Archives

Looking back at you!👧

An interesting thought came into my mind today as I was watching a Muhammad Ali (“The Greatest”) biopic. The film ended with his defeat of George Foreman in Zaire (“Rumble in the Jungle” – October 1974) to reclaim his title as heavyweight champion of the world. As he was walking back to his dressing room he saw his kid self, hands raised in the air in victory and he smiled. That flashback made me wonder, do we ever see ourselves as kids as an adult and go yeah, still have that open heart and mind. Still living with joy. And do we give ourselves a high-five because we still believe we can conquer the world?!

Talking to my sister the other day she told me when I was little and got into trouble, I would break out the sad face and declare – “I’m just a little kid”. Brilliant! Even then I was working my “get out of jail free” card face. I had an engaged personality and was figuring out my spot in my family and how to negotiate that space.

I always believed I could do anything I put my mind to and my mother encouraged my creativity and sense of self. I’ve decided whether things go good or bad in my life’s journey I’m going to talk to my inner child and ask, “what would little Donna do?”

“Why be Afraid if I’m Not Alone”

††††††

Faith is a powerful force. And when faith and determination get together, lookout, there’s no stopping us!

“Coming out of the Dark”, singer/songwriter Gloria Estefan’s emotionally stirring 1991 anthem – is an expression of strength that’s so comforting. I remember the horrific accident when her tour bus was hit by an 18 wheeler back in 1990 and the painful physical therapy she had to go through.

She pledged not to be confined to a wheelchair as her father had been and fought daily to regain her body and her strength. Her belief and determination brought her back even stronger than before and she realized the power of prayer and preciousness of love, family, and friends.

Her comeback performance at the 1991 American Music Awards was triumphant and testimony to the force of faith. I applauded her then as well as now for her strength and grace.

Today, when thinking about inspirational songs, “Coming Out of the Dark” immediately came into my mind. Even though I haven’t listened to it in years, it still resonates.

These lyrics are so impactful and inspirational. Revisiting this song still moves me as much as when I first heard it. I’m reminded that as I travel through my cancer journey, faith and determination are on my side and that I’m pushing forward and coming out of the dark.

◊◊◊◊◊◊

Coming out of the Dark – Written by Gloria Estefan

Why be afraid if I’m not alone
Though life is never easy the rest is unknown
Up to now for me, it’s been hands against stone
Spent each and every moment
Searching for what to believe

Coming out of the dark, I finally see the light now
It’s shining on me
Coming out of the dark I know the love that saved me
You’re sharing with me

Starting again is part of the plan
And I’ll be so much stronger holding your hand
Step by step I’ll make it through I know I can
It may not make it easier but I have felt you
Near all the way

Coming out of the dark, I finally see the light now
And it’s shining on me ( I see the light, I see the light)
See the light
Coming out of the dark I know the love that saved me
You’re sharing with me

Forever, forever I stand on the rock of your love
Forever and ever I’ll stand on the rock
Can’t nobody stop me from watching
Forever, forever I stand on the rock of your love
Love is all it takes, no matter what we face

Coming out of the dark, (Coming out of the dark)
I see the light, I feel love shining on me (Shining, shining)
Shining on me
Coming out of the dark I know the love that saved me
You’re sharing, you’re sharing with me, sharing with me, sharing with me

Coming out of the dark,
Making it into the light
Your love shining on me, shining on me, shining on me
Coming out of the dark,
I see the light, I see the light
Shining, shining, shining on me
Shining, shining
Coming out of the dark
I see the light now
Yes I see the light

Chemotherapy – Only Four More to Go!

Just finished my 8th chemo treatment yesterday so that means only 4 more to go. Man am I excited!

My cancer journey has been such a positive experience and I feel so blessed to realize, appreciate and more fully understand the importance of family and friends in my life. God has walked every step with me. I actually see him in my mind’s eye and we are joined hand in hand and our smiles are beaming.

When I first found out about my Colon and subsequentially Breast Cancer I followed the teachings of my guru Don Miguel Ruiz, the author of The Four Agreements. I wrote an earlier post about his philosophy of life and the Four Agreements we should follow to make our lives better.

1. Be Impeccable With Your Word

2. Don’t Take Anything Personally

3. Don’t Make Assumptions

4. Always Do Your Best

The agreement that impacted my cancer journey the most was number 3, “Don’t Make Assumptions”. Following this agreement took away the fear and apprehension of finding out about my cancers. I didn’t assume that this would be a horrible journey, I put all my trust in God and spoke out to the universe that I wouldn’t have any major side effects. Not having them, period!

I believe that by letting go and letting God do his work, my journey has been remarkable. No major side effects, just some fatigue, and cold sensitivity. I’ve come this far and I’m that much closer to the end.

Feeling blessed and favored. Praise God!

Adventure Time!

