This Uplifting Goodbye Letter To Cancer Is The Best Thing We've Seen All Day

Sitting in the oncology waiting room is still as stressful as ever. Anytime I'm there, I can see the fear and worry on people's faces. It never fails to remind me of the times when I was so anxious I couldn't breathe. Even though I feel stronger than ever, both mentally and physically, there is still an element of anxiety and fear that cancer might return, but thankfully, I have learned to manage it a little better.

I was fortunate to be told I am still well today, and that is amazing news. I was also told that I will mostly likely have appointments for another decade. The sheer volume of radiation I had during treatment can cause side effects up to 10 years afterward. Having gone through it, this doesn't shock or even worry me today. I suppose I was just slightly disappointed not to be cured or over the remission hump. That's OK, though; I am very equipped to nurture my body, and hearing these hard facts today reinforces the need to be mindful of how I eat, exercise, and manage stress. 

Before my last oncology appointment, I wrote a goodbye letter to cancer. I thought I was going to be told I was "cured" or out of remission. Even though I was disappointed to hear that I might not get to say goodbye for 10 years or ever, I would still like to share this letter. It is a reflection of the life lessons I have learned since having cancer and how cancer has given me the strength to thrive.

I am exceptionally fortunate to be able to write this today. Cancer has affected many friends and family over recent years, and I will never take my experience for granted. I dedicate this letter to all those who have lost their lives to cancer and for all those currently fighting to stay well.

Dear Cancer,

You shocked me to the core, twice. I had never felt pain like this before. It was devastatingly heartbreaking, but I stood tall and was prepared to do whatever it took. And here I am, stronger than ever. Today I learned that I might not ever get to say goodbye to you; however, I want to express my gratitude for the many lessons you taught me along the way.

These words of gratitude are not praise for your existence in my life but rather a chance for me to show you that I am stronger today than you ever were.

1. You taught me how to nourish my body.

As a trained nutritionist I understood the science of food, but I never fully understood the power of food until I met you. Since we began our journey together I have become more mindful of how I nourish my body. I am not perfect. I still enjoy treats. However I understand that food really is medicine and that you are what you eat. I believe in food and all that it can do for the body. I believe that the food I ate during my treatment and during recovery gave me the strength to win the battle with you. I trust that continuing to eat well will keep you from returning to my life again. 

2. You taught me how to manage the stress in my life. 

I used to believe that the harder I worked and the more stressed I became was a sign of success. How very wrong I was. There was so much stress in my life when I was first diagnosed with you that it wouldn't shock me to learn that it was a contributor to the start of our journey. During my treatment I started to learn about mindfulness, meditation, and breathing. It's funny how we turn to these holistic elements when we are clutching at life. These three holistic practices have taught me the power of relaxation and time out to reduce stress. I don't practice these elements as much as I'd like, but they are in my life toolbox for when I need them most. I feel more confident knowing they are available when I need them.

3. You taught me to respect my energy levels.

Some days you stole my energy. I felt lifeless. I had never felt this weak before. As a fit, healthy, sporty woman, it was heartbreaking to feel this frail. But this only made me more determined to exercise even more. On good days I loved walking or cycling in the fresh air. It made me feel alive. It also made me appreciate being outdoors. The blue sky, the birds singing, the fresh air. It's amazing how much more you appreciate the simple things when you think they may be taken away from you. Thank you for showing me a newfound appreciation for the outdoors. Five years on, I still love the outdoors. Walking, hiking, running, cycling: I will never take this for granted again. 

4. You taught me the value of time.

I never fully understood the importance of time until you came into existence. I don't just mean idle time; I mean quality time. The quality time I spend with people I love is so invaluable. Listening to people talk, laugh, and argue over silly things is so priceless. Time spent traveling and experiencing new cultures, foods, people, and surroundings. Time spent reflecting on all the positive things in life. Time spent being. Time is so precious, and thanks to you, cancer, I now truly appreciate this wonderful part of my life.

5. You taught me the value of family.

I have always had a great relationship with my family, but you showed me just how close we could be. When it got really tough during my treatment they never left my side. My husband, mum and dad, brothers and sister, aunts and uncles, grandparents, cousins: I honestly couldn't ask for a better family. I never doubted that my family would be there; however, meeting fellow cancer patients throughout my treatment with little family and support, I felt incredibly lucky for the family and support I had. I wouldn't be here today without them and their neverending support and love.

