I talked to another cancer survivor (I really dislike this term by the way, but for lack of a better phrase, we'll use it for now) this week. I can't tell you how much better it made me feel. He said that it took him 5 years to get his blood levels back to normal, have his energy back, and get into shape again after treatment. Now, he runs and lifts weights every day and is in the best shape of his life. I really thought I was going crazy, because I'm so tired that it is physically painful. Last Friday night, I slept eleven hours! I haven't done that since I was a teenager. I'm only six months cancer free, so it's OK that I'm still working toward getting healthy. Oh, I will work! I ran two miles tonight even though all I really wanted to do was lay on the couch. Aren't you proud of me?
If you're wondering how I get through those tough days, I have a secret to tell you. I have a secret stash. You need one too. Never mind the secret part, I want to tell you how this secret stash keeps me going. When I come across a hard day, I take out my secret stash card. It's a little 3 x 5 note card with a list of five activities on it that make me happy and energized. On those really rough days, I pick one of the items on my secret stash card, and I take the time to do one of the activities. Afterward, I feel relaxed yet energized, I have a better outlook on life and the state of my body, and I feel like I've accomplished something.
I'll let you in on the secret. Here are the five things I keep in my stash.
1. Hike The Flume.
2. Play loud music, dance around the house, and clean.
3. Bake.
4. Take a walk by Lewis Creek.
5. Go for a drive out in the country, roll the windows down, play some loud music, and drive a little too fast.
Everyone needs their own secret stash. Put yours together now and hide it in a place that you can get to it easily. On those days that you think you just can't make it another minute, break open your stash and partake of its joys.
I promise I'll be better about staying in touch. Talk to you all in a couple of weeks.