April 9th 2018 marked 10 years since I was diagnosed with cancer at the age of 14.
When I think about it, it seems like yesterday and about 100 years ago at the same time!
There are parts I’ve blocked out completely, parts that feel like a dream and some things which are still crystal clear.
So much has changed in 10 years.
Friends have come and gone. I’ve lost people who were a massive part of my life. I’ve been to places I never thought I’d visit. Fallen in love. Eaten amazing food. Studied in the most beautiful uni. I’ve moved away from Wales. Moved back to Wales. Bought a place of my own. I’ve lived.
Over the past ten years, I haven’t done anything that will change the world. I haven’t done half the things I thought I would be doing by now, in all fairness. I haven’t travelled outside of Europe. I haven’t got a million pounds in the bank. Unfortunately.
But as anyone who has been through this kind of thing will tell you, life isn’t always about the big things. You don’t have to ‘make it’ by the time you’re 25 or even 95. Happiness is actually in the simplest of pleasures.
A beautiful sunset. Pretty flowers. Laughing with friends. Finding a new favourite song. Looking into the eyes of someone you love. Spending time with family. Feeling the arms of a little one wrapped around your neck.
This all sounds so cheesy and cliched but honestly, it’s the way to live your life. Otherwise you’ll always be chasing that thing that proves you’ve made it and what if you never get there? All those days wasted stressing about trying to ‘make it’ somehow.
I’m not discouraging anyone from going after what they want – (go for it, life is bloody short!) – but what I am saying is find the little things in everyday life.
I’m very lucky that my treatment was successful and I still have time to do the big things on the bucket list.
But for now, I intend to enjoy the little things – everyday.
Allie x
Twitter: @AllieMorgan24
Instagram: @alliemariarose
Allie Morgan - Writer & Cancer Survivor 