Twelve months ago, while standing in this very Starbucks in the picturesque town of Buellton, California, I received a call that would forever alter the trajectory of my life. I learned I had cancer. It’s the kind of news that shakes you to your core. Yet here I am, one year later, after enduring countless scans, shots, blood tests, pills, grueling chemo sessions, and thirty rounds of radiation. I lost my hair, my taste, seventy pounds of muscle, and my natural good looks. I couldn’t work for three solid months. But today, I sit here, healthier and more joyful than ever, savoring a cup of my favorite coffee and reflecting on the incredible positive changes in my life and the wonderful new people I’ve met.
Someone famously said, “Life is like a box of chocolates.” I couldn’t agree more. But let me add this: Life is like a big box of chocolates left in your car too long, melting into one giant, rich, tastier blob. It’s still chocolate, just transformed—different, but sweeter and more significant than it ever was.
We don’t know what tomorrow or even today will bring, but if we embrace our future with the belief that it will be better, bigger, and brighter, regardless of the challenges we face, we might cherish and appreciate our lives even more. To those of you going through the toughest moments right now, I feel your pain and share your grief. I don’t know what the divine plan is or why we face such battles, like my own with cancer, but I hope you find comfort in knowing that all things do work together for a greater good.
I hope to report back in six months with the same positive test results I received last week. Until then, keep living, laughing, and believing. Life is indeed like a box of chocolates. Make it a Venti!
Brian Carrillo
MORE INSIGHTS AND POWER THOUGHTS BY BRIAN
- Embracing Your Personal Narrative: A Path to Authenticity
- The Most Amazing Adventures of Majeek and Cheeko
- Coming out About Coming Up
- Contentment – Loving The One You are With
- The Essential Key to Success – Keeping Your Word
