Ah...Rest

Doc thought I had pneumonia again...the xray said NO. Phew!! Just a bad cold. I definitely have felt better...and I have on occasion felt worse. I have been resting the last couple of days. AHH..rest...it does the body good.

Drink, Rest and Be Well

Rest...it does the body good. Our cells replenish and reproduce themselves when we are resting. It kind of regenerates us. You've heard the doctor when you have a cold or flu tell you...rest and drink plenty of fluids. An important part of recovering to good health is resting. This is when the "repairmen" go to work.

The fluids will benefit us in several ways. They assist us in releasing the toxins that are making us ill. Besides that, our bodies are mostly water and we could all use a bit more. When you become thirsty, you are already starting to dehydrate. The goal should be to never be thirsty. I have very dry skin as a result of treatment and lots of fluids will better hydrate my skin. make it less dry and itchy.

Why is that although we know something is good for us, sometimes we just don't do it. I know I should rest, I know I should drink lots of fluids. I admit, I have been challenged bridging that "knowing-doing" gap. I have this conditioning that if I am not doing something that I am being lazy or wasting my life away. I always need to be doing something. I have been reprogramming my mind as to the importance of rest and of plenty of fluids. I have been doing well with that this week. I am well on my way to forming a new healthy habit. That's good.

The subject for today's blog came from having a bit of a cold right now. Today, I do feel like resting. My throat is very dry and scratchy so the fluids are very comforting and are making me feel better. I want to feel good. So, I choose to do what my body is telling me (and what the doctor told me) today...rest and drink plenty of fluids.

Are you listening to your body? Let's all make a point to pay more attention and then choose to listen.

Peace & Wellness
Brenda

If You Fall, Get Back Up

If we fall, we must get right back on our feet again. Staying down does us no good at all. Think of a baby learning to walk. They fall down many, many times before they actually get the results that they want...to walk. Imagine if when babies fell, they stayed down and thought "I guess I'm not meant to be a walker." Can you imagine a world where we all just crawled around, even as adults, because we decided to stay down? Seems pretty silly, doesn't it.

We may have positive thoughts for a week and then BOOM...down we go with some negative, unserving thoughts. Let's get up!! We can change our thoughts back over to positive...get back on our feet again. It's what I call "picking myself up by my bootstraps".

You may have days where you feel like you are in a slump, perhaps out of sorts. Recognize this as a low rhythm day. There is a Law of Rhythm that dictates highs and lows...just part of nature. The tide goes in, the tide goes out, the sun rises, the sun sets. It is the same with our feelings. When you understand that you are in the low swing of your rhythm, you can accept it and not take it too seriously. If your mood went down, you know it has to go up. Now, that is something to look forward to!

I had the idea for todays blog because I literally fell down today. I was exiting the hospital after my blood tests looking for the unfamiliar car of the volunteer driver. Now, I have pretty small feet...how I tripped over them and went flying face down on the asphalt is a mystery to me. I scuffed up my knee and hand a bit and I am a bit sore. But...I am okay. It is funny that when I fell, I stayed down for 30 seconds or so thinking "what the heck...how did I do that....ouch, my knee hurts?"...and then I got up and dusted myself off.

I have to mention the Law of Relativity here. I "almost" hit my chin on the asphalt...that could have really hurt...I could have broke my glasses and chipped some teeth. So, relative to my actual damages, it could have been much worse. I was grateful that I did not hit my face. I could have looked at it and thought "I am so mad I fell, I have a big cut on my knee, how stupid of me..." I chose to relate my situation using my perception to what would make me feel better.

How can you use the Law of Relativity when you look at your experience?

Be that baby. When you fall...get back up. Also, recognize that you will have "low" days...everybody does. Just go with the flow and know things are headed up to "high".

Peace
Brenda

Helping Others

You know you can't help others without helping yourself. Instead of being the recipient of help today, who can you help? What can you do to lend a hand or perhaps some kind words?

We are meant to be "good-little-go-givers" not the "good-little-go-getters" that we are generally raised to be. God wants us to serve others, to do good. It is not all about us, we should want for others the same good that we want for ourselves.

Spread some encouragement and confidence to a friend or family member. Give a call to someone that has something new and good going on. Here are some examples from my life: niece got her license, sisters' business growing, new boyfriend for another sis, nephews sports, college. Did someone just get a new car, house, promotion, hobby, job...? They are excited about it, call and share in it with them. Show them you care.

