustion. Her behavior was out of character, as she was among the healthiest and most active people I've ever known.

I grew up witnessing her boundless energy. A standout memory was when I was around nine. My dad had a demanding job in New York, and due to his long commute, he would leave early and return late. Mom, working nearby, managed to drop me off and pick me up from school while balancing ten-hour workdays. She would often take me back to work after picking me up, and once her day ended, we would return home together. Amidst her hectic schedule, she always found time to cook a homemade dinner so we could all have a nice home-cooked meal together.

As someone accustomed to her energetic side, the shift in her routine was unsettling. After a week, I decided to get an appointment with her doctor. Initially, all test results were as expected, but the doctor recommended screening for cancer to rule out that possibility. This was the first time in my life I felt the temptation to avoid a problem, to skip the scan simply because I couldn't bear the thought of her having cancer. Setting emotions aside, my dad and I realized the best course was to confront the issue head-on. She needed to get tested, and we needed to summon the strength to face whatever lay ahead. Multiple screenings and biopsies later, it was confirmed, marking the beginning of the most stressful and life-changing journey of our lives.

Let's pause the story here to delve into a critical characteristic of a resilient mindset. There's a quote by Franklin D. Roosevelt that I find myself referring to daily:

"Courage is not the absence of fear, but rather the assessment that something else is more important than fear." - Franklin D. Roosevelt.

Everyone faces times when running away from a problem seems more appealing than seeing it through to the end. In those times, having a guiding principle becomes crucial. This North Star, unique for each person, evolves over time. One question that has helped me find mine is, "What legacy do I want to leave when my time is up?" For me, it has always been about using my skills to impact as many lives as possible. I want people to remember me for the value I've added to their lives, just as others have enriched mine. This North Star inspired the creation of this blog with the hopes that these stories can encourage someone to persevere and make the most of the gift of life.

From personal experience, discovering a significant North Star will guide decisions, shape life based on your core values, and provide strength during life's most challenging phases. Using my story as an example, once the cancer was confirmed, my North Star had become giving my mother the best treatment and being with her every step of the way. Once I had my north star, the fear no longer controlled me. I was able to completely shift my focus onto this journey and my actions, which would directly impact my parents' lives.

"What's your North Star in challenging times? I'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments."