Sterner Stuff

I've written about this before but it bears repeating, especially as we reflect on the year that's passed and look to the one that lies ahead. People who've battled serious illness tend to have different perspectives and priorities than those who've never faced a deadly health crisis, either personally or via a close family member. If I can "thank" leukemia for anything, it's for teaching me that nearly all our day-to-day concerns do not deserve the weight we give them.

Current economic ills certainly merit our attention, especially when they hit home in the form of losing a job, and possibly the health insurance that came with that job. It's difficult to ignore the dire warnings, bleak reports and personal stories of economic ruin, especially since the media is obsessed with the topic. Certainly, everyone should have a plan should financial disaster strike. I'm as concerned as the next person that my husband may lose his job and we'd be up the proverbial creek.

I'm just having a hard time mustering the fear and panic some seem to be feeling. I suppose that's because I've got bigger fish to fry, as do my fellow travelers on the blood cancer road. (Apologies for that mixed metaphor!) If we're not currently battling disease, we live with the nagging fear it will be back.

Read Ronni Gordon's most recent post on her blog Running for My Life. Check out Ann's Fight and Seattle Times. You'll be amazed by the fighting spirit that shines through on these blogs. I single out Ronni's post because it so poignantly captures the challenges of the struggle and the strength necessary to keep battling. I read Ronni's post last night and thought: what the hell is she made of? Pretty stern stuff.

As we worry about the uncertain economic times ahead (and we all do), keep this in mind: If you lose your job, you can get a new one, maybe not tomorrow or any time soon, but someday. Even if you remain employed but are tailoring your lifestyle to leaner times, it might be unpleasant but you can do it. But you get just one life. Don't waste it obsessing about your job, your stock portfolio (if you're lucky enough to have one), your dwindling dollars. Believe me, there are moments when I have to remind myself of this simple truth.

Sorry for the preach, but you'll thank me someday.