Needs and Wants Without Regrets

It is with great sadness that we inform you of the passing of Lisa Moran on June 6, 2023.  As a cherished member of LungCancer.net and a source of inspiration, Lisa generously and bravely shared her journey, touching and inspiring many in our community. Her courage fuels our mission, and her legacy will endure in our work. Her absence will be deeply felt, and we extend our heartfelt condolences to all who held her dear. We consider it a privilege that Lisa allowed us into her life, leaving an indelible mark on our hearts and our community.

I have very little regrets, if any, over the course of my life. I do not regret any personal or financial investments. Every friendship, partner, or purchase, with a good or bad outcome, has brought me to where I am today. I have learned so much along the way. Mistakes and poor decisions have taught me lessons and made me stronger.

I'm a different person

Stage IV lung cancer and life experiences have given me new perspectives. I'm a different person today than I was twenty, ten, and even five years ago. Certain things that were very important to me before don't mean as much or hold the same meaning to me today.

Evaluating and auditing

Over the last year, give or take a few months, I've been doing some serious life evaluating and auditing. I've asked myself the following questions:

• What are my needs and what are my wants?
• What is causing unnecessary stress in my life?
• What do I have that I could live without?
• What changes can I make to live the rest of my life, happy and mentally healthy?

My priorities changed

Going through this process, I discovered, even since my 2015 lung cancer diagnosis, my priorities have changed. That was the last time I seriously evaluated my life's priorities. A few of my wants are now needs. I made a major change to relieve added stress and to improve my mental stability. I chose to end the relationship with my boyfriend. I have been daydreaming about other changes. I am working to make those dreams into reality.

Midlife crisis or realization?

I know material items shouldn't be as important as spiritual things and moments. But I'm at a point that I don't want to live without extras in my life. I deserve a little house of my dreams, a classic car, and many more adventures. Am I going through a midlife crisis? Possibly. Am I coming to a renewed clarity of just how short life really is? That is more than likely.

Life is too short to go without

I quit driving in December 2017 after a stroke that was not related to lung cancer. I sold my 2013 car. I've made many improvements and I'm ready to drive again. I need a car. I want a classic car. I have wanted a 1950's vehicle for many years. Now is my chance to get a car that will make running errands or getting to an appointment an experience and not a chore.

I need a house. I have a house. But I want a smaller place with a smaller mortgage, closer to most of my family and my oldest friends. That will bring so much joy to my life. I will downsize to the style of the house and location that I want.

It's difficult to be so far away from my family. I hate missing out on my Cousin Lisa and Auntie Lisa times. I don't want to ever regret not making the effort to have everything I want and need.