Tanya P.'s Essay

Just Live It!

Living with CF has taught me that I can overcome hardships I may face by focusing on my goals and that I shouldn’t take life for granted. At times I have to rest more than usual so that I don’t get sick, but most of the time I live my life just like anyone who doesn’t have Cystic Fibrosis. Therapy has become second nature, like eating or sleeping, and CF itself is like a background image. I am more focused on my dreams, which include becoming an elementary music teacher, teaching piano, performing, and expanding my musical interests and abilities by learning to play other instruments.

I take time to enjoy life by spending time with family and friends. I have a good relationship with my parents, drive my siblings around to their activities, remind my younger sister to do her CF therapy, and meet my friends for lunch. Part of enjoying life is being balanced and making time for oneself. I take care of my needs by doing things I enjoy, such as going to the beach, learning yoga, dancing, and walking around my neighborhood.

A horse has tough days when it just can’t jump those hurdles, but after unrelenting training, it keeps progressing and is able to jump over more and more hurdles. Cystic Fibrosis is my hurdle in life. I keep on getting better at overcoming it while living my life to the fullest.