Keep it about them. If they ask how you are, how things are going...just answer. Do not dwell on all the details of moving through the cancer. It does no good to focus on our situation. Everything is energy...including the cancer. Where attention goes, energy flows. Put your attention on good things in life...even if they are others good things.

You will help them by showing how much you care and you will be helping yourself by feeling good and more positive.

For a postive thought everyday, sign up for my Apple-A-Day Food for Thought

Take some time this weekend and share in someone's joy...it will bring you joy.

Peace & Wellness
Brenda

Good Vibrations

Wow. What a day yesterday! I was on top of the world. I was in a good vibration, a good attitude and full of energy. I felt good..still feeling good today. Little less energy but my mind is great. I just finished a week of radiation and 3 days of chemo. I know as each week goes by, I am being returned to wellness and the perfect creation of God.

Get excited about things in your life. I am a crafter and artisan. I have a studio full of great stuff to be creative with. The past year or so, not much creating going on. I always found it very relaxing and I know that beginning to get creative again will assist me maintain peace in my life. I watched 5 craft shows yesterday that I DVR'd (B Original and Crafters Coast to Coast). I got many inspiring ideas and I have a weekend plan to create. WooHoo!

Anything productive to do? It makes you feel a sense of being helpful and a sense of accomplishment. I cleaned the kitchen, washed a bay window and organized my office. The more I did, the better I felt.

Spending time on this laptop computer sure passes time. (the onocolgy room has Wifi!) I worked on my websites and newsletters, sent emails and googled some cool info. If you are not into all that, there are some very low cost computer games that are fun. The few I have are jigsaw puzzles, mahjong and brain games.

Take some "positive" time. I listened to Wayne Dyer "Excuses Be Gone" and did some meditation. I meditate on my oneness with God. I visualize my future...travelling the USA in a beautiful motor home assisting people to improve their lives as a Certified LifeSuccess Coach and Consultant Remember, think about what you do want, not what you don't want. What we think about is what we attract more of into our life. Choose your thoughts and visions wisely.

What is your thing? Do something...whatever your situation...still live your life. Call a friend or relative to talk about them, what is going on in their life as opposed to talking about your condition. Take the focus off the cancer and get excited for others. If you find yourself feeling bad, find something to change your focus, feel good...get excited about something. You can do it!

Good vibrations to you my friend
Brenda

What Are You Feeding Your Mind?

Seriously, what are you watching on TV? What are you listening to? What are you reading?Everything that is going into your mind is affecting your ability to heal and have a speedy recovery. Turn off the news and ditch the newspaper! As a life coach that is one of the first things that I advise my clients. It really makes a big difference in how you feel. When you feel good in your mind, your body feels better, and that is the goal as we move through this experience called cancer.

What is good to watch, listen to and read? Things that make you feel good, things that make you laugh, things that make you feel peaceful and positive. Watch silly sitcoms, nature shows, comedians. Stay away from shows that make you sad, ones that have violence or medical dramas. These do not serve you.

Listen to soothing music. I listen to "Healing Garden Meditation" CD or the Christian Pop station on XM radio "The Message". Other CD's that are very relaxing for me are "Walk Along the Waters Edge" and a "Deep Walk in The Woods". I listen to personal development CD's like Wayne Dyer and Bob Proctor. Find what resonates with you...just find something that makes you feel good.

Do you read? What types of things are you reading? Do they make you feel good? Does it make you to feel warm and fuzzy? Is it creating positive loving thoughts? Really think about this. I have not read a novel in over 15 years. That is just me, there are happy, joyous novels to read. When I read now, I read something that will enhance my mind, something I can learn from, something that moves me forward to a happier peaceful life. Stay away from violent, negative and medical drama type stuff...not going to make you feel better. Our goal is to feel better.

I urge you to pay close attention to what you are feeding your mind. It is very easy to know if you are doing things that will assist in your recovery. If what you are watching, reading or listening to makes you feel good...woohoo...do more of that. If you are not feeling good feelings, switch it up, change your focus and your activity. It will do your body good. And that is what we want.

Feel good.
Brenda

Nature is Nurturing

Nature can soothe your soul. There is just something about being outside in nature that makes you feel good. As we move through this experience called cancer, we want to do things that make us feel good. Go sit outside if you don't have the energy right now to go for a walk. Look out the window...do what you can to allow God's natural beauty to soothe you.