6. You showed me how valuable my friendships were.

I am very fortunate to have many friends, but the experience I had with you highlighted the true value of friendship. When people would literally do anything to help you, feel helpless that there is nothing they can do but still show up anyway, how do you repay that? During my treatment I felt like the luckiest person on earth. What did I do in life to deserve all these amazing people who were supporting me? Their strength, love, and time will never be forgotten. 

7. You showed me how mentally resilient I already was but did not recognize.

On one or two occasions you almost broke me. It was like torture. I remember wanting the world to end. I thought I would never make it through the treatment. I was exhausted from the toxic chemicals running through my veins and the radiation zapping at my tumor. I was exhausted from thinking about the length of the treatment. I was exhausted from worrying about the "what ifs." But I bounced back and proved I was stronger. Living was so important to me, and you weren't going to take that away. It wasn't my time. I had too much I still wanted to do, see, and achieve. I remember thinking that you were not going to take that away from me. Thankfully, it worked. Thankfully, I am here to write this. Thank you for showing me how resilient I am and proving that anything is possible if you believe.

8. You taught me to love my body.

As a 30-something woman I was starting to really value and love my body before you came along. And then you took that all away. I couldn't understand why you would attack such a healthy body. Throughout my treatment though I recognized just how strong my body really was. Even when I felt so weak and frail, my legs still allowed me to walk. I remember thinking how amazing and strong my legs were. During my post-treatment counseling I thanked my legs on numerous occasions for staying strong and giving me hope. Each morning I do yoga and practice gratitude, I thank my body for staying strong and fighting you every inch of the way. Today I love my body for everything it has gone through and all that it is.

9. You taught me the value of positivity.

How can I be negative in life when I have so much? Today I am here. I have time. I have a husband and family who still care for me. I have amazing friends. I can eat well. I can move well. I can travel. You taught me the value of simplicity and positivity, and for that I am forever grateful. I believe that what you give out you get back. I believe that being truly positive will attract positive things in life. You taught me that; thank you.

10. You taught me the value of giving back.

Throughout all the heartbreak, pain, and fear of your existence, I remember saying to my husband, "why am I so lucky?" "Why do I have all this support?" Today as I say goodbye to you, I will forever try and give back. I will do my best to support others who need it most and to give back to friends and family the same support they gave to me. I hope I can help others feel just as lucky as I felt throughout my time with you. 

So cancer, after five years of shock, pain, heartbreak, hospital visits, toxins, fear, and worry, I can honestly say that you changed my life. I am a better person today because of you, and for that I will be forever thankful. 

Today I am very fortunate. Today I am still here. I believe that you have made your point loud and clear, and now it's time to let you go and continue my wellness journey. With all my heart, I hope we never meet again, but a small part of me will always be thankful that you came into my life.

Yours truly,

Lisa

by Lisa Tarquini

http://www.mindbodygreen.com/0-28364/this-uplifting-goodbye-letter-to-cancer-is-the-best-thing-weve-seen-all-day.html

15 Characteristics All Mentally Strong People Share In Common

BY RICKY TANG

http://www.lifehack.org/444269/15-characteristics-all-mentally-strong-people-share-in-common

These Are The Things That Make Up A Successful Person And An Unsuccessful Person

When I consider successful people, ideas of apathetic, business-orientated, intimidating people come to mind. Never before have I considered the spirit of those I consider successful, let alone imagined that successful people are actually positive, empathetic and open to those around them as this infographic from Working Moms Only suggests.

So what are the differences between successful and unsuccessful people?

Unsuccessful people tend to:

• Criticise others.
• Exude anger and a sense of entitlement.
• Blame others for their failing.
• Fear change.
• Hold grudges.

These seem pretty obvious; you’re not going to get very far if you’re too busy putting energy into disliking those around you. It’s the qualities of the successful person I find most interesting:

• They compliment, forgive and give credit to others.
• They share information and ideas with those around them.
• They embrace change and continuously learn.

These qualities are entirely different from my pre-conceived ideas of successful people! But there we have it, being nice, kind, and exuding joy and positivity will lead to a more successful life!

