Happy 60th Birthday, Honey

This post is dedicated to my wonderful husband in celebration of his 60th birthday. We’ve shared a lot of special memories throughout the years since becoming friends in high school. Perhaps it was providence, but we ended up living in the same dorm and eventually falling in love at The University of Michigan. We joined our lives together almost 38 years ago, and were blessed with two beautiful children who have grown into remarkable spirits.

So, in honor of you Kevan, blow out your candles and let’s take a trip down memory lane.

Love You!

Forever Friendship 💖

Once again, the Lord has blessed me with the opportunity to spend time with some very special friends while celebrating my incredible husband’s 60th birthday. True friendships are a treasure. It’s the joy of knowing that even if you haven’t seen each other in years, you don’t miss a beat hugging and joining together like you were never apart.

Both my immediate and extended family are really close. When I hear or read stories about feuding families and estranged relationships it makes me sad. Our love for one another is really all we have when you think about it; a fact I appreciate even more having fought for my life battling colon and breast cancer. Material things don’t matter or last. Real friendship is forever.

Thanks Ron and Margaret for your love and support. We were blessed the day we met with a friendship that endures and will always mean the world to me.

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friendship

Friendship

From Faith to Possibilities 🙏

Faith or the lack thereof contributes to the overall outcome of a situation or goal we’re trying to attain. It’s our attitude adjustment that sets us on the right path.

Stress, worry, negative thoughts are all manifestations of lack of Faith. Is the glass half empty?, making lemonade out of lemons are both expressions we use to describe Faith; how we approach challenges in our lives.

The teachings of my guru Don Miguel Ruiz, author of the philosophical guidebook, “The Four Agreements”, explains the relationship between Faith and manifest destiny. We manifest what we believe in our minds; the reality we create for ourselves. We’ve been conditioned by family, teachers, peers to think of ourselves in a certain way – “you’re lazy, beautiful, creative, evil” – but Faith can help free us from that mindset to create the life experience we desire. We write our own story and Faith is the key.

I’m a walking testament of Faith. My cancer journey started with me adopting the Fourth Agreement – “Don’t Make Assumptions” – as my mantra. I asked my doctors’ crucial questions and wasn’t afraid to express to the Universe what outcome I envisioned.

So, let’s not misunderstand, Faith is not passive. It requires actions alongside the belief that I will come out stronger and more empowered as a result of my challenges. To that end, I researched my diagnosis of colon and breast cancer and armed with that knowledge embarked upon the mission of beating cancer.

I had faith that I wouldn’t have any major side effects and I didn’t. I had Faith that all my cancer would be removed and it was. In my mind’s eye, I saw myself walking hand and hand with God and always believed that with him beside me I could make my Faith a reality. Everyone’s circumstances are different, but with Faith, Gratitude, and Prayer, I was blessed to come out on the other side stronger and my Faith endures.

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If we can release fear and disbelief and embrace Faith and possibilities, there’s no limit to what we can achieve!

Blessings

My motivation for creating this blog was to share my experiences in my fight against breast and colon cancer. To let my friends and family join in my journey if from afar. My message has always been about strength and the power of God to get us through our trials and tribulations.

My other motivation was to express and give testimony for my many, many blessings and favor from God. I continue to praise and pray for friends, acquaintances and fellow bloggers who are fighting the terror of cancer and loss.

One thing is for sure, tomorrow is not promised so be grateful and live a purposeful life of love. Even as we read the newspapers and watch tv we confront the realization of the uncertainty and fragility of our lives.

In the spirit of praise and gratitude for another day, I share “Blessings”. My testimony to the power and miracle of faith and prayer.

Random Acts of Kindness

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I subscribe to Rodale Wellness and receive their daily newsletter for ideas and inspiration for living a healthy life. This particular article stood out as an excellent and very relevant topic for Livinginthemoment2015. The idea of this piece is instead of focusing on negatives, make positive changes in your life. Practice acts of kindness.

Here’s the challenge:

In the next seven days complete at least one random act of kindness. But, not just any act of kindness, it must be an unsuspecting random act of kindness.

Holding doors, giving up your seat for the elderly, and picking up trash on the street does not count as completed homework. You should do those things all the time! An example of an unsuspecting random act of kindness could be paying the toll for the vehicle behind you, picking up a round of coffee for people you always see in the morning on the way to work, or giving your jacket to a runner that looks cold during early morning hours.

But here’s the catch: Please do not tweet, post, or brag about anything you do for this homework assignment. Bragging about doing nice things defeats the purpose of that very same act. The only two people that will know the exact details of what you did is you and the person that you surprised. Now go make your city and the world a better place!

I’m up for the challenge, how about you?

Inspired by an article in Rodale Wellness by — BROGAN GRAHAM & BOJAN MANDARIC

Don’t Lose the Gratitude 🙏

My morning and evening praise is part of living my life deliberately and holding gratitude in my heart. I’ve come this far by faith and I have no intention of letting that go.