Great question! My answer would be to head to Tuscany and then Florence, Italy. A dream destination for years ever since I watched a fascinating documentary on the Medici Family and became a little obsessed with all things Medici and the Italian Renaissance period. I plan to make this trip happen after my chemo treatment is over. (Only 5 more to go!) Great wine, beautiful scenery. Ah, can’t wait to be living the dream.

A bigger question could be why aren’t we living our dreams and instead, waiting for that magical chance to happen instead of planning and reaching our goals.

We can come up with all kinds of excuses. Can’t take time off from work. Don’t have the money. What’s the point of trying, it won’t ever happen? How sad, no dreams, no vision, no chance. What a horrible way to go through life. Not believing in the possibilities and making no effort to even try.

What do you think? If you could take off right now, where would you go? Are you up for making and living your dream?

In Memory of Glenn Frey 🎼🎸

This is why Living in the Moment is so important. You never know what the next day holds.

🌹🌹🌹

Hearing about the loss of Glenn Frey (co-founder of The Eagles) my first reaction was, this has been an incredible week. First David Bowie, then Alan Rickman (Severus Snape – Harry Potter) and now Frey. My husband said we’re at that age and I said for what, everybody dropping dead?

But, commiserating with my best girlfriend I reflected on what I say all the time:

❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

Glenn Frey image

Glenn Frey (November 6, 1948 – January 18, 2016)

In Remembrance: Martin Luther King, Jr.

This gallery contains 15 photos.

Ch-ch-changes🎤🎸

Cool, Innovative, Influential, Superstar. David Bowie.

David Robert Jones (January 8, 1947 – January 10, 2016)

◊◊◊◊◊◊

“Turn and face the strange/ Ch-ch-changes/ Oh, look out now you rock and rollers/ Ch-ch-ch-ch-changes/ Turn and face the strange/
Ch-ch-changes/ Pretty soon now you’re gonna get older. Time may change me
But I can’t trace time.” “Changes” 1971 – Album – Hunky Dorey

◊◊◊

David Bowie has been a soundtrack in my life since 1972 with the album The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars. His energy, theatricality, his music period always moved me. You never knew what Bowie would do next. He was the master of transforming his persona in ways one couldn’t image. Bowie’s music embraced and changed the concept of Rock n Roll with his reinvention, musical innovation and visual presentation.

I loved everything Bowie created and the song “Changes” particularly resonated with me since I believe it was a song about youth, growing older and understanding.

“And these children that you spit on
As they try to change their worlds
Are immune to your consultations
They’re quite aware of what they’re goin’ through”

Bowie had just released his 25th studio album, “Blackstar,” last Friday. It has already received strong reviews. The song “Lazarus” was a poignant parting gift for his fans and reflects his feelings about death.

Another soul lost to cancer. Now singing in the heavenly choir.

R.I.P. David Robert Jones (January 8, 1947 – January 10, 2016)

No Fear🚫

Recently I took a fun new year’s quiz from my girlfriend. One of the questions was – “What Do You Fear?” My response was nothing. I thought about my answer and yes, I have no fear because I have faith.

I believe having faith is not about walking around blind. I strive to live a conscious life with purpose. With my cancer journey, I researched to arm myself with knowledge and the ability to participate in my treatment and not just accept whatever the doctors said. When I went for a second opinion I asked questions and requested the numbers and facts. The doctors were surprised and responded that I was unusual because most patients don’t want to know. Not me, I am engaged and responsible for my life and health. I choose to participate with faith, not fear.

Having faith frees us to live our lives to the fullest. One of my favorite quotes and questions are, “What Would You Do if You Weren’t Afraid?”

◊◊◊◊◊◊

Food for thought.

Let Go…🙏

A friend of mine shared this video and it sums up perfectly how I’m living my life today. I used to stress and worry but through my cancer journey, I’ve learned to just “Let go, let God.”

Whatever your journey may be, the peace that comes with letting go is priceless.

Thankful Blessings 😇

My life is a bounty of blessings and I feel thankful each day.

I’m celebrating yesterday being the halfway point in my chemotherapy! Yay!! My doctors and care providers have been amazing and I’ve had such a positive experience with minimal side effects. So many angels surround me and lift me even higher than I imagined.

Another major blessing in my life was having my babies (grown babies:) home for Christmas. We had so much fun laughing and playing games as a family like we have their entire lives. They both felt relieved to see me and know that I’m strong and determined to get through my treatment and come out even stronger on the other side.

My son had to return home to Denver the day before this sixth chemo treatment but my daughter was able to be with me for my day in the infusion suite while having my chemo session. I was so happy to have her there with me to play games and see exactly how the process works so it was no longer a mystery. She lives in LA and this was her first visit home since I started my colon and breast cancer fight and journey. Such a blessing!

I can’t express enough how thankful and blessed I feel every day for my family, friends and quality of healthcare I’ve received. All too often we aren’t aware of the grace in our lives until something happens to stop us in our tracks and force us to see how blessed we truly are. My cancer journey woke me up to how much I have in life and I’m grateful for it.