Chapter 97: Hakuna Matata

Photo from Italy, summer 2021 which truly embodies Hakuna Matata

There is so much unrest in the world right now that a blog post feels almost inappropriate. These words are just words. As much as I hope they help you, I know they can never do enough. Two years into this pandemic, the world has decided it’s over. I disagree. Things are significantly improved for us in developed countries with access to great medical systems, vaccines, and treatments. But the pandemic is not over for the immunosuppressed, the children who cannot be vaccinated yet, or the people in less developed nations with limited access to hospital beds, ventilators, and vaccines.

Add to that the horrible situation in the Ukraine. My heart breaks for everyone experiencing this unbelievable tragedy. Yet, when I feel heartbreak about the people of Ukraine, I feel an equal amount of heartbreak for those in other nations experiencing a similar type of humanitarian crisis without the daily news coverage, donations, or support we have seen for our Western neighbors. Let’s not forget Tibet, Syria, Sudan, Somalia, and countless other beautiful neighbors who still need support.

His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama said in a recent statement on the Ukraine: “War is out-dated –non-violence is the only way. We need to develop a sense of the oneness of humanity by considering other human beings as brothers and sisters.”

The oneness of humanity is such a beautiful idea. Buddhists may say everyone has been our mother, brother, sister. Christians may say we are all children of God.  Taoists may say we share the same energy. Scientists may say we are 99.9% identical in our genetic makeup. And so on.

I recently joined an organization called Best Buddies. Best Buddies is an international volunteer organization with the goal of creating opportunities for one-to-one friendships, integrated employment, leadership development, and inclusive living for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

I was recently matched with a buddy, Lisa. * Lisa is a young woman with intellectual disability who is a beautiful soul in every way. We meet regularly for coffee. Last weekend, I met Lisa for coffee. Before meeting, I considered cancelling as I was incredibly stressed and didn’t think I would make the best coffee buddy. In addition to the global crises on all of our minds, I was also going through a few challenging work situations and preparing for an upcoming brain MRI (scan-xiety in full force).

Luckily, I did not cancel. I met Lisa for coffee, and we had a long conversation that left me feeling inspired. I did not tell Lisa about my upcoming scan. She does not know I have cancer yet. I also did not tell her about my challenging work situation; but, somehow, Lisa sensed my stress.

Mid-way through our coffee date, I asked Lisa about her favorite movies. She named off a few and then paused to say, “Hakuna Matata.”

I smiled but was a bit confused. I said, “Oh, Lion King! Yes, that’s a great movie.”

Lisa said, “No. Hakuna Matata. Don’t worry.”

Lisa, my brilliant buddy, was absolutely right. Despite the chaos around me, around all of us, there is no point in worrying. The Dalai Lama has said, “if it can be solved, there’s no need to worry, and if it can’t be solved, worry is of no use.”

I have written this before, but I seemed to have forgotten this lesson at the time I needed it most. Thank you, Lisa, for reminding me.

When I went into that scan, I channeled Lisa’s advice. She was right. My scan continued to show no evidence of active disease. I have another four months to breathe and fill your emails and social media feeds with random thoughts. Hooray!

When I had a difficult meeting with a work colleague to sort through the questions on my mind, I channeled Lisa’s advice. She was right yet again. There was really no reason to worry.

My relationship with Lisa is just one small example of the oneness of humanity. Although we are different, we are also very similar. We all feel similar emotions and we all need support from one another as we face the tough ones.

I can’t solve the humanitarian crises of the world. I can’t end the pandemic.  I can’t help the hundreds of people I know facing brain and other rare cancers who are dealing with far more difficult situations than mine.

But I can offer you this: Hakuna Matata. No worries. We are one.

P.S. Best Buddies is always looking for more volunteers. If you’d like to find a buddy of your own, check out their website https://www.bestbuddies.org/

Fondly,

Courtney

© CB2022