Pages 42 - 47

‘Cancer – 50 Essential Things to Do’ is a book by Greg Anderson which I used as a guide to journal what I needed to work through in the immediate aftermath of being diagnosed with Stage 4 Inflammatory Breast Cancer in February, 2006. I needed to think I knew how to keep my head on my shoulders during the incoming storm.

Quotes from the book will be in italics.

Live This Moment (38):

*Many people with a diagnosis of cancer needlessly pollute their lives by living in the past or in the future. Instead, I suggest our goal should be to live well with the only time we do have – this very precious moment.

Dad says ‘When what if comes knocking tell it to fuck-off.’

*The answer: present-moment living. All of our regrets about the past, no matter how sincere, won’t change history. All of our worries about the future won’t add even another minute to our lives. On the contrary, both fears and worries diminish our current minutes by detracting from our ability to enjoy them.

The future cannot harm us unless we create a future based on perceptions of fear, anger, and guilt. The only time that contains the power to change our lives is this present moment.

Take Time To Play (39):

If you think you’re tired, perhaps that is just the signal that you need more play. Play builds energy reserves and is a major contributor to wellness.

Stroll on the beach or near water.

Collage.

Listen to music.

Go to a movie.

Board games.

Visit friends.

Laugh for Healing Power (40):

Laughter – internal jogging. Science has confirmed that even something as simple as a laugh or a smile carries with it a positive biochemical response.

The message is clear ‘Lighten Up.’

There is nothing wrong with being ill and pursuing a lighthearted approach to wellness.

Rent comedy videos.

Go to a comedy club.

Old fashioned laugh session.

Evaluate Your Relationships (41):

Toxic stress lowers our resistance.

Wahid, Angelique, Nadalene, Nathan, Mom, Dad, Jacquie, Colette, Shelly, Mickey, Suzie, Camille, and Natalie are the most important relationships I have. None of my relationships need to be put on hold. My relationship with these people is great.

The one thing I could do to make these relationships even better is to be authentic. State your mind. Hold in NO toxic stress.

Get Beyond Why (42):

Why? Why is just another way of saying we are helpless and the situation is beyond our control.

Affixing blame only creates helpless victims.

I am not a helpless victim.

Practice Self-Discipline (43):

No fast-food. Only eat nutritious meals. Exercise every day.

The practice of self-discipline leads to two very powerful life qualities – self respect and freedom.

See Life Through Spiritual Eyes (44):

In my life I can see beauty and grace, even perfection.

Dinner is a time where the minds, bodies, and souls of our family are gathered together to break bread and be nourished. The family’s lives are filled with potential for good. We are there to help each other, to love each other, to care for each other.

Spiritual eyes allow us to see the value of what is simple and readily available in our lives.

Value Personal Spiritual Growth (45):

Human beings, by changing their inner attitudes of mind, could change the outer aspects of their lives.

*Cynicism has no place here. You cannot climb up the spiritual mountain by thinking downhill thoughts.

And pray. Be still and prayerfully listen to God. Don’t beg or plead. Pray. ‘Thy will be done.’ Listen. Act. Remember with God, all things are possible.

One spiritual quality that I would like to make more vivid in my life is gentleness.