The Success Indicator | MaryEllen Tribby, Working Moms Only

Featured photo credit: Working Moms Only via workingmomsonly.com

BY SIOBHAN HARMER

Love this infographic? Share it with your friends!

http://www.lifehack.org/articles/productivity/these-are-the-things-that-make-successful-person-and-unsuccessful-person.html

How To Use The Law of Attraction When Seeking Your Dream Job

Many who start working with the Law of Attraction begin doing so out of a yearning for prosperity or job satisfaction. While furthering your career does of course require further practical steps like enhancing your resume, you can also apply these six effective Law of Attraction exercises to help maximize your chances of finding the job you’ve always wanted.

1. Visualize Working Your Dream Job

Anyone aiming to use the Law of Attraction in their search for a better life is encouraged to practice creative visualization on a daily basis. This simple but incredibly powerful technique simply involves consistently picturing a detailed image of your goal.

Start by finding a calm place where you will not be disturbed, then close your eyes and focus on both slowing and deepening your breathing. Once your body feels relaxed, start creating a vivid mental picture of what it would be like to be in your dream job.

Picture what the environment will look like, imagine how your friends and family will react to the news, and feel the excitement associated with inspiring new possibilities. Try to repeat this visualization exercise at least once a day for 10-15 minutes.

2. Network with Positivity

No matter the area you work in, attaining your dream job is probably going to require a commitment to networking with people who can provide you with great references and promising leads. When you’re networking, remember the Law of Attraction’s key claim that like attracts like.

Radiate positivity, speak with confidence, and let your happiness and enthusiasm infect everyone you encounter.

3. Challenge Your Inner Critic

Most people find that when they really want something, there’s a little voice in the back of their mind saying that they don’t truly deserve it. However, these negative thoughts and feelings are said to block effective use of the Law of Attraction, so you need to challenge your inner critic if you want to find your dream job.

One useful exercise involves “thought stopping”—whenever you catch yourself thinking something negative about your value, say “No!” out loud or visualize a stop sign.

Alternatively, you might start keeping a journal dedicated only to positive thoughts and beliefs related to your career. For example, you could write down every compliment you receive about your skills and every time you remember feeling proud of your performance.

4. Practice Appropriate Affirmations

Like creative visualizations, affirmation are a cornerstone of applying the Law of Attraction in the process of personal growth. Some people prefer to say affirmations out loud, while others find it more powerful to repeatedly write affirmations down or pin them up on the wall.

A combination of these tactics may be even more effective. Regardless of how you practice your affirmations, make sure you tailor them to your goal of getting your dream job. For example, you might say “I am successful, confident and deserving of a job I love” or “Every day is another step towards the job I’ve always wanted.”

5. Connect to a Stone or Crystal

Employing some basic knowledge of healing stones and crystals can also enhance your connection to your determination to enhance your career. When it comes to gradually working towards career goals, one of the best choices is agate—a bright blue stone that represents strength and determination in the face of challenges.

In addition, citrine is traditionally tied to wealth and financial gain, making it very useful if you’re particularly focused on the impressive salary that might be associated with your idea job.

Meanwhile, septarian is the ideal stone to have in your pocket during an interview or networking event, as some say it enhances your communication abilities.

All of these stones and crystals are small enough to carry with you throughout the day, and they can also be held the palm of your hand during your daily visualizations or affirmations.

6. Act As if You Already Have Your Dream Job

Finally, take every opportunity to live, think and feel as though you are guaranteed to land that dream job. Let the belief that this job can be part of your life shape everything from your posture to the way you greet strangers and the fantasies you have about the future.

The Law of Attraction suggests that those who act like they already have the lives they are looking to develop might attract their goals more quickly—perhaps in part because such a way of living dramatically increases positivity on a daily basis.

By Katherine Hurst

http://www.thelawofattraction.com/how-to-use-the-law-of-attraction-when-seeking-your-dream-job/

12 Mind-blowing Tips for Increasing Your Overall Positivity!

Positive thinking has been very often understood and used in a wrong connotation. People abuse the power of this great practice and suggest that it will attract you money, wealth and abundance. “Be positive and you’ll have anything you want!”

No you will not! That’s nonsense, and that’s NOT the purpose of exercising your mind to think this way.

This is exactly one of the main criticisms for the movie “The Secret”. Just by feeling good you can’t have anything you want – that is a LIE – Period!

The benefits of thinking and feeling positive emotions however, are actually very beneficial and they will trigger other positive phenomena in your life:

You’ll put both your spirit and body in a phenomenal vibration. Happiness and joy will radiate from you everywhere you go. Life will seem much better. Your attitude will improve immensely and in turn it will improve the world’s attitude towards you.

