I made the cognizant decision a while ago to make this cancer thing an insignificant part of my life. I mean, at this point, why shouldn’t I? It’s not affecting how I feel, it’s not influencing how I live, I’m not undergoing chemo right now – so why shouldn’t I tuck it away on the back burner? Susan and I had this discussion on Friday. She holds the belief that I should be fully aware at all times of this unwanted guest who’s set up housekeeping in my lymphatic system and bone marrow.
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I explained that I am indeed acutely aware that I have Stage IV Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma – it’s one of the reasons I frequently utilize the full term when describing it – and it’s never far away in my daily consciousness. Every day, I read or research something new about it (or blog about it). However, I’m not giving cancer the power to dictate how or what I do.
Instead, I’m choosing to give power to:
Balance.
Levity.
Joy.
Forgiveness.
Beauty.
Mindfulness.
Strength.
Relaxation.
Tolerance.
Peace.
And, the biggest of all:
letting go.
People and issues and past hurts that were monumental not
very long ago are mere blips on the radar screen. To be sure, I dwell, ruminate, and stew like
every one else, but it’s so much easier now to give the matter due attention and
then just let it go. Life truly IS too
short, ya know? Why would one choose to
fill their mind and spirit with negatives and grudges and damaging stuff? Because that’s exactly what it is: a choice. We all make the choice to either be pissed
off or weak or bitter – or to sac up, face it head on, and roll with it
(whatever “it” may be at the moment).
Now, given that our time here is finite, how would YOU
rather live?
For me personally, the role of wounded little bird just
never fit very well.
So, I adjust my allegorical nuts, don’t give cancer any
power, and make sure I do everything I can to keep it an insignificant part of
my life.
And life is GOOD!
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| Jake thinks so, too! |
