I received a text from another reporter offering an election-related tip if I could report on it.
He asked: “You still mess with this kind of stuff?”
In the past, I would have welcomed such a tip because, having been vetted at least in part by another good reporter, it would be more reliable than most unsolicited tips that come my way.
But, at this point, I had to temper my response. Sadly, I sent this reply explaining, in somewhat vague terms, my situation, and why I’m not able to handle it at this time.
I do mess with these things from time to time, but circumstances are constraining me right now. I’ve just finished Round 1 of chemotherapy and immunotherapy for a cancer in my gut, Round 2 starts next week. It’s taxing my energy and attention, prompting me to put most worldly issues on the back burner for a while. So although I’m interested, I likely won’t be able to report on it right at this moment. I am sorry to be somewhat unavailable right now, but it is what it is.
I would like to be able to continue on as I would have BC (Before Cancer), but that’s not realistic.
It’s tough because things like this involve tinkering with psychological scaffolding that has been holding up my own self-image as well as my public persona, which have been taking a bit hit.
Reporting on a potential story like this is more involved, and is harder work, than blogging about my own private medical journey with an occasional appearance of other real world issues.
I’ve learned to be at least somewhat realistic about what I can do, and what I can’t. So a short “no thank you” seemed like the appropriate response in this case.
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Your health should come first – you made a good choice .
Smart decision to save the energy for healing!! I?m in your corner and stand with all your prayer Warriors! I enjoy whatever you are willing to share with us! M?lama!!
Good luck. Your voice is missed, and I look forward to your return to the fray.
You are a master writer as is evident in this latest post;. So keep on writing in any amount you can do comfortably. Mahalo for all you do. Aloha
Saying ‘no’ in these circumstances is the right thing to do. 🙂
I can only imagine how challenging it is to acknowledge that your energy isn’t where you’d like it to be. It’s also a good call to direct your energy to deal with the challenges that come with the treatment. Rest, nutrition, exercise as you can – the next juicy story will be waiting for you when you’re able.
Stellar response. Gets right to the point about the current situation without leaving them hanging. You have a great ability to look squarely at your circumstances without procrastination or obfuscation.