I Can't Because
Enjoy Yourself – It is later than you think. – Written on a Wall
We have all said it a time or two, those words “I can’t because... (fill in the blank).”
We say it for a variety of things, from the reasons we can’t have fun, to reasons why we can’t make our business a success, to reasons why we don’t have time to spend with those we love.
I want to share a little story with you that happened to me 13 years ago right around this time of year when I threw caution to the wind and changed the sentence to – I CAN BECAUSE. I did it to spend time with someone I love.
My daughter Bailey, then 17, and I had decided to spend spring break with my mom at her home in California. It was during our week there and a doctor’s visit with my mom that we learned the devastating news that she had contracted acute myeloid leukemia. She had been battling ovarian cancer for the previous 3 years and we thought this doctors visit was going to share she was on the upswing.
While the ovarian cancer was subsiding the chemo treatments had caused this new form of cancer. The worse part…there was no cure, she was given 6 weeks to 6 months to live. Period end of the story.
This was only two days before we were due to head home to Colorado. So, I sent Bailey home on the plane and stayed a few days longer to see if there was any other way out of this horrible situation. I can remember those days like it was yesterday.
On my final afternoon as I was in my mom’s pool doing laps and hearing the words from phone call after phone call telling me there really was no fix. I was going to lose my mom much sooner than later. There, in that moment, in the pool I made the tough decision to fly home, get my van, my bike, my dog and come back and be with the mom for the next 6 weeks at least.
I shared my journey back then here in the Victory Letter on so many heartfelt moments her and I had together. While it was hard on my husband because I left him to run our life, it was just something I had to do.
My saying I can, put so much of my day-to-day life on hold, including my business. However, it gave me memories with my mom I will cherish all the days of my life. We shared treasured moments that I will forever be grateful for sharing with her. She passed away at home surrounded by those who loved her just 10 short weeks after her AML diagnosis.
This morning as I was getting ready to write today’s letter I looked up and saw this image in front of me looking up into our sunroom where I was headed to write. My mom loved giraffes and in that moment the message I was going to share with you today went away and this one came in its place. So, I am going to say my mom helped me write today's Victory Letter.
Sometimes life gives us nudges to change our plans, and sometimes a big shove. My hope for you in the week ahead is that you look at dropping that word "can’t" and replace it with "can" at every golden opportunity. Because life’s greatest moments don’t always come from a plan.
Sometimes, many times, you have to rise-up and remember to enjoy yourself, challenge yourself, because in fact, it is indeed later than you think.
Have a can-do week ahead!
To Your Success and Victories,
- Cheri
Cheri Ruskus, Small Business Mentor and Possibility Thinker
cheri@businessvictories.com • 303-652-1718 • @victorygirl
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