By Sheree K. Nielsen
The process of writing is often times challenging
– coming up with ideas for feature articles, brainstorming about a children’s
book, or honing your craft to entice specific audiences. And then, there’s
marketing…
Writing is assuredly daunting,
especially when you’re facing a crisis or a life-threatening medical issue.
For me personally, my motivation and
productivity plummeted in the last five months when my diagnosis of Waldenstrom's
macroglobulinemia took a turn for the worse. Under observation for six years for the disease, I noticed
drastic changes in my physical well-being last fall. At the advice of my
hematologist, I began chemotherapy treatments to combat anemia, muscle
cramping, low hemoglobin levels, and high protein levels. No one is ever
prepared for chemotherapy. Reactions to the two drugs I was receiving included fatigue,
nausea, cotton mouth, stomach issues, shortness of breath, and a host of other
issues.
On good days, my energy and motivation
level peaked, so I wrote poetry, and maintained my inspirational blog.
Normally, I would accept freelance assignments from magazine editors I had a
good rapport with, but I held off. On bad days, well…I felt bad.
I wrote a poem about my chemotherapy
experience titled, “Seventeen Days Since
My Veins Were Filled with Poison”. Shortly after I penned the poem, I sent
a submission to a contest about life-changing events on the Heart and Humanity
website. Within a few days, the editors emailed me with an acceptance and a sweet
note saying, “we’d love to publish your poem.” Even better, I’m receiving
compensation for my work.
I’ve received uplifting responses from people
on their cancer journey saying how they identify with the poem, and friends who
now better understand the chemotherapy process.
During the storms in life I’ve learned:
·
Write
what you can, when you can. You may be exhausted if you’re dealing with a
medical issue. Write when the urge strikes, even if it’s for a few minutes. Realize
some days are better than others.
·
Take
care of yourself. There will be plenty of time to write when things are back to
normal. Take time to heal, get plenty of rest, and eat healthy.
·
Don’t
feel guilty about not writing. This mindset causes more stress and anxiety in
your life. As Philippians 4:6 tells us, “Don’t worry about anything, pray about
everything.”
·
Turn
lemons into lemonade. Take a difficult life issue and shift it in a positive
way. Journal thoughts or ideas for use at a later time. Sometimes the best
writing blossoms from undesirable situations.
Luckily, before chemotherapy, I released
two books – Midnight, the One-Eyed Cat,
(a picture book that lets children know they’re okay just the way they are),
and Ocean Rhythms Kindred Spirits (an
Emerson-inspired essay collection) – both semifinalists for the upcoming Chanticleer
book awards. In addition, I signed a contract for my poetry collection, Mondays in October, to be released late
2019/early 2020.
If all goes well, I’ll be finished with
chemotherapy before summer begins. I recently met with a second specialist who
has a new plan for the treatment process.
I’m staying optimistic and hopeful.
You can read my poem on the Heart and
Humanity website at: https://therelationshipblogger.com/seventeen-days-since-my-veins-were-filled-with-poison/
_________________________________________________________
Sheree K.Nielsen is
Author/Photographer/Poet of 2015 Da Vinci Eye Award Winner Folly Beach
Dances (inspired by the sea and her lymphoma journey), Midnight
the One-Eyed Cat (a picture book), and Ocean Rhythms Kindred
Spirit – An Emerson-Inspired Essay Collection on Travel, Nature, Family and
Pets. She blogs at Sheree’s Warm Fuzzies www.shereenielsen.wordpress.com. https://twitter.com/ShereeKNielsen https://www.instagram.com/shereenielsen/ https://www.facebook.com/ShereeKNielsenAuthor/
No comments:
Post a Comment