Celebrating Birthdays – Birthdays Mean so Much more after Cancer
So, I know a lot of people say this after cancer or a near-death experience, but it really is true. I am learning how to enjoy the small things in life, not take things for granted, and just overall live life to the fullest.
Throughout my life I like to think of my self as non-materialistic. Yes, there are some luxuries I enjoy. Don’t get me wrong. But money does not impress me. After a cancer diagnosis, this is true even more than ever. Materialistic people get their kicks from money or fancy objects, but what is the name for someone who gets a high off of time/ spending time? My time has become a focus for me. Maybe you might think that sounds self-centered, but what I focus on now is how I spend time.
I look forward to events not objects.
This weekend was one of the best I have had in a while. There were many celebrations. Saturday was a baby shower for my cousin. Sunday (today) we celebrated my sons’ birthdays (ages 3 and 5) and my Grandmother’s birthday (86). It may sound weird, but surrounded by family and friends I was high on life. This is what is important to me now.
Although my cancer was caught early, I had a very aggressive, serious type of cancer. The worry of recurrence is always in the back of my head. Weekends like these, the worry goes back a lot further and I almost forget about it.
Anyway, my message to you.. I hope it doesn’t take a near-death scare to make you realize this. Please, think about how you spend your time. Are you doing something you love? If not, why not? How can you change it? Surround yourself with loves ones and breathe in every moment.
Now that everyone has left, I sit here reminiscing about the weekend. I’ll always have this wonderful memory with me. It’s experiences and memories that make me happy, not objects. Although I wouldn’t turn down $1,000,000 if you wanted to give it to me.
Rachel K. Belkin, M.Ed is an Austin, Texas blogger, entrepreneur, speaker, freelance writer, and educator. After selling her lifestyle blog for six figures in 2021, she teaches business, blogging, and influencer marketing strategies that helped her build her business on part-time hours. Bylines include MSN, Associated Press, HuffPost, Medium, NewsBreak, and Hometalk. She has been featured on KXAN, Studio 512, Fox 7 Austin, CBS Austin, and other news and media outlets.
