Before and After

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.

 

Comments

[kim]

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!

[Carole]

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.

[Patty]

Congratulations and Happy Anniversary! And it is my true pleasure and gift to have found a friendship with you!

[Anne]

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.

[margene]

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

[Chiko]

Thank you for sharing your beautiful thoughts.
It has been my pleasure.

[Rachel]

Happy anniversary, many happy returns and a big mazal tov for this important milestone. Hugs.

[Jo]

Happy anniversary to you and the blog. And I pray for you to stay on "the other side". Your spirit is infectious.

[Cheryl S.]

Happy 5 years! Many more "afters" to you.

[Mary]

Happy Anniversary, Kym! I'm honored to be part of your After...and look forward to sharing for years to come!

[Vicki]

Happy Blogiversary!! It's been wonderful getting to know you. ;)

[Debbie]

Happy Anniversary! Thank you for sharing your positive thoughts, insights & creativity! Best wishes!

[kathy b]

Happy Blogaversary YOU LOOK so pretty!

[Marilyn]

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!

[Bonny]

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!