The Pilot Episode (Blog)

Hello friend,

*please be aware this particular blog went on far longer than I had anticipated but please don't let that deter you - I've been informed it's only a three minute read*

Henceforth, I shall refer to those of you who choose to read my blogs as 'friend' because whether you intended to or not, you are now involved in this 'journey'. I think it is also a nice little reminder that although we're often deprived of genuine human interaction in this very chaotic world, there's always an ear listening (or in this case, a Wix page to observe) available to retreat to when you just can't face the day. Although on reflection, the concept of 'friend' is probably for my own benefit as I'm sure there will be days when writing these blogs will be a primary coping mechanism if I'm met with some news that is not so welcome (partly because counselling sessions are very limited at this present time).

As you may be aware, I have been gifted with the condition of Cystic Fibrosis whereby I have a faulty gene in my body which causes a build-up of thick sticky mucus throughout my organs, primarily affecting the lungs & digestive system which, as expected, causes a variety of medical issues & complications requiring a huge commitment to maintenance. There are currently 70,000 of us worldwide, with 10,500 residing in the UK.

Only within the last year or so, I became more open about all things CF, beginning with the Vitality 10km Charity Run back in May 2019; briefly describing all the lows of the previous six months which, despite the odds led up to a rather successful 1hr 12 min run (I was sporting a 60% lung function at the time & was hospitalised roughly 2 weeks later) through London's tourist hotspots. From this moment on, I vowed to be more open & assertive of the condition that I had been living with for the last 18 years.

And turns out, I actually have quite a lot to say on the matter. I always have, but was reluctant to express anything before this as a bunch of teenagers probably aren't 100% keen on casually chatting about the potential prospect of a double lung transplant or any kind of 'expiry date'. Several times, I didn't think I had the right to share because there are countless others who are far sicker than I & who probably have more to tell but nonetheless, I have things to say & I am going to say them (with or without an audience!). I read a wonderful book called 'What Doesn't Kill You' by Rachel Haynes (I strongly strongly recommend) about the highs & lows of cancer which really kick started some true inspiration & set me going on this path of blogging; in fact the same morning I finished the book, I started work on this blog haha.

I was recently writing an essay on Positive Psychology and frequently came across a key factor to happiness and wellbeing, which was unsurprisingly finding your meaning in life, being engaged in something that could be considered bigger than oneself. And I soon came to realise that sharing my story was part of this.

I am now well aware that I am waffling (a strong trait of mine when I'm nervous) so shall wrap my first piece of writing up here. A massive thank you if you managed to get through to the end of me droning on, I look forward to writing to you again dear friend.

'You're not a victim for sharing your story. You are a survivor setting the world on fire with your truth. And you never know who needs your light, your warmth, and raging courage.' - Alex Elle