Before and After
05/29/2014
We look before and after, and pine for what is not;
Our sincerest laughter
With some pain is fraught;
Our sweetest songs are those
that tell of saddest thought.
--- Percy Bysshe Shelley
There are turning points . . . watershed events . . . defining moments . . . in our lives all the time.
Sometimes, we notice them right away. But, sometimes, it takes a little time and perspective before we can really understand just how pivotal and important certain events are in our lives.
Whatever the watershed, it is marked by a definite before . . . and a definite after.
For me, the biggest turning point in my life (so far!) has been my cancer diagnosis and treatment. The contrast between my before . . . and my after . . . is remarkable.
Or.
Maybe. Not.
Maybe . . .
I'm just more aware.
I can just say that, for me, going through cancer and treatment -- and coming out the other side -- created a definite dividing line in my own life.
Before.
After.
Although the whole cancer nightmare is something I could certainly do without, I can use it as a marker in my life . . . for the new and different and interesting things that have happened in the last five years. Things that I may not have been open to . . . before.
Friendships.
Travel.
Work.
Blogging.
Open-ness and sharing.
The liberating embrace of natural hair color.
A just-do-it sense of adventure.
A seeking . . . that just wasn't there . . . before.
Today . . . I celebrate my Five-Year-Blog-Anniversary. Thanks to ALL of YOU . . . for being part of my after. It's been a privilege and a pleasure to share my journey over the last five years with all of you.
Congratulations, Kym! You're an amazing person and it's *my* privilege to 'know' you via your blog. Yours is a mindful, thoughtful, positive voice and I am glad you're sharing your journey with us!
Posted by: kim | 05/29/2014 at 07:54 AM
Congratulations on 5 years. I hate that you had to go through what you went through in order to start this blog - but - I'm so glad I met you and I enjoy the heck out of your blog.
Posted by: Carole | 05/29/2014 at 08:00 AM
Congratulations and Happy Anniversary! And it is my true pleasure and gift to have found a friendship with you!
Posted by: Patty | 05/29/2014 at 08:57 AM
Kym -
I read your blog regularly and find your writing and your insights moving, motivational, sometimes humorous :-), often relevant to my own experiences and always, always worth reading. Thank you very much for your presence "on the web". Happy anniversary and thank you for your blog.
Posted by: Anne | 05/29/2014 at 09:16 AM
Reading your blog and your positive outlook for 5 years has been a privilege and a joy. I count you as one of my dearest friends and cherish our friendship and your daily missives. Thank you for being here! xox
Posted by: margene | 05/29/2014 at 10:29 AM
Thank you for sharing your beautiful thoughts.
It has been my pleasure.
Posted by: Chiko | 05/29/2014 at 10:46 AM
Happy anniversary, many happy returns and a big mazal tov for this important milestone. Hugs.
Posted by: Rachel | 05/29/2014 at 10:48 AM
Happy anniversary to you and the blog. And I pray for you to stay on "the other side". Your spirit is infectious.
Posted by: Jo | 05/29/2014 at 10:58 AM
Happy 5 years! Many more "afters" to you.
Posted by: Cheryl S. | 05/29/2014 at 01:14 PM
Happy Anniversary, Kym! I'm honored to be part of your After...and look forward to sharing for years to come!
Posted by: Mary | 05/29/2014 at 01:26 PM
Happy Blogiversary!! It's been wonderful getting to know you. ;)
Posted by: Vicki | 05/29/2014 at 01:59 PM
Happy Anniversary! Thank you for sharing your positive thoughts, insights & creativity! Best wishes!
Posted by: Debbie | 05/29/2014 at 02:22 PM
Happy Blogaversary YOU LOOK so pretty!
Posted by: kathy b | 05/29/2014 at 05:03 PM
Congratulations on the 5 years. Life threw you a curveball but you handled it with grace and style. I'm so glad you started the blog and that I can now consider you one of my "computer friends"!!
Love and Hugs!
Posted by: Marilyn | 05/29/2014 at 05:44 PM
Congratulations and Happy Five Years! I'm so lucky to have found you; reading your blog is something I truly look forward to. Your humor, kindness, generosity, creativity, and approach to life are evident in your writing and inspirational. Thank you and I look forward to many more years!
Posted by: Bonny | 05/30/2014 at 10:03 AM