"Your Outlet" by Eleanor Guilford

Everyone should have an outlet. Whether it is painting, dancing, or singing, all people need a way to express themselves. For me, my outlet is singing. I find passion in other things as well, but singing is what I go back to each day. My grandfather has always encouraged me to use my voice and tells me I should share the gift I was given. Music is something that gets me through when times get hard, and makes me even happier when things are amazing. It helps me to process how I feel in any given moment.

A few months ago I had to learn a hard lesson that, if you have not learned yet, you will soon. Sometimes, chapters of life close. Sometimes, people change or you have to move on from an older hobby. This is life. All people have chapters they must close, and new ones they must begin. My outlet has helped me process this change. I am a senior in high school, so this is a season of big changes for me. Recently, I had my last ever football game, which was difficult since I have been in band for 7 years. Music helped me through this as well. I have been singing even more lately, just taking time to think back on all of the good things high school has brought me. Your change may be very different, such as a new home or a new job. Use your outlet as a safe space. Be able to take comfort in the small activities that bring you joy!

At the end of the day, whatever it is you run to when things get hard or you are stressed, make sure to cherish every moment of it. You never know what may happen. Living with CF can be a challenge, and it can be easy to fixate on your symptoms. Having an outlet redirects that focus. Cherish the distraction, and funnel your focus to something better. For me, this is music. So for every breath that I have, I will always lift up my voice. No matter what CF brings, I will always sing.