“ Carpe Diem “

Hi Jane

I couldn’t agree more. Thanks for the reminder 

lots of love 

xx

I had my last psychology session today and we were talking about exactly this. After my incurable diagnosis the pressure from some well meaning friends to "keep fighting" and enjoy every single minute was almost as daunting as everything else that followed. The guilt around a sofa day, the feeling of failing to do my part was both isolating and draining, particularly as these people seem to be in excellent health, financially secure, and have regular holidays abroad and cruises to look forward to.

I certainly feel a heightened appreciation for the simple things in life, the Three Good Things thread kick started that.  I also find being fully engaged in whatever I'm doing very therapeutic. As long as I can engage with the people around me I'm having a good quality of life. I said no to going back up to full strength chemo because the side effect were awful but more importantly I couldn't function properly. My husband saw me shutting down.

For me there's no such thing as a grey day at the moment because the minute you step outside the colours are stunning.

Thank you for sharing xx

I had a friend over for coffee the other day. Not someone I see very often. She wanted to know how I cope with the situation I’m in. How was it, she asked, that I always seem so cheerful? Well first, you see the good bits, I told her. But second, because I’ve worked at it. I’ve actively chosen to look for the good in my life at the most simple level and in the moment right now. The sunshine on my face, the beauty of the beech leaves in autumn - and you’re right , there is no such thing as a grey day at the moment. To do otherwise and dwell on what I can’t do or what I won’t live to see is just miserable. Why would I do that to myself? 
xx

Hi Everyone, If I could click "like" more than once, these are the posts that I would be doing it! I always did appreciate the small things as well as the bigger things! I tend to read posts in the "Three Good Things" thread but not contribute much. The reason being it would take me a long time to cut my list down to just 3 things every day! Then I would change my mind and put three other things etc etc.

The moon tonight (& most nights) was stunning! The sunshine on the autumnal coloured leaves this afternoon amazing. The hugs from my grandchildren (&grownup children) every time I see them, warms my heart! The squirrel in the garden trying to eat the nuts I put out for the birds, reading the news about Clare (Gobaith) today! Looking forward to a family day out tomorrow!   See what I mean??? I could go on & on & on!!!!! Have a lovely weekend!

Hello everyone, thank you all so much for your wonderful comments, I find you all so inspiring and your words so comforting. Despite the fact we all are faced with different challenges arising from our cancer we share a common bond that is hard for people on the outside to truly understand so anything we can do to support each other to keep our “ chins high in the air “is worth doing. 

JANE