Tears of joy or frustration?

Frustration. I am tired of cancer prevention, in the form of medication or multiple medications, result in other types of damage and even more cancer. Damage to other organs, your well being, state of mind and lifestyle.

Frustration. Enough said.

I love your guts!

Adversity

In the face of adversity, the way we handle ourselves and others will show the world our character. Now, I am not sure if this is a saying but it sounds pretty darn inspiring.

Today, many people close to me are facing adversity in their lives. While I am not a proponent of sharing or airing personal items, they will remain unidentified.

Be the first one to show some compassion - with a simple smile, a greeting, or simple wink of the eye. Make someone, even in passing, feel better than they did before they saw you.

My request of you today is simple. Forgive and move beyond your anger because you do not know the adversity someone is facing.  Be the blessing.

Item #4815: I was able to help lift someone up with constructive words that helped them walk a little lighter. Tomorrow, I hope someone will do the same for me.

I love your guts!

Anger is a choice

Oh. My. Goodness. I realize now that when something or someone makes me angry or frustrated, it is because I am being tested. Well, not sure I am going to pass the test every time.

I am taking a 21 day meditation challenge. (Yes, for some reason I am mesmerized by challenges. I think it is my will and drive to win.) Every day I take at least 5 minutes to be quiet and still (not sleeping) and meditate. Then I spend 5 minutes every morning making a journal entry providing content for the following items:

• List 3 things I am grateful for in my life
• Journal about 1 positive experience from the last 24 hours
• Write about an act of kindness I did in the last 24 hours

I may not have an entry for each one of these items, but it is the repetition of taking time to pause and reflect on these events in my life. Studies (I am not sure how well documented and official they are) show that reflecting on positive events and gratitudes in your life release a chemical in your body that make you feel less stressed. I do not remember the term, but I am sure it is some kind of endorphin. At the end of the 21 days, I will pick out some of my entries and share them with you. 

Today's entry was nice and I want to share with you. My one positive experience that happened within the last 24 hours happened this morning. Madison is the ray of sunshine in my life and made me smile from ear to ear. Usually it is difficult getting her up in the morning to get dressed, but today was very easy. When I saw she was dressed, I reminded her that she needed socks and shoes on before we left. I saw her go to her room and a few minutes later, she came out of her room with socks, shoes and a crown. I asked her why she chose to wear the crown and without missing a beat, she replied, "It completes my look for today." I smiled and laughed at bit and agreed with her. Her crown DID complete the outfit. I took this experience and hold onto the smile and the way it made me feel and still grin. I am proud to know she is confident in her choices and support her to continue to walk with confidence.

Item #1585: Soak in the moment of laughter, smiles or simplicity today. Let go of anger and be positive. 

I love your guts!

Heart disease

I will not be a statistic. 

Today, an article revealed that heart disease is another issue for breast cancer patients to be concerned about because of the radiation therapy. Well, I did sign the waiver when the oncologist explained to me that this could be a long term concern for me. No, I do not want it to be all consuming for me every day. However, it is enough of a concern for me to think twice about sitting around on the couch or getting up and moving to get my heart pumping. I choose the second option for 2 reasons...ok 4+ reasons. 

Reason 1: I want my heart to work as long as it can, so I need to move to keep it working at maximum capacity. 

Reason 2: I want to live for another 30+ years. I still have a lot to do here.

Reason 3 - 6: My family - Jeff, Lorenzo, Brett and Miss Madison. They should have me around a long time.  We still have 2 more kids to get through school years. Teach them how to drive, cook, clean and take care of themselves. Lots more soccer, baseball and martial arts activities to attend. Plus, Madison has a laundry list of 'firsts' to experience and I want to be here.

Reasons 7 to infinity: I am still young. At 40, I still have a lot of living to do and need all the strength to get me up in the morning to face the day. I have family, friends in my life and many more to meet that haven't arrived yet.

I will not be a statistic. I feel good today because I choose to feel good. 

I love your guts!