The reward is a blissful life full with enthusiasm and inspiration! Also, it will certainly help you in your financial endeavors…however… just the positive thinking alone won’t earn you any money…

These are some of the great practices that will put you on the right track in life:

1. Start Singing Even If You’re Bad Singer

Whenever life hits you hard or you experience a disappointment, start singing. As simple as that… Pick a song that really makes you feel great and start playing it in your head until all worries and stress go away.

The song can be one which makes you feel happy. It can be one which provokes laughter and joy in your heart. Is there any song that you can think of which simply puts a smile on your face, every single time you hear it? Probably a song you used to love when you were young child?

Good music has always been, and will always be a great tool for changing the mood. It will never fail to make you more positive so consider singing whenever you can.

2. Turn “Belly Breathing” Into a Habit

Did you know that our consciousness is highly connected to our way of breathing? Namely, yogis and monks have discovered a long time ago, that our thoughts are directly connected to the way we breathe.

When we start breathing slowly and deep in our belly, by exploiting 100% of our lungs capacity, our thoughts seem to slow down and we become more relaxed. Therefore, this is used in almost every meditative technique. Life simply slows down, all stress leaves both the mind and body and the individual who breathes this way gains clarity and mindfulness.

This practice will not only calm you down, it will affect your health, your overall blood circulation, it will boost the activity of your brain and it will never fail to improve your mood.

Breathing is the essence of life, so start doing it properly.
Simply start exercising this until it becomes a constant habit. Breathe deep in your belly and fill it like a balloon. Instead of inhaling shallow breaths in the chest only, expand your belly as much as you can.

The longer you practice this technique, the deeper and more effective your breaths will become. Your consciousness will clear and clarity and inner peace will take place.

This will never fail to boost your overall positivity!

3. Smile and Laugh More Often

Assuming that smiling and laughter are the opposite of crying and feeling bad or negative, just by forcing this into your life, you can’t avoid not feeling good.

Our body is the instrument of our mind, but it is also true that our thoughts and attitude are very much related to our body because of the way we operate. We tend to think and feel by what we see, hear, taste, smell and touch.

So if you smile, you can instantly feel it and your mind will respond to this. You will start feeling good and positive. It will not only lift up your mood, it will affect everyone else that comes in contact with you.

You can decide to smile just for the sake of it, or you can think of an situation, an event, a person or literally anything that puts a big smile on your face. Either one of them will work very well.

You can just go over to your mirror, look at yourself and force yourself to laugh. This works extremely well. Very soon, it will become contagious and you won’t be able to stop it.

Let’s try this right now…

Think of a little toddler trying to walk. He is learning to walk outside in the yard of his parent’s house, and there’s a little puppy waiting for him just a few meters away from him.

As he is walking, he is pointing to the puppy with his tiny little fingers and he suddenly falls like a ball on the grass. He tries to stand up but there’s not a force on earth that will help him in doing just that, he simply keeps falling down again and again.

Everybody laughs and enjoys the picture. Finally our little toddler manages somehow to stand on his tiny feet and starts walking like a penguin towards the puppy. The moment he comes to him, he tries to kiss him with his little lips and again, as he bends down, he loses control and falls on the ground next to the puppy. The puppy even gets scared and jumps from fear.

Now I just totally made all that up… I couldn’t think of anything else that could make me smile at the moment. If you’re like most people, you’d probably smile when having the picture of the little toddler learning how to walk.

After thinking about this I feel very good. Very positive as well…You can do the same!

Have in mind that laughter and smiling can also cure diseases and depression! That’s already scientifically proven…

Smile more often and your positivity will keep increasing more and more every time you do it.

4. Make Your Surroundings Highly Positive

What are your friends and the people you associate with like? Is their nature positive? Are they being fun and humorous or not really?

Good company always helps! If you happen to be around negative and depressive people, you can afford to change your lifestyle.

Assuming the fact that we feel what’s going on around us and that as mentioned earlier, we go by what we see, hear, smell, taste and touch – it is very important that your surrounding is highly positive, because you will receive this energy.

It will affect you every single time!

5. Engage in Meditation and Yoga

The title says it all. These two activities will never fail to boost your positivity. They will help you to gain control over your thoughts and your awareness will be heightened.

You will become aware of the present moment and what’s going on in your mind. Positive thoughts will become natural as you practice these skills.

