“When you awaken love and laughter in your life, your mind lets go of fear and anxiety, and your happy spirit becomes the healing balm that transforms every aspect of your human experience.” Jesse Dylan
I had a good day with my neighbor, Marsha. We had time to connect. She said it was like having a girl’s day shopping, having this time together. However, we weren’t shopping; we spent the day at the outpatient oncology department while she received her chemo treatment. For me it is important to support those who have cancer in order to pay forward all those that supported my family when my son died from cancer. I’m writing this post in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness month.
I am still in awe of Marsha and her positive attitude. She made a day most of us would dread into a joyful experience. Even though she slept very little the night before and even though it was a dreary rainy day, Marsha brought the sunshine into every room she entered. She treated the nurses as the special people they are. I observe four techniques she used to take the dread of chemo and changed it to a positive even joyful experience.
Gratitude – Marsha looks at her year of cancer treatments with a grateful heart. She knows her treatment will make her stronger and gives her a 97% chance of never getting cancer again. That’s a lot better odds than the man in the waiting room whose prognosis was only living another year. She knows she is blessed, as it could be so much worse.
Attitude – It’s not that you never cry, the trick is not to get stuck there. Marsha admits she has had pity parties but she has changed her attitude. She wants to live each day as the gift it is. You have little control what happens to you but you can change your attitude about it. I asked Marsha, how she stayed so positive. She said if she didn’t, she would cry. It’s a strategy and a decision.
Asking for help – She knows that getting help from others helps her on this journey. It was sad to see the 80ish lady in the waiting room all by herself. For the people Marsha has helped, she is open now to reap what she has sowed.
Joy – she finds her joy from the inside. She is determined to share the joy of the Lord to all she meets. I saw her brighten the day of every nurse she met.
The next time I’m feeling sorry for myself and feel life is not fair, I will remember this day with a grateful heart. If Marsha and I can smile and laugh in the oncology department, then there is really no excuse not to shine every day. Thanks, Marsha for being such an inspiration to all of us.
To Learn more about the benefits of laughter. Click here.
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