Hi, I’m Kerry Walsh, and if there’s one motto I’ve embraced with every fiber of my being, it’s this: I’m here for a good time, not a long time.
But before you picture someone throwing caution to the wind in reckless abandon, let me clarify. For me, this isn’t about immaturity or ignoring the bigger picture. It’s about a deeply-rooted philosophy of living life to the fullest—embracing adventure, embodying kindness, and holding onto hope in the face of uncertainty.
You see, I wasn’t given a future—or at least, not the kind most people take for granted. As an SMA warrior, I’ve lived with the knowledge that the medical odds were never in my favor. Doctors spoke of limits and life expectancies that should have shaped my reality, but instead, I turned them into motivation.
I take pride in the fact that I’ve outlived the timelines I was given. Every day I wake up is a small victory, a reminder that I’m still here, still fighting, still thriving. But it’s not enough to simply survive. I’ve learned that strength comes from dreaming about the future, no matter how unpredictable or fragile it may seem.
So, how do you plan for a future when the world tells you not to?
Start with Small Goals
When you’re faced with uncertainty, the future can feel overwhelming. I’ve learned to focus on the things I can control. Setting small, meaningful goals—whether it’s writing a book, starting a new project, or planning a special moment with loved ones—keeps me grounded in the present while giving me something to look forward to.
Embrace Adventure in Every Day
To me, adventure doesn’t have to be a grand expedition. It’s found in the little moments: a walk outside, meeting someone new, or even tackling a challenge that scares me. These moments remind me that life is still unfolding, one step at a time.
Choose Kindness
Living a life rooted in kindness has been one of my greatest sources of strength. It’s not just about being kind to others, but also to myself. There are hard days, days when I feel the weight of my reality. But in choosing kindness, I’ve found hope even in the darkest moments.
Allow Yourself to Dream
Even with a diagnosis that casts shadows on the future, I’ve learned that dreaming isn’t just for those with endless time. It’s for all of us. Dreaming is about giving yourself permission to hope, to believe in possibilities, and to strive for something more.
Find Strength in Community
I wouldn’t be where I am today without the support of an incredible community. From family and friends to organizations and colleagues who champion my journey, their belief in me fuels my own.
Celebrate Every Victory
Life is a collection of moments, and I’ve made it a point to celebrate each one—big or small. Beating my life expectancy wasn’t just about surviving another year; it was about honoring the person I’ve become along the way.
Finding Strength in the Future
Despite the uncertainties, I’ve realized that having a future—whether it’s years, months, or even just days—gives us purpose. It’s not about the length of time we have but about how we choose to spend it.
For me, living by the motto I’m here for a good time, not a long time isn’t about denying the reality of my situation. It’s about redefining what it means to truly live. It’s about squeezing joy from every moment, giving love without limits, and holding onto hope even when the odds seem impossible.
I don’t know what tomorrow holds, but I do know this: today, I choose adventure. I choose kindness, I choose to believe in the beauty of a future—even one I wasn’t promised.
And maybe, just maybe, that’s the greatest strength of all.