My time growing up was unorthodox.
I was born with HIV in 1992. Given the medical information and prognoses was at the time, the doctors told my parents I wouldn't live to see the year 2000.
In 1999, I'm diagnosed with Hodgkin"s lymphoma and the doctors consider this the beginning of the end.
In 2000 I kick that cancer's ass.
A lot happens in between, but in 2008, seven years later, I'm diagnosed with that same cancer.
It didn't go as easily as the first time, from the cancer spreading to my spine, to undergoing an autonomous stem cell treatment that gave me a 50/50 shot at life.
Needless to say, I saw the turn of the millennium, and I kicked cancer's ass. Twice. Go me!
You're Not Guaranteed Anything
Whether that's another day or a steady job with a steady form of income.
It can all end. Right now.
But it's not about the doom and gloom. This sense of finality can spur great things. Which brings me to my next lesson.
Say "Yes" More Often
Our culture is very risk averse. When growing up, seeds are planted into our minds that we need to chase down security and stability.
While I get and respect that, this can't be in spite of a lifestyle that keeps you doing the same all over again.
We're not made for that. We're made to experience, to wander, to get lost and find our way back.
That excitement, that journey is found when we embrace an opportunity and, even without knowing where the chips will fall, saying yes to it.
Say "No" More Often
You don't have to do the things you don't want to do.
There are some exceptions, obviously, but these make up about 10 percent of all the things we invest our time in and say yes, when we wanted to say no.
I get it. You don't want to disappoint, and that's admirable.
But we're only given 24 hours and, if we're lucky, some decades on this planet. If the time spent can be spent towards things you actually enjoy doing, you owe it to yourself to respect and uphold that.
Smile More
And the world will start smiling back. You'll see.
I feel like we underestimate the power that a simple smile can hold.
If true and sincere, it can light you up from the inside.
Don't Carry Guilt Around
We have a tendency to feel guilty about things. Big and small. And we also have the tendency to carry that with us for months, years, decades and even lifetimes.
This wears us down. Not only does it gnaw at the love and respect we have for ourselves, it keeps you a prisoner to the past.
Give yourself grace. Forgive yourself. Get closure. Call people up if that needs to happen in order for you to get it.
Whatever it takes, break free from those chains of guilt.
There are some more, which might be for another post, but these are my biggest ones.
Connect Deeper
I would love to connect with you deeper. Are you on Snapchat, too? Add me! My username is enfpelias.
Our 2024 Coverage Needs You
It's Another Trump-Biden Showdown — And We Need Your Help
The Future Of Democracy Is At Stake
Our 2024 Coverage Needs You
Your Loyalty Means The World To Us
As Americans head to the polls in 2024, the very future of our country is at stake. At HuffPost, we believe that a free press is critical to creating well-informed voters. That's why our journalism is free for everyone, even though other newsrooms retreat behind expensive paywalls.
Our journalists will continue to cover the twists and turns during this historic presidential election. With your help, we'll bring you hard-hitting investigations, well-researched analysis and timely takes you can't find elsewhere. Reporting in this current political climate is a responsibility we do not take lightly, and we thank you for your support.
Contribute as little as $2 to keep our news free for all.
Can't afford to donate? Support HuffPost by creating a free account and log in while you read.
The 2024 election is heating up, and women's rights, health care, voting rights, and the very future of democracy are all at stake. Donald Trump will face Joe Biden in the most consequential vote of our time. And HuffPost will be there, covering every twist and turn. America's future hangs in the balance. Would you consider contributing to support our journalism and keep it free for all during this critical season?
HuffPost believes news should be accessible to everyone, regardless of their ability to pay for it. We rely on readers like you to help fund our work. Any contribution you can make — even as little as $2 — goes directly toward supporting the impactful journalism that we will continue to produce this year. Thank you for being part of our story.
Can't afford to donate? Support HuffPost by creating a free account and log in while you read.
It's official: Donald Trump will face Joe Biden this fall in the presidential election. As we face the most consequential presidential election of our time, HuffPost is committed to bringing you up-to-date, accurate news about the 2024 race. While other outlets have retreated behind paywalls, you can trust our news will stay free.
But we can't do it without your help. Reader funding is one of the key ways we support our newsroom. Would you consider making a donation to help fund our news during this critical time? Your contributions are vital to supporting a free press.
Contribute as little as $2 to keep our journalism free and accessible to all.
Can't afford to donate? Support HuffPost by creating a free account and log in while you read.
As Americans head to the polls in 2024, the very future of our country is at stake. At HuffPost, we believe that a free press is critical to creating well-informed voters. That's why our journalism is free for everyone, even though other newsrooms retreat behind expensive paywalls.
Our journalists will continue to cover the twists and turns during this historic presidential election. With your help, we'll bring you hard-hitting investigations, well-researched analysis and timely takes you can't find elsewhere. Reporting in this current political climate is a responsibility we do not take lightly, and we thank you for your support.
Contribute as little as $2 to keep our news free for all.
Can't afford to donate? Support HuffPost by creating a free account and log in while you read.
Dear HuffPost Reader
Thank you for your past contribution to HuffPost. We are sincerely grateful for readers like you who help us ensure that we can keep our journalism free for everyone.
The stakes are high this year, and our 2024 coverage could use continued support. Would you consider becoming a regular HuffPost contributor?
Dear HuffPost Reader
Thank you for your past contribution to HuffPost. We are sincerely grateful for readers like you who help us ensure that we can keep our journalism free for everyone.
The stakes are high this year, and our 2024 coverage could use continued support. If circumstances have changed since you last contributed, we hope you'll consider contributing to HuffPost once more.
Support HuffPostAlready contributed? Log in to hide these messages.