Today I went for a walk with someone that recently found out their spouse has cancer. It’s a traumatic, confusing, fast paced scenario when you are first given the news. At this moment you are quickly knocked off balance and are almost rudderless for the first while, so you seek grounding where you can. This was the basis of my walk today. The request was to help them make sure they understood all the questions and procedures they needed to ask so they could make sure they do everything right. Every question that this new member of the C-Suite had I was able to give my experience or opinion, and I think it helped. Actually I know it was helpful.
I presently have five different people that are members of the C-Suite that I am helping, three of them that I met for the first time through my blog. There are also about five or six people that have been introduced to me through a friend that I am waiting on them to take the first step to reach out for help.
As lousy as the conversations could be, and sometimes are, for the most part I am honoured to be acting as a sherpa or concierge in their journey. It is the purpose that, well, gives me purpose. And at this point I don’t get dragged down by the angst. As a matter of fact it makes me a bit lighter knowing that I am helping people out during their most challenging times.
I’m lucky. I’m lucky that I can share my experiences, I’m lucky I feel good helping people, and I’m lucky that people trust me enough to share their toughest times.
This isn’t for everyone, but it happens to be what puts wind in my sail.
And putting wind in my sail is my version of controlling my own destiny. The other side of the equation I leave to my medical team. They are the hull of the boat. I keep us moving forward by doing my part by continually filling the sail.
It’s this combination of science and spirit that works best for me.
I’m lucky that way