On the face of it, I’ve not had much luck recently. Receiving a diagnosis of stage three head and neck cancer, letting go of beloved projects, and parts of one’s anatomy, is no-one’s idea of a good time.
But, I did have a good time.
I wasn’t able to launch my book—since my diagnosis emerged days after its publication—but I became its first beneficiary. I wasn’t able to enjoy the things that usually bring me peace and pleasure, but I enjoyed them anyway. By applying the principles, practices and perspectives presented in the book, I was able to geel good. So good, in fact, that I amazed myself, surprised my medical team, and confused a few loved ones who couldn’t understand why a person overshadowed by death could be so delighted by life. But I was.
My book, ‘9 Wonder Words: A Language for Living Well Even When All Hell Breaks Loose,’ helped me to see, and celebrate, life’s loveliness. The book prepared me to know what to do to access strength and calm at a time of crisis.
That’s enough good news to celebrate, but I have more! The book won an award! An international writing award! GOLD at the Global Book Awards 2024!
It’s my fourth writing prize, but my first international award and—let’s face it—an excellent way to celebrate the happy fact that I SURVIVED. And I lived well, even when all broke loose. And the best is yet to come.
