Grateful I am grateful: does that make sense? - Week #2

 Life has a way of throwing curve balls, whether they are major ones like health issues, death, divorce or minor ones, like being too busy, too tired, or too distracted to pay attention. Sooner or later we all experience both the large and small issues, and I'm no different.

As some of you know, I have dealt with breast cancer three times now. The first was way back in 1993; for 24 years I was fine and considered the event an anomaly. The second occurrence in 2017 was a shock, but I made decisions and went forward expecting another 24 years of being cancer free. The third occurrence in 2018, less than a year later, was harder to wrap my mind around. As I tried to decide whether or not to put myself through chemo again, and also radiation this time, I clearly remember standing at the window of my condo one day, when I was struck with the thought--more of a sudden realization--that I was not ready to check out and that I wouldn't short change myself in any way.

The good news is that my cancer hadn't spread; it was considered a new event. All treatments have now been finished for almost 9 months. I made some life-style changes this time, including in diet, and the crazy hours I had been working. I try to get more sleep, and strengthen my immune system every way I can. I work, I play, I hike, and I am more aware than ever how much I enjoy being part of this life, this world, the beauty.

While this post could be construed as my being grateful cancer is behind me (and I am!) it is really more about being grateful for being grateful.

Being grateful means opening my eyes, opening my heart, opening myself to new experiences, enjoying the world and the people in it. Being grateful means not succumbing to worry or despair, not thinking "I can't" but rather "I will." Having the attitude of "why not?"

I truly am grateful for being grateful.
(Picture taken by a client from his ocean view townhouse in Pacifica, which he generously allows me to use. Yes, I'm grateful for him and for being able to be part of his purchase journey.)