Nature is what is left of the "natural state" of God's earth. Inside we give our attention to all the manmade stuff. When you give your attention to nature, it seems to connect you more with your Creator. You focus more on the spiritual side of your nature which brings you more in harmony with God. Look around in wonder at His beautiful and creative work. Be grateful for nature.

If you can, actually go outside...breathe the fresh air, feel the breeze. If you do not get outside, look at pictures, record TV shows on nature, read books about nature that have lots of colorful pictures. Check the PBS station in your area...a great show I have seen lately is Art Wolfe: Travels to the Edge. Absolutely amazing, breathe-taking photograhpy.

As you observe nature, do remember where it came from...the same place you came from. Everything is energy and everything is connected. We are all connected to God...see it in nature, feel it inside. Feel good.

Bless you!
Brenda

The Hair Loss Thing

Well, my hair is on its' way out. The word was 2-3 weeks after first chemo session it would begin to fall out. Yep, just about right. It has been filling the brush with long strands. My hair is very long, past my waist. I have had long hair for over 20 years and it is a part of me. It seems very odd to think of the extreme opposite...no hair.

I was a bit sad at first, thinking about losing my hair until I put things in perspective. My ego had a brief comment: "Everybody knows me by my hair, I am told what nice hair I have...I don't want to lose it, it is part of who I am....(and on and on). And then my spirit stepped in and reminded me that I am not my body just as I am not the things I own (we never really "own" anything). I am a spiritual creation of God. My body (including my hair) is the vessel that allows me to have the experience of a human. It has nothing to do with who I am being.

When we live by our egos, we are not living by Spirit. Our ego has us thinking that it is important what others opinions of us are, it has us thinking that it is important to be right, to always think our way is the best way. Whatever is going on in the external world, you are wondering "what does this mean to me? how is this serving me?"...always focused on me, me, me. Ego thoughts do not allow us to be harmony with Spirit. Spirit is about serving others and having good thoughts. To be in harmony with God, we must be on the same frequency or vibration.

When we are feeling upset, confused, worried or other feelings that don't make you feel good, you know that you are not in harmony with Spirit and you are allowing your ego to control your feelings. I realized that about my hair loss. First of all, I am experiencing hair loss...that is a fact. Now, all I can do is move forward. This week I am going to get my first wig and some caps and kerchiefs.

I know from my training and studies of how our mind works that anything new and different (whenever we leave our comfort zone) will set up a "foreign vibration" and cause some discomfort and confusion. My mind has no personal cells of recognition, nothing to align with as an experience. So it is okay to be a bit confused, nervous or whatever when you really understand the reason. There is nothing to be afraid of just move thru it.

Look for the positive. They say sometimes if you had straight hair it may grow back in curly. That's good, I always wanted curly hair. A new-do would be a good change too. I like hats but never really had any nice ones. It's time to get some cool hats!

To your health
Brenda

Friends and Family Plan

Having loving friends and family around us is just what the doctor ordered.

My Mom drove me to my first 3 chemo sessions as I was told to not drive until I knew how I would react to the treatment. She drove me to my appointments with the radiation doctor, too. And she was my ride home from surgery when I had a porta-cath implanted on Monday.

I am married to the most wonderful, loving, caring man in the world. Although he always helps around the house and does the grocery shopping, he has been doing even more. In addition, if I just mention "I am out of ginger-ale"...off he goes to the store. He is there for all the hugs and kisses I want. He is very positive and understands that it is not only important for the patient to be positive, but it is important for the caretaker, too. We all pick up others "vibe" all the time whether we are aware of it or not. When the caretaker is worried, doubtful, scared, frustrated...the patient feels that on a subconscious level.

Let's focus on all the prayers and well wishes that others are sending our way. Seriously, really think about that, feel it. We should find strength and comfort in this. Feel the power of those thoughts and prayers. I have let people know that I would like any prayers for me worded for belief and faith. "Thank you God for Brenda's perfect health and wellness as she was created."
Not things like..."please cure her of cancer" . My belief is that we thank Our Father for what it is we ask for with faith that it is happening with each moment that passes.

Family and friends are there for us. I found it a challenge to ask others to do something for me. I like being the "giver". I am learning to receive now. It is okay to allow others to assist us when we need it. Also, it may bring them joy that they are able to give in a way that allows our experience to be better.

