I went to the funeral of someone who wasn't as lucky as me. He had struggles, and he was unable to move through them. I am heartbroken for his family. They are wonderful people, and they are hurting. I found out while there that someone I went to high school with was diagnosed with breast cancer last week. My hope is that her diagnosis and treatment will be as seemless and simple as mine.
All of this leads me to thing about that series of questions I have been working through. Today's question is so perfectly fitting. How do I get through this? I've compiled a list of things that I've done to make it through the physical and emotional wounds of this no booby life that I'm leading. I hope that my readers are able to use some of these tips when they come up against rough times of their own.
1. WRITE ABOUT IT. It's OK if you're not a writer. A simple pen and some paper or a computer can really help you to voice your thoughts and emotions when you don't know how to say them out loud. Getting your feelings out of your body and into the world leaves room in your soul for the hope and positive energy that you need.
2. JOIN A SUPPORT GROUP. I have found so much support at my BCTeam.com. I highly recommend it to anyone with breast cancer. I also belong to a support group on The Breast Cancer Site. In addition, I belong to an online support group for families of people who have mental illness. Talking to others who are going through what you are going through is invaluable. When I have questions or concerns about what my body is doing, there are people there who have already experienced it and know what to do. When I'm distraught or scared, there are people there who have felt the same way and are on the other side of fear. Yes, I have a strong support system in my family and friends, but sometimes you just need to talk to somebody who has walked the path and who is not emotionally involved in your life.
3. WORKOUT. Running/walking shoes are a must. I have barbells as well, but I'm not allowed to use them yet. Keeping your body going at whatever level you can will make you feel good. I can't say enough for what endorphins and adrenaline to for mindset. Get up and move!
4. MEDITATE. I have been looking into meditation for about a year, but have been kind of flaky about it. I have to tell you that meditation has helped me through some pretty dark days. When I take time to clear my mind and sweep away all the negative junk in there, I find that I am much more able to be the strong, happy person that I am meant to be. Try it. Seriously.
5. READ. Learn all you can about what you are going through. Whether it's a relationship issue, a health issue, or a tough financial patch, read about it. Find out how others have overcome the same trials. Find out what the experts say. Become an expert. You'll be amazed at how empowered you feel.
6. SEEK COUNSELING. I have had the good fortune to work with a fabulous family counselor off and on for the past 11 years. He has encouraged me, reminded me of my worth, and put me in place when I have needed it. Having someone there that I can be completely honest with who holds no judgements and can give me direction has been invaluable. I am a firm believer in therapeutic counseling. By the way, most insurance plans pay for this.
7. GET A PET. If you don't have one, get one. If you have one, spend time with your pet. There is no other true sense of unconditional love than the love of a pet. You don't have to worry about making them happy. All you have to do is give them a little attention, and there it is. Pure love. On nights when I'm lonely, I have my little fat ball of fur to cuddle. No matter how bad my day is, she loves me just the same. Ahhh! Isn't that what we all long for?
8. DRINK TEA. OK. I know. Coffee is the nectar of the gods, but tea is soothing and comforting and you can find it in so many forms. There's tea that wakes you up and gives you energy, there's tea that relaxes you and helps you sleep, there's tea that boosts your immune system, there's tea for just about anything. Buy yourself a cute teapot and some loose leaf tea. Pamper yourself. You'll feel sophisticated, and honestly, the aroma therapy that comes along with tea drinking is very curative.
9. LAUGH! Nothing is so serious that you can't find the humor in it. Spend tie with friends. Find the humor in every little thing that seems to go awry. I have that spot on my right scar that just won't heal. Do you know what it does? It fills up with air. I can fart out of my chest. Yes, I can. Bet you can't do that. Come one. You know that's funny stuff. Read funny pinterest posts. Reminisce about funny things that have happened to you (so much better than ruminating on the icky things). There's a reason that people say laughter is the best medicine. A little humor will ease the pain of whatever you are working through.
I truly believe that I can get through anything. This has been a really tough summer, but look at me. I'm here. I'm alive. I'm working through my issues. I'm becoming healtheir all the time. Hopefully, I'm helping you to do the same.