A few weeks ago, I wrote a blog about being pushed out of your comfort zone. About how you can choose to deal with the lemons life might throw at you. I received a lot of lovely feedback on it, and it felt like quite a lot of you who read it could relate in some way. I said I would write more about how I deal with the process that follows on from being pushed out of my comfort zone.
But then, I had a chat with a new colleague this week, and I believe the example he sets is a true inspiration. I also believe it’s much more interesting to write about him, and how he is the living example of someone who knows how to make lemonade out of lemons and proves attitude is everything.
Kian joined Softcat a few weeks ago for a work placement. He is 23, intelligent, kind, eager, positive, loves tech, does public speaking and is an athlete.
He also has Neurofibromatosis type 2. It’s a very rare condition that causes tumours to grow along his nerves. Usually, the tumours are non-cancerous, but they can cause symptoms like hearing loss and impaired vision for instance. He was diagnosed at age 12, has had brain surgery twice and is on chemo for life.
Kian has dealt with being pushed out of his comfort zone for most of his life. And yet, he doesn’t see it that way. To him, this life is what he is used to. His condition will never be an excuse for him to not do or attempt something. He doesn’t let his condition define him. He hates the word “disabled” and chooses the terminology “differently abled”. Which I love. Because if anything, Kian is showing he is very “able” on many levels.
On top of being pushed out of his comfort zone, he chooses to push himself out of his comfort zone too. Swimming is his absolute passion. He’s a British para-international qualifier, training 6 days per week. Even if it’s chemo treatment day; if the side effects allow him to, he will be in the pool.
Kian can’t change the fact he has a condition. He could however influence what treatment he would get. Initially, the doctors suggested treatment that required a device being fitted under his skin that would prevent him from ever swimming again. He and his parents decided not swimming was not an option. Fortunately, an alternative was found. A different device was fitted, and Kian has been able to keep pursuing his passion. A passion that helps him with staying fit, physically as well as mentally.
He also chose to leave his permanent job for an opportunity at Softcat to pursue a career in tech. Another step out of his comfort zone that will hopefully lead to a bit of magic.
You probably can imagine I was pretty impressed when I got to learn more about Kian. He doesn’t only deal with the cards he’s been dealt incredibly well; he’s ambitious and determined to stretch himself on top of that.
For me, Kian has set a great benchmark of how to deal with being pushed out of your comfort zone. He taught me a humbling lesson in perspective even though he probably doesn’t see it that way. He will definitely be in the back of my mind next time life gives me lemons! Thanks Kian 😊
Want to read more about Kian?
https://mensradiostation.com/april-2019-kian-saville-para-olympian/
https://nervetumours.org.uk/news/kians-nf2-blog
Nb. I’ve obviously checked with Kian if he was alright with me sharing this content!