Late last week it dawned on me that I'd managed to forget a rather big medical milestone. That being that it was officially five years since my breast cancer diagnosis (in fact a little over by the time I realized). Cancer and five year statistics often times go together. It's an official milestone for most that signifies a change in statistics for the better. All up, survival rates improve for those that make it past the five-year mark. So it is a cause for celebration.
Inch by inch
I wrote last week about my committment to start beefing up my good wolf. To really changing my thought patterns. I have been trying. I really have. But as I suspected this process is not fast or easy. Indeed I feel like my automatic reaction is in the other direction, like I've built a neural path way over time. Which is why it's also going to take time to retrain myself toward my more natural state of being. That state of being called love. Love in the form of kindness, compassion, peace, empathy, generosity, forgiveness and hope.
Which wolf are you feeding?
Twice recently I've been told the story of the two wolves by yoga teachers. Firstly at Wanderlust in Lake Tahoe and then more recently at Love Yoga this weekend (Montauk - Heather Lilleston). In both instances I was struck by the simplicity of the story. And the amount of truth in it. I can totally identify with the concept.
Look inside yourself for buried treasure
I believe being your happiest self is one of the most important jobs you have in life. I call it a job for a reason. It doesn't come automatically, it requires work. I'm all about finding those behaviours, character traits, beliefs and thoughts that position me for happiness. Sure I get off track at times (guilty of being human) but the key is getting myself back on again. My mantra of embracing the good stuff helps me stay the course. I think adopting something of a mantra yourself is a good way to stay focussed.
Move your body
Everybody knows on some level how important it is to keep active. The primary reason being that being physically fit reduces your chance of developing a raft of illnesses. It's also credited with helping maintain a healthy weight. Which is somewhat related given obesity presents similar health challenges.
Do you make sure to nourish your support network?
I know this better than most. Mainly because I’ve endured life changing, scary and gut wrenching medical challenges. What you figure out in these times is who is really there for you. So there’s a blessing in that. The people that step up in these times are the real deal. They are reliable. They will be there for you time and time again (no matter how big or small the challenge and amount of support needed).
I am very grateful (lucky) to have an enormous support network. I think of it as lots of mini support groups. First there is my family, they are simply the most important people in my life (and my number one support group). Then there are my best girl friends – I’ve talked about them here before. My work colleagues deserve a mention too. My tribes (blogged about here before) as well. Finally there is the small but very strong group of male friends in my life. Today I want to talk about them.
If you lose don't lose the lesson
Let's just cut right to the chase. My promising relationship is no more. The truth is, my intuition was telling me that something felt off. However, because of the connection & chemistry I ignored it. I told myself I have trust issues from past hurt (I have been thoroughly betrayed before). As the story goes, I should have gone with my gut, I now realize it was way ahead of my heart and head. Turns out the guy in question wasn't just having connection & chemistry with me.......It took me until after we officially called it quits to join all of the dots, but now I am certain I was dealing with what I think you could call a player. Two cities, two women. My heart = big ouch.
Gratitude is the tonic
I'm having a challenging time emotionally right now. More on that another time....For now, I'm going to take some of my own advice and focus on what I do have. Which is rather a lot to feel good and happy about.
My family have flown all the way from Australia to spend time with me in New York. Pictured here are my two nieces who really are the most adorable humans on the planet. Also my mother in the background. My sister and one of my cousins are both here too. There is nothing like the unconditional love of your family (at least that's how I feel about my family). They really are my biggest fan club and can drag me out of anything.
