Sharing

As I mentioned in my last post, I am going to start sharing the “other” side of my life.

Questions/Thoughts you may be having (or maybe I’m having!):

Q: Why would she share this information on the blog? Boring!

I never really share this information because it’s the opposite of boring! I can reflect now on my past experiences and realize that I have done some pretty powerful stuff and learned more than I could have ever imagined. I don’t have a standard bio that puts the pieces into a nice little box. I’m okay with that. Read this blog description, “About Me,” from Brené Brown’s blog, Ordinary Courage.

I’m still trying to figure out who I am and why I feel the way I do about cancer advocacy. Hopefully, through this blog, I (we) will start to see the big picture and establish a bit more clarity. But I do believe the journey and “ripple effect” is an incredible place to be.

Q: I’m confused what’s this blog about?

I’m sure over time the blog will establish a cohesive theme; however, I am dedicated to keeping it authentic and about everyday life. My life will be evolving over the next few months so it will be wonderful for this blog to serve as an outlet for my voice. Some topics I plan to write about:

• identity: confusion, authenticity, perfectionism, failure, inspiration
• establishing balance and juggling unique demands
• grad school: long list :)
• running a non-profit organization
• publishing a book
• creating a beautiful ripple effect

So let the blogging begin!

Sneak Peek at my Author Q & A — a snippet of a response. Below the Q & A, I posted a video of my first tv interview about CCC. It’s so strange to see myself talk about CCC at 15!

Question centers on the beginning of my involvement with young people who have cancer.

It all started at Camp Sunshine, a camp for children with life-changing illnesses, located in Casco, Maine. I was six years old at the time of my first visit. I can’t say I really remember a thing from that visit; however, the experience planted something within me – possibly just a curiosity for the unknown. I’m not sure. At fourteen years old, I went back to the camp without my parents. I remember this visit vividly. I was there for about seven days and spent each day with kids my own age who had cancer. My little world was rattled. I had never thought about depression, isolation, or death—especially not as things that kids could experience. I thought childhood was a period of no worries. Over that week, I became friends with kids my own age who were so different than my peers. They thought about death. Many were going through depression and isolation. And yet, they were grateful for what remained of their lives and hopeful that they could make a difference in the world with whatever time they had. And they did!  Each kid I met changed my perspective on life forever. I came home and returned to “normal” life. But I couldn’t turn my back on what I had experienced. I questioned myself over and over (and still do)—why not me? I wanted to take the burden off of these incredible people. I wanted to help. And so, I decided to start writing letters to kids I met at the camp. I hoped to help the kids feel more connected to the outside world – and not feel so isolated within the hospital walls. About a year later, I formed a pen pal program called Carolyn’s Compassionate Children to continue my quest to help children battling cancer. My overall goal: help these children realize that they are not alone and have friends rooting for them. And so, for the past 10 years, I have been “involved” with young people who have cancer.

Related "ripples" you might enjoy:

1. Shine a Light on Your Path
2. Why our Darkest Moments Unveil the Beauty of Life
3. The Most FAQ: Why?
4. Learning to Let Go: One Life Altering Step at a Time
5. “I Have Lived a Blessed Time” – Senator Ted Kennedy

Tags: book publishing, CCC

This entry was posted on Monday, January 19th, 2009 at 1:06 pm and is filed under Personal. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.

4 Responses to “Sharing”

1. AshSugar says:

   01.19.2009 at 4:19 pm

   You look beautiful in that video! You’re amazing!

   PS – I hope I wasn’t one of those friends that called you a dork!!

   Reply
2. Sarah Hope says:

   01.21.2009 at 8:58 pm

   First, I never questioned a “boredom” potential with this blog. Not possible! :) Second, I can’t wait to hear the insights you gain over the next few months, it’s exciting isn’t it? To be learning, growing, sharing…

   Finally. Holy cow were you an articulate 15 year old! I am SO IMPRESSED. :)

   Reply
3. clrsimple
   Twitter: carolynr
   says:

   01.19.2009 at 6:41 pm

   uhm no ash! we were dorks together :) — just think about Gatorade!

   Reply
4. clrsimple
   Twitter: carolynr
   says:

   03.27.2009 at 5:55 pm

   Thank you, Sarah Hope! I miss being 15!!

   Reply