Every time I think about my blessings I well up inside. I can’t help giving my testimony and sharing my joy.

Each of us is a miracle and it’s so important to grasp that concept and move through life bearing that knowledge and living for love and peace.

I’ve adopted a personal mantra to refocus on trying days and situations, “Don’t Let the Bad Behavior of Others Destroy Your Inner Peace.”

Each day let us live our truths in peace and harmony. ✌💗

Deconstructing Love

Love is a variety of different feelings, states, and attitudes that range from interpersonal affection (“I love my mother”) to pleasure (“I loved that meal”). It can refer to an emotion of a strong attraction and personal attachment. It can also be a virtue representing human kindness, compassion, and affection—”the unselfish loyal and benevolent concern for the good of another”. It may also describe compassionate and affectionate actions towards other humans, one’s self or animals. (Wikipedia)

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While taking a brisk walk around my subdivision and listening to my iPod,”All You Need is Love” began to play. I’ve always felt this John Lennon classic was revolutionary and served up some tremendous food for thought.

Living life with a loving purpose is not easy. Opening up your heart to those who disagree with you. Loving those whom you claim to hate. Understanding that we are all one and what you do to others affects not only their life but yours as well. We are not all good nor all bad.

I’ve mentioned before how I revere and often reference Don Miguel Ruiz’s brilliant guidebook, “The Four Agreements”. He really opened my eyes to a definition of an all-encompassing view of love; accepting the concept that the worse person I can think of is part of me. Cult leader and murderer Charles Manson became my love/acceptance test. If we are all one, then Manson is part of the circle.

To be truthful, I still struggle with the idea that there is a human connection between Manson and myself. However, he is a reminder that the full range of emotions we all possess can be used for the benefit of mankind or its detriment. We decide because we all have the ability to write our own story. Bring to fruition our dreams and desires.

Commit to love and peace

John Lennon believed this even back in the turbulent times of the 1960’s. “All You Need is Love” is an anthem and vision that we can turn this world around. If we take the leap of faith.

Hating is easy. Loving can be hard. Our skin is merely a covering. Underneath we are all the same. Spirits created by God.

A Community of Souls

Communicating thoughts and ideas are wonderfully enriching effects of writing. I’ve connected with some marvelous people through this medium. Writers are part of a community. A sense that we are connected in our desire to share our emotions, and observations. When we compose with honesty, it can touch the hearts and minds of others who need to know that they are not alone.

Communing through blogging with a fellow breast cancer survivor brought to the forefront of my mind that we all belong to the community of souls.

Love, sadness, fear and joy. All are human. All common bonds we share.

The Absolutely Perfect Day!

My Birthday/Chemo Over Party was absolutely incredible! Words can’t express my heartfelt feelings of appreciation and jubilation. The blessing of sharing this day with my fabulous family and friends was a dream come true! I’d been planning this celebration in my head for months, and my bestie Carmen and her husband, Ron opened up their hearts and beautiful home to make the day complete. I thank you and love you forever!

I moved away from my family, friends, and hometown of Detroit years ago so I don’t get to share in the day to day moments. When I decided to throw this bash it was very important for me to go home to commemorate the remarkable accomplishments of my colon and breast cancer journey. I am living proof of the power of prayer and the miracle of God. As we traveled back to Charlotte my husband noted that there was a light and expression of happiness on my face that lit up the entire room.

I’m still grinning, rejoicing and reveling in God’s blessings, grace, and favor!

Wow! What an amazing feeling.

Celebrate Good Times!

The day is fast approaching and I am super excited about my upcoming Birthday and Chemo Over Party next Saturday! Gathering with family and friends is such a tremendous blessing.

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gratitude

This past year has truly been a world wind. Last May at this time I was preparing to celebrate my birthday with my buddies, the Minions and my very favorite wizard, Harry Potter at Universal Studios in Florida. It was the perfect way to enjoy and commemorate my 60th birthday. After all, I’m just a big kid at heart.

Minions!

Minions!

Wizarding World of Harry Potter

Wizarding World of Harry Potter

Happy Birthday to Me!

Happy Birthday to Me!

Then, only 2 months later, wham! A diagnosis of not one but two unrelated cancers – Colon and Breast. Was not expecting that, but my philosophy was to not assume what would happen throughout the process but trust in God, do my medical research and engage in the fight to survive.

With the support of friends, family, and the medical community, I was able to not only survive but thrive in what I call my “second chance” at life. Facing this challenge helped me realize the importance of living in the moment and loving out loud. So, I want to tell everyone how much I love them and appreciate the uplifting support I’ve been given. Thank you so very much!

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cancer survivor quote

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gratitudes

As Dinah Washington once sang, “What a Difference a Day Makes…” I see this celebration as an accomplish not only for myself but for cancer survivors everywhere. So let’s celebrate good times!