Monday, February 23, 2015

Monday Meandering - LungLeavin' Day

First and only Meandering ...

February 2nd was LungLeavin' Day.

What? You've never heard of LungLeavin' Day? Well, neither had I until this week.

It come about because Heather Von St. James, nine years ago, was diagnosed with mesothelioma; a rare cancer caused by exposure to asbestos. She'd just given birth and was told she had 15 months to live. Following a surgery to remover her left lung, she began a journey of survival and that's when Lung Leavin' Day came about.

She and her family, and others who have joined the LungLeavin' Day celebration encourage people to face their fears. You can get more details how they've chosen to celebrate it by clicking here and learn more about Heather's journey. It's a wonderful story of survival against the odds.

Since I'm an author, I'll share one fear I faced. It was when, for the very first time, I let someone read something I'd written. And I'm not talking about the city council meeting minutes I'd been doing for years. No, this was my first creative work and something that came that had so much of my heart in it.

I was terrified.

Fortunately, the friend who read it--I wasn't brave enough yet to let hubby read it--was kind and supportive. It made me brave enough to keep writing.

How about you? Have you ever heard of LungLeavin' Day? What fears have you faced? What fears do you need to face?

30 comments:

  1. I didn't share a fear, but I did share Heather's story. Quite amazing.
    I was terrified the first time I played on stage.

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    1. Oh, that takes me back, Alex. I was more nervous the first time I performed in a play before the director. By the time we had an audience it didn't really phase me much.

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  2. Cancer probably is the number one health fear for most people :(

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  3. That's a lovely, inspiring story :) Not sure I'd build a bonfire big enough for all my fears :)

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    1. Well, the point of the day is to face our fears. :D

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  4. Hadn't heard of this. But what an inspiring story. And a great idea for confronting fears. We all go through them at various times in life.

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    1. Don't we? I think fear is something we cannot get away from in this life. The key is not letting it rule us.

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  5. What a great thing to do! Facing our fears. I'll have to read Heather's story later. Have a great day, Donna.

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    1. It's visually fun to read while touching and inspiring.

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  6. I never heard of it either. Sounds like a great way to help one face their fears. Can't say I fear much at the moment.

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  7. This is actually quite beautiful. I hadn't heard of it either. Facing our fears can be extremely scary, but doing it with someone else makes it bearable.

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    1. Doesn't it? I think knowing that we're not alone in our fears empowers us.

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  8. I've never heard of LungLeaving day. Interesting story behind it.

    The first fear? Speaking publically and as a young adult. It was fashion show monitor/narrator introducing each model, who had made her outfit. Second time was singing publically. I'll admit, I closed my eyes and just forgot who was watching. I still have stage fright but know how to handle it better.

    Sia McKye Over Coffee

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    1. Singing in public is soooo scary! Of course, I've only got a choir quality voice, so that's part of it. Though even Kermit the frog can sound good when he harmonizes.

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  9. What an awesome story. I love to hear triumph stories of hope.

    Sharing that first book was tough. Honestly? I still get a feeling of anxiety when someone tells me they are reading one of my books.

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    1. I feel the same way, Elizabeth. And, to be honest, I'm surprised when someone tells me they read and liked one.

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  10. I had no idea there was a Lung Leavin' Day, but I'm glad to know about it now.

    And yes, I share that same fear you do. In the next few weeks I'll be giving my wife my latest and I'm already terrified!

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  11. I used to be terrified of having my work read, which is why it took me forever to join a writing group. I'm more bold with age, although I still get fearful and anxious in certain situations. Talking about my feelings with others who are understanding helps a lot.

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    1. Ah, if we just knew what we know now when we were younger.

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  12. Like the concept of LungLeavin day. I think a lot of authors have the fear of letting someone read their work. At least the first few times. Good thing you had someone supportive for that first time.

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    1. I'm still a little nervous even now. Now as bad, but it's still there.

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  13. I hadn't heard of LungLeavin' Day. Thank you for sharing this.

    My greatest fear is still out there for me. I lost my mom to Alzheimer's and the thought of following in her footsteps is terrifying.

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    1. That's a little fear that I have. Not so much for me as for my hubby and our kids because my FIL and several of his siblings have had it.

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  14. Haven't heard of that day myself, but now I am aware!

    General fears, really. Nothing I can't manage. :)

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    1. Managing is important. It implies you're facing them. That's good!

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  15. I've always been frightened of cancer since it runs in my family in many forms, but ALS and Alzheimer's have surpassed that fear for me, though the chances are much slimmer. Something about either having a body in excellent health, but a mind that has turned on you or a mind that is keen and strong, but a body that is useless just terrifies me.

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    1. I've often thought that same thing, Shannon, especially about the mind being keen and the body incapable. I read an inspiring book recently called MY NAME IS BRYAN and it's based on a true story about a guy who breaks his neck cliff diving when he's 18. What a wonderful attitude he had.

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