6. Make Walking Outdoors a Habit

Although very simple, the effect of this single activity can be powerful. I am working from home and most of the time I am in front of my computer.

Sometimes this can get overwhelming and the first thing I do is going outdoors.

I walk for 40 min. in the nearest park and just observe the people, birds, trees and so on. When I come back I am a completely new person!

I have two times more energy and I am working 3 times more productive.

Even studies show that this activity can boost your mood to a great extent. Just do it and see the results!

7. Be Helpful To Others

You know, it’s not all about you. I realized this not very long time ago. While I’ve never been too much egoistic in nature, I always cared for my feelings and my interests.

When I tried for a moment to completely shift my attention to other people’s needs and REALLY try to help them (from the bottom of my heart), what came back to me was quite shocking.

Help other people and truly care. Don’t do it just for the sake of it, but really show some empathy and compassion. Try putting yourself in their skin and view the world through their perception. Then, do your best to help them.

You have no idea what this can do for you…

Some ideas to help you get started can include:

• Visiting the orphanage and do something special for the kids. Make them happy and prepare some intriguing surprise.

• The next time you go with the subway or when you’re on a bus, be kind and give your seat to a person that needs it more than you do.

• Go in the local supermarket buy some bread, some salami and cheese, get some fruits and bottles of fresh water and perhaps some extra ingredients you’ll need. Prepare some tasty sandwiches and then go to any shelter with homeless people and give it to them wholeheartedly.

8. Express Gratitude 3 Times a Day

Create your gratitude journal or simply write on a sheet of paper 10 things that you’re grateful for. Then read this list 3 times in the day – in the morning, at noon and at night.

The more things you can include in the list – the better. These things should make you feel good and positive about yourself and life in general.

Gratefulness is the secret to a peaceful, happy and positive lifestyle!

9. Understand that You’re Responsible for Everything That Happens To You

You cannot blame others for the results you get in your life. All our results come as a direct result of our actions and behavior in life. Our actions and behavior on the other hand – is the direct result of our thoughts and feelings.

Only you have the power to control your attitude comprised of your thoughts and feelings. You choose what you give your attention to, so instead of whining and complaining, stop blaming the circumstances, the government, the economy and God knows what else not.

It is your fault that you’ve let these things, people and events influence you, so you can afford to stop it. Take full responsibility, and your life will become much more positive!

10. Make a Contribution and Start Volunteering

Now here I live up to you to be creative. Think of the ways you can improve your community. Perhaps help in cleaning the streets in your neighborhood? What about helping individuals in the local library?

This one will be bizarre but certainly interesting – how about to visit prisoners and just help in making contact? Perhaps you’ll befriend them and make their day better?

Remember – the more you give in life, the more it comes back. Life will always reward you tenfold for every good thing you do. Decide how you can give back to the community, and then just do it!

Positivity will become your natural mindset that seems to make you company at all times.

11. Give Compliments On a Regular Basis

If criticizing makes people feel bad – then the opposite which is giving compliments has to make them feel good. Not only will it make the person you compliment feel amazing, it will come back to you as well!

When was the last time you gave a sincere compliment to someone which comes straight from the heart?

If you can’t remember it, maybe it is about time to consider doing this the next time you see someone on the street.

Remember, if you’re looking for the good sides in others, this is a reflection of the good sides in you. And please don’t do this just for the sake of it… Be really genuine and honest when you compliment people!

12. Exercise and Take Care of Your Physical and Mental Health

Yes, this is important. Pick any activity that you love and exercise regularly.

You can run, hike, go in the gym, take classes in martial arts and heck, your imagination is the only limit!

Not only will you be more fresh and energetic, your mood will change accordingly as well! There’s no way how this activity cannot make you feel positive.

Just do it!

To Conclude

Most of the time, we are being surrounded with a ton of negativity in our lives. We’re constantly being bombarded with pressure and stressful situations, but it is our choice how we are going to respond to them.

We can choose to take responsibility and decide to be in full control over our attitude…or…we can live day by day, and let the waves of life take us wherever they want to go.

I certainly won’t recommend the second option!

Choose to live your life the way YOU want to live it! Stop being a victim of outside circumstances and decide to gain a positive outlook on life.

And remember – it is the small things that make all the difference! So take a deep breath right now, and say how grateful you are for everything in your life!

by Zdravko Lukovski

http://www.dumblittleman.com/2015/05/12-mind-blowing-tips-increasing-overall-positivity.html