I Double Dare You...

While recently visiting downtown Greensboro, NC,  a bright purple store-front caught my eye. The store's large glass windows were bare - a tell-tale sign that the store was closed and the space deserted. Yet, just above the door-frame, written in gold lettering, a simple phrase commanded my full attention. The store-front read,  "WE DOUBLE DARE YOU TO FOLLOW YOUR PASSION"  Of course, I stopped to take a picture!

This statement reminded me of one of the ways I believe narcolepsy has changed my life for the better.  Before narcolepsy, I was content to drift through life without pursuing the projects and talents I cared most about - like writing and photography.  Before narcolepsy, there was always the comfy cushion of the next five or ten years to distance me from "the rest of my life" when I would finally follow my dreams.  

Narcolepsy has changed the way I perceive time, as the illness affects  my day-to-day life, I'm no longer content to push passion to the back burner for another day.  Although it is difficult to incorporate things I care about into my busy life - I try to make priorities of my writing and photography whenever possible.  Of course, I sometime hit low points of exhaustion and lose sight of my priorities.

This abandoned purple doorway was an unexpected yet much needed reminder to continue forward on my path, full-speed ahead, towards my dreams. Double dare accepted!!