It’s not been an easy week. I have been sad and irritated, especially by friends who judge and disrespect me, who think they can analyze my behavior and tell me what my problem is. I am usually able to brush this off, but lately it’s been sticking to me like a tick. That in itself is irritating—that I can’t seem to get my ego out of my own way!

Almost two years ago I was diagnosed with cancer. Even though I finished my treatment six months ago, there will never be a return to the “normal” life that I once had. I have a new life now, a new lifestyle, a new level of function. I think I am doing a good job of adjusting, but sometimes it’s just overwhelming.

The following words from the Leonard Cohen song Anthem have been helping me:

“The birds they sang
at the break of day
Start again
I heard them say
Don’t dwell on what
has passed away
or what is yet to be.

…Ring the bells that still can ring
Forget your perfect offering
There is a crack in everything
That’s how the light gets in.”