The end of 2009
Dec/Thursday/2009 04:36 PM Filed in:
Honesty, authenticity, and genuineness
"Another year has gone by..." are the words to one of
my favorite Celine Dion holiday songs as she sings
about what is good and special about living another
year with the one she loves. I first heard the song
the first Christmas after I was diagnosed with breast
cancer, and I had just finished chemotherapy. Each
time I hear it, I think of another year passing that
I am still here and how grateful I am... and it
usually brings tears to my eyes.
Having gratitude doesn't in any way mean that my life has been perfect and without challenge. In fact, this year has been one of the most challenging in years with real highs and low lows. I imagine I am with the majority of Americans in looking forward to a new year filled with hope and possibility...it has been tough... and I've watched many others I love suffer both physically, mentally, and emotionally.
My anticipation for 2010...
A fresh start with new beginnings, firsts, and special goals: Getting a special book about breast cancer to the publisher by their March deadline, watching my youngest finish his senior film project and graduate from film school in May, watching my oldest get married in June (and at our house, no less), a special family trip to Alaska, speaking and sharing years of hard work on the study just published (supporting survivors), and other new adventures yet to be unveiled. How appropriate on this last day of 2009, an e-mail came sharing the news that our study was published (go to the Healthy and Fit After Cancer page to view )!
And more than those larger things to anticipate, are the small ones that make up a life, including sunshine, rain, friends old and new, family, cozy fireplaces, laughter, dancing, