Purpose of “Living Your Vision” Series: To focus on the journey – the how – of unconventional success. The series emphasizes that life is truly a verb – not solely a string of accomplishments.
Unconventional success redefines what we consider possible – it’s success that has not yet been defined by others. Essentially, it means paving a path through uncharted territory.
Leana May is in the midst of her training to become a pediatric oncologist.
While in medical school fulfilling her lifelong dream of becoming a physician, Leana realized that she was meant to do more than treat individual patients. Influenced by her extensive medical work abroad, as well as her love for under served populations, Leana made the unconventional decision to pursue a Masters in Public Health before beginning residency. Her global research in cancer in under served populations led to another two year hiatus from clinical medicine. The path Leana envisioned for herself has taken many twists and turns, but along the way she has found deeper levels of personal fulfillment and inspiration than she could have ever imagined possible.
Leana is proud to serve on the Lance Armstrong Foundation’s Young Leaders Cancer Council and is involved with a number of other national cancer organizations. This past fall she was selected as a delegate from the United States to the Lance Armstrong Foundation’s Global Cancer Summit in Dublin, Ireland, for her research on pediatric brain tumors in Morocco. In addition, she enjoys blogging about experiences and things that inspire her at Be The Change.
How are you living your vision?
I have always believed in working hard, but playing equally as hard. I try to balance the rigors of my work with making time for things that bring me personal joy and nourish my soul. I enjoy practicing yoga, participating in biking events and triathlons, snowshoeing, skiing, reading blogs and traveling the world.
What are three to five lessons you’ve learned during your personal journey?
- You are often your harshest critic.
- Follow your heart, trust your gut.
- Tomorrow is a new day, a fresh start no matter what happened today.
- Living each day as if it were your last will allow a life without regrets.
- Love and believe in yourself as much as you believe in your friends & family.
How do you acknowledge & celebrate personal success?
This is something I struggle with. I always have the next project or goal in mind. Optimally I would celebrate with my family and friends as they are the source of so much of my strength. If they aren’t around, I try to do something small to pause in acknowledgment of my persistence, sweat and tears. It might be a cupcake or popping open a bottle of my favorite sparkling wine, Sophia.
What are your unfiltered thoughts about failure?
I despise the word failure. My energy and thoughts may need to change directions, but there is always a lesson to learn, therefore no act is a failure. I like to think of my difficulties as struggles or roadblocks. I try to analyze and understand the process when I don’t obtain a desired result: What didn’t work? What am I truly trying to accomplish? Are their other ways to reach the same end point?
The biggest lesson I have learned is that no matter how dire the circumstances seem in the moment, time heals. Personally, my struggles and proverbial road blocks have led to some of the most remarkable experiences and relationships in my life. I often find comfort in this Tony Snow quote, “The challenges that make our hearts leap and stomachs churn invariably strengthen our faith and grant measures of wisdom and joy that we would not experience otherwise.”
Complete the prompts in bold…
- I know… that dreams are always worth chasing.
- This week, I want to… say yes to something new or out of my usual routine.
- This month, I want to… trust in the universe for the “right” outcome to an upcoming big decision in my life.
- In this lifetime, I want to… find a way to leave a lasting impact on the world.
- I don’t know… what the future holds, but I have faith that my passion and persistence will serve me well.
- I am… grateful for this moment.
What’s an inspiring tip you’d like to share with readers?
We are each the hero of our story.
What’s a question you wish more people asked?
Where can you bring hope, courage or joy into the life of someone you know?
