We are living in crazy times. From shootings to shutdowns, drug overdoses to poverty, and racial and political divides, there are lots of stories out there that frustrate, sadden and enrage me. But there are tons of good stories out there too. A lot of them don’t make the news, and sometimes you have to look a little harder to see them, but not a day goes by that I don’t meet someone or hear about something that fills me with hope, gratitude or reaffirms my faith in humanity. Stories of courage, of good people doing good things, of brave folks overcoming tremendous odds, and of small and large gestures of generosity and ingenuity that emphasize the kind in humankind.
I am starting this blog to share those stories. I am dedicating myself to writing about something positive, inspiring, heartwarming or all of the above every day for a year, starting with today, my birthday. I will share some of my own experiences and observations, but I promise this will not just be about me. My goal is to showcase some of the amazing people I know and meet on my travels, who fill me with hope for the world my kids will inherit, even as plenty of things seem to be threatening it.
I have always been a pretty happy and optimistic person, but I also felt like most things came pretty easily to me and my optimism was never really tested. That changed in 2014 when I was diagnosed with ovarian cancer, but I can honestly say that while the ride was decidedly bumpy at times, more good than bad has come out of my battle with the Big C. I now travel the country sharing my story with patients and medical providers, giving me a platform for my inner standup comic wannabe I have seen all of the good karma I put out into the world come back to me tenfold, just when I needed it most. I got to see how adept my neighbors are at making trays of rigatoni, how resilient my kids are, and how seriously my hubby took the vow of “in sickness and in health.” And I got to see how strong I am, summoning resources I didn’t even know I had. I went from feeling betrayed by my body to being awed by how well it rebounded from everything that was done to it. I now embrace my gray hairs and bad knees because they sure beat the alternative.
I don’t think my positivity and humor helped me beat cancer, but they sure made the journey more palatable. And that is something we all need – reminders of the bright side of life. I want to inspire folks and remind them that there is still so much good in the world. I hope to provide links and resources for folks who want to get more involved in some of the initiatives and resources I feature on my blog, and I want to share some of the good karma I see on a daily basis. Writing about positive things every day may seem like a tall order, but I am confident I will never run out of material.
I’ll be back daily for a dose of your good energy!
You are certainly an inspiration Katya Lezin. I look forward to your daily posts shining some hope and joy into my days. Congrats and happy birthday!
Oh, Katya! This is simply wonderful. Looking forward to reading the blog daily and plan to share it with others. Happy Birthday and thanks!
Katya:
How just like you it is to give a present to everyone else on your own birthday!
And not just on your birthday, but a whole year of presents. Kind of like a Chanukah that just keeps going. We will look forward to reading your blog every day. Thank you.
Much love,
Bill Simon & Cyndy Esty
LOVE IT. Can’t wait to read more. 🙂 xoxoxo
I love this Katya. Congratulations! You inspire me.
Lloyd
I look forward to reading your daily posts and feeling the joy jump of the pages from your journaling just as I always have. Cheers to you, Katya!
Looking forward to it!
Thanks, Katya, and Happy Birthday.
I agree that we need to focus on some of the positives as we do battle against all of the evil efforts that want to take away our Constitutional/human rights
You were supplying an event if mine at Carolinas Medical Center when you went for your scan because you were experiencing abdominal pain. I thought you were and amazing person then, but watching from the sidelines as you met your cancer challenge head on and with the utmost grace have left me spellbound to read your blog, your fb page and watch your growth as a family. I wish you the very best the universe can offer you. Thank you for touching so many lives. Including mine.
Julie Hutt
You are one amazing chick. If anyone can achieve this goal, it’s you. Sending love and super Happy Birthday wishes. J&M
Can’t wait to read more! Big fan!!
Thanks, “Captain Katya”!
I can’t wait for my daily dose of hope and sunshine from you. BTW, Happy Birthday to you and many more to come.
It is so refreshing to read about positive happenings in a very negative world. I look forward to reading your stories each day to help me see the good things in life. Thank you for that, Katya.
Ok, so you have an upbeat blog to balance my “cranky old man” blog. I love your upbeat narrative. Helps to right my natural disposition in the land of Trump.
So, thanks for this daily spike of courage.
Congratulations Katya, on this new endeavor!
You’ve always inspired me with your pervasive sense of humor in your writings and I look forward to a daily dose!
Very happy new year of life!
Love you & your example of using your gifts wisely!
Karta, thank you so much for doing this…like you my husband made his journey with cancer filled with humor and so much courage that it filled the space in our lives so sadness and sorrow couldn’t reside! Our kind, loving words are really the only gift we can give each other…and that is what you are doing.
Who doesn’t need a daily dose of joy??!! Thanks for reminding us that it is right in front of us!
Fabulous idea! Looking forward to it!
I will happily be tuning in everyday for my cup of joy. Can’t wait to join you on this journey.
It’s quite a journey, isn’t it? Your bravery has always been inspiring!
Go Katya!! What a gift. Looking forward to reading your blog.
Love love love….
I wish I could take credit for your achievements. From the moment you were born I could only watch, holding my breath, marvel at your success and telling myself to relax. I am so proud of you!
I am thinking you get plenty of credit… I had a great role model!
If we see a good story you might lime gor your blig how should we send it to you? I have your email. Or fb message?
Please send it to my email. Suggestions are welcome!
Fabulous! I really appreciate this blog, thank you! I love life and know that life is to be enjoyed and experienced moment by moment with curiosity, courage and openness!
Great job and many blessings to you Katya! Oh and Happy birthday! What a great adventure to embark on your birthday.
This is just what our world needs!