I started this blog more than a year ago with just a selfish intention. I didn’t really care about the reaction this would get or who would read it. I mainly did it for my own sake. I opened up to the world but even more importantly to myself.

A lot has changed since I sat down that evening and wrote the very first article. I started talking more about my diagnosis. Not because I wanted pity but because it was time. Living with any chronic disease or condition changes lives. That is a fact. It changed mine like it does change lives of many others every day.

But the decision to start sharing my experience wasn’t only a sort of therapy for me. It also opened doors to a whole new world.

The first step that I made was to attend a Brain Tumour Support group, which was the very first time that I sought out any kind of help and listened to stories of other people effected. I then dived a bit more into the brain tumour environment and started to find out about different organisations. I applied for a job at Brainstrust which I didn’t get. Later I got a job at Brain Tumour Research where I am now.

I always believe that everything happens for a reason and where I am at the moment is where I am meant to be at this point in time.

A year on since starting my blog, I might not be any wiser, but I know that I’ve changed. I have my times of despair, anxiety and fear. Sometimes I have a clarity in my mind, other times I’m just confused and scared. But I’ve learnt. I’ve learnt so much … about the brain tumour community, patients, doctors, scientists, research, faith, hope, the absurdity of life, patience, love and kindness.

This post is dedicated to all the amazing and inspirational people who I’ve met and that I’m yet to meet. My little inconvenience allowed me to see the world differently and truly  realise my passions and potential. So, to some weird extent, I’m almost grateful for my brain tumour because without it I wouldn’t be where I’m now.