Hooray for family and friends!!! Express your gratitude to those that are there for you with their prayers, actions, time and generosity. Let them know that they are appreciated. I have six "thank you" cards going in the mail. I have thanked them personally, but I know I feel good when I get cards in the mail and I feel good about sending out cards, too. To send beautiful cards right from home that you design yourself to express your gratitude, check out my sister Jean's website that allows you to send out a couple of cards at her expense, just so you can see the benefit and value. CLICK HERE

Another way to express gratitude, is praying for them and sending them thoughts of wellness and happiness. Gratitude is very powerful. No matter where we are in our experience, there is much to be grateful for. Give thanks today for family and friends.

Peace & Wellness
Brenda

Cancer-Now what?

After the Doc told me...I thought...now what? How was this going to change my everyday life? How can I pay all these medical bills? How would it effect my family? What kind of treatments? How often? What are the side effects? So many questions, so many things to consider.

I decided to approach it one day at a time. Just listen and decide how much of it I chose to accept. Although there is always so much more to learn, I had been studying the mind in depth for the past year. Everything just is until we determine by our thoughts how we want to want to view it. I found that just focusing on the now, I was able to keep my mind in better order.

I certainly did face some challenges. Everything seemed to be happening so fast, I allowed my mind to experience "information overload". I was told on Friday September 25th that the bronchoscopy showed that the tumor was indeed cancerous. The following Tuesday I had an appointment with an oncology doctor. He said I had small cell cancer, discussed possible treatment options, survival rates, etc. I was told I would be starting chemo the next day. Then, I had blood tests, a brain scan, a bone scan and was told all kinds of things about cancer. I felt overwhelmed with all of this in one day. I did cry this day but I understood why and was able to move out of it and regain my composure.

I realized that the reason I got emotional was due to so much stuff in one day. By viewing the day as many small events instead of one big day, I was able to look at each thing separate. I was able to see that there was nothing to be emotional about.

We can choose what we want to accept as our truth, what will allow us to be in control of our thoughts regardless of circumstances. I rejected his statistics on life span and recurrence. Also, I was told that I must be mad, blaming, saying "why me?" When I smiled and advised the nurse that did not happen, she said "It will". I looked at her and said "No, it won't" Again she said "It will" I then explained to her that I was not her "typical" cancer patient and that I will not be travelling the road of doom and gloom about this situation. I know that those thoughts and emotions had no place in my healing process. I had the same basic conversation with the social worker. Both of these ladies were trying to be helpful based on prior experience.

It is my body and my mind and I choose to connect them. I can choose what information will serve me and assist me in my recovery. We all can do this. We all have the ability to control our thoughts and think what we want to think regardless of appearances.

So in answer to "now what?"...I say keep things in perspective and take it one day at a time. If I allow stress to become a part of me it will slow the recovery. A positive attitude and faith will speed up my recovery. That is what I choose.

Peace & Wellness
Brenda

"You have cancer"--Really?

Well, I heard those words. I had a bout of pneumonia just was not going away. One morning I awoke with a tightness in my chest and decided to go to the ER. The x-ray as it turned out showed something abnormal on my left lung. A CAT scan was done and showed a large grapefruit tumor on my left lung.

The Doc told me and I said things like, OK, yes...all "matter-of-factly". I understood that "everything just is" until we shape it...good or bad, right or wrong. We can't change some of the conditions, circumstances or events...but we can absolutely decide how we want to perceive it. So, I began to think...what does this mean? They wanted to transport me by ambulance to St. Vincent Hospital. I had lots of stuff planned for my day, I did not want to spend it in a hospital.

Well, I did spend 3 days there getting rid of the rest of the pneumonia and having more tests. I believe and understand that the power of our minds plays a significant role in our healing and overall wellness. I was able to share this with several other patients at St. Vincent.

The simplest way to explain this is the placebo effect. The people are told that they are receiving medicine although some receive a sugar pill which contains no medicine. In study after study, there are always people who "get better" after taking sugar pills only for the fact that they BELIEVED that they received medicine. To me, this is obvious proof that our minds...our thoughts and beliefs play a huge role in our healing.

This blog will be focusing on the mind-over-matter(cancer) aspect of healing. I will share how my years of studying personal development and becoming Certified as a LifeSuccess Consultant has changed my outlook on this situation. This is an experience I will move through and emerge as being able to serve others much better. My goal is to allow cancer patients to know that they are very much in control of their healing and the experience by understanding a bit more about how the mind works.

Feel Good
Brenda