I heard something the other day that has given me a lot of food for thought. It came from my sister-in-law who has been battling an aggressive, rare form of cancer. When she was first diagnosed the doctors measured her survival time in days to months. A year was an outside chance. And she has outlived every prediction as she will soon be coming upon two years since her diagnosis. The cancer has been brutal, but she manages to keep going and "Enjoy the Heck out of Life" or Ethool as she has abbreviated it. She inspires everyone not only because she makes the most out of her life daily, but also because she is very open with her discussions on the difficult subject of life and death. Here is something that she shared recently.
"Last year I was celebrating survival. This year I am celebrating life."
A seemingly simple statement, but one which I found complex upon a second look. I have no great words of wisdom for you about what she said because I think this is something that each one of us has to interpret in our own way. However, I just noticed that I used an important phrase for me at the beginning of this paragraph--Second Look. I enjoy doing my
Second Looks and I think they are a good place to start as I learn how I will do more than survive life. I will celebrate it.
What little things do you do in your life that make you happy? How do you celebrate life?
Your sister in law has the right idea. We all need to celebrate each day and find the simple beauty around us. Life and all the gadgets keeps us so busy it is easy to become overwhelmed!
ReplyDeleteYou're right, Lisa. It's so easy to get wrapped up in the details of the day and forget to take time for what it is important to us. We can all us reminders now and then.
DeleteI think your sister-in-law has the right attitude for all of us, whether we have a significant diagnosis or not. I'm trying to "celebrate life" more and more. For me, it's about noticing the small things, like waking up feeling healthier, or having sunshine on the deck at lunch time. In general, trying to be a glass half-full type of person.
ReplyDeleteI work hard on being a half-full person also. I don't think it's my natural tendency, but I'm slowly changing myself. Sunshine on the deck...:)
DeleteWe all have so many blessings and, for me at least, it's easy to forget these blessings until a crisis comes along. Bless your sister-in-law for helping all of us focus on what is beautiful.
ReplyDeleteShe is a blessing for all of us.
DeleteYour sister-in-law is amazing. She's got exactly the right attitude when faced with this kind of diagnosis what an inspiration she must be to all around her. Yes, please keep up your second looks and keep her in mind while you do.
ReplyDeleteLois, you know all too well about difficult diagnoses, and I think you have learned to celebrate life and live it with vigor and passion. You too are an inspiration.
DeleteWhat a great attitude. It's hard to imagine being able to handle such a situation in a similar fashion. I'm sure your sister-in-law's positive attitude has had a beneficial impact her health.
ReplyDeleteYes, I'm sure that her attitude has had a positive impact on her health. One time when some one said that they admired the way she was handling everything, she said that she didn't feel like she was doing anything special. She was living her life that best she know how.
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