Instead of a "Fun Friday", I am going to share my thoughts and present a challenge to our readers.
I have mentioned my good friend Jill who is fighting breast cancer in previous posts. Well, all of her test results came back this week and the cancer is now considered invasive and aggressive. She will be receiving the strongest treatments and will begin her journey of one full year filled with treatments, tests, and visits to the hospital followed by 5 years of oral medication. WOW.
She is so incredibly positive and I have not heard her complain through any of this. It's almost like the cancer doesn't exist and by focusing on it, it is winning. She is truly an inspiration to me and she has given me the gift of PERSPECTIVE.
We all go through challenging times in our lives and every day there are events and situations that can bring us down. Life is busy and there will often be periods of stress. We are human and it takes practise and commitment to live in a different way. Starting today, I will close my eyes every time a negative thought or emotion creeps in and remind myself that today I have my health and I am grateful. We have this life to live, be happy and enjoy every moment!
My challenge to you is what can you do to gain a little perspective in your lives? How can you be more positive, be happy, and truly live in the moment?
(psst...the prize for sharing with us and leaving comments includes a little pampering)
If you are looking for something to do this weekend, I suggest checking out the Goose Flight at Fort Whyte at sundown. I took the girls the other night to celebrate my "baby" Brynn turning 3 and it was truly amazing. They were more interested in playing hide and seek, but I enjoyed it!
Remembering that in an instant, we each could lose everything really helps keep things in perspective for me. Rather than grumbling about the work I do, I am thankful that I have work. I think of how many there are that are less fortunate and how it is that I take many of my freedoms for granted when others continue to fight for the same opportunities. Those are some thoughts that keep perspective central in my vision.
Posted by: ~Kristina | October 16, 2010 at 08:12 PM
hey we did the goose thing last night AMAZING, would love to go with out my kids next time lol!!
Posted by: Lindsay | October 17, 2010 at 10:43 AM
Perspective comes to me when I am in a situation that I have never been in before, or when I am talking to people who I normally wouldn't cross paths with. I am hoping to soon be given the opportunity to work hard for students, families and our community and the perspectives I am being offered on family struggles, educational issues, and balancing work and home is invaluable. Sometimes living in the moment means realizing there are those who are not as fortunate as I am, and that doing what I can to give them a voice is the perspective I need.
Posted by: Sandy | October 17, 2010 at 03:27 PM
Michelle - I am sending positive vibes to your friend. I think by keeping real and always reminding oneself to take a mental inventory of our blessings is a great way to stay in the moment. My suggestion is to wear an elastic and snap it every time a negative thought appears in your mind. Eventually, you'll weed out all but positive, grateful thoughts.
Posted by: brandi | October 17, 2010 at 03:56 PM
Living in the moment is something I have been really working on lately. I really try to bring it back to my breath and try to stay present no matter what I am doing, even if it is something uncomfortable. Keep my breath steady and calm. Oh and remembering to breath can really help:)
Posted by: Lisa | October 17, 2010 at 05:56 PM
I can gain perspective by living in the moment and trying not to sweat the small stuff. Stopping to take the time to appreciate every moment in my life.
Posted by: Céline | October 17, 2010 at 07:37 PM
It is a simple truth, there is happiness in giving. And when you give to those truly in need the blessing is even greater. If your friend Jill is in Winnipeg, she can get free house cleaning for 4 months courtesy of Signature Cleaning - Winnipeg's Cleaning For A Reason Partner. Our gift means one less thing to worry about. It is a small thing, but being invited into the lives of these women, we are reminded to not only appreciate what we have, but to cherish it. That is perspective.
Posted by: Joanna | October 17, 2010 at 08:18 PM