You Can't Wait
While doing a bit of channel surfing, I happened on one of the many talent-discovery shows that have become popular over the past few years. These programs offer opportunities to undiscovered talent who hope they can make it to the big time and hopefully come away with a contract or more. After witnessing some stunning and not so stunning performances ranging from balancing acts, to feats of mind and card magic, some dance and the mandatory blasts of fire, the tone of the program changed dramatically as a young, frail woman confidently walked to the center of the stage. She stood in silence until a judge asked for her name. “My name is Jane, but when performing, I sing under the stage name of Nightbird.”
An awkward pause followed until the judge refocused his thoughts and inquired if she was performing alone. “No,” she continued, “no one is with me.” At this point I got the sense there was more to her story. While appearing physically frail, she projected an inner strength and had a strange command of the stage.
I'm more than the bad things that have happened to me
Her physical stature could have suggested someone much younger or perhaps in their teens but she announced her age was 30. She noted that her working career had been put on hold for a few years due to the need to battle cancer. And as is so often the case, the next question from the judge was “Are you ok?“ Her reply was unexpected and far from the predictable yes or no.
“Last time I checked,” she said “I had some cancer in my lungs and my spine and my liver. They tell me I have a 2% chance of beating it.” The audience fell silent. She explained that the song she was going to sing was an original composition called “I’m OK.” As it turned out, the story behind the song was a recap of her last few years. “It’s important that everyone knows I’m so much more than the bad things that happened to me.” She also let us know that a 2% survival chance was not a zero chance, and as such she continues to have hope in the ongoing battle. The brief interview ended with these words: “You can’t wait until life isn’t hard anymore before you decide to be happy.” WOW, what a powerful message.
Happiness is a personal choice
You could have cut the silence in the gathered audience with a knife. After gaining her composure and singing in the style of a storyteller, her voice remained strong and as she delivered a simple and clear message. In the process, Nightbird offered personal insights into the journey every cancer patient faces. The shock and pain following her initial diagnosis were summed up in these words – “I was an emotional stick of dynamite.” That one line brought me back my own feelings of shock I when first heard the words… you have cancer.
In the end, a standing audience confirmed we had witnessed a remarkable performance. The true joy in life comes when you realize that happiness is a personal choice. When we choose to do so, we can empower ourselves through any challenge.
Thank you Nightbird for letting us know how to say I’m OK and that it is OK to be emotionally lost at times. I hope and pray you find your way to a cure and new career in the weeks and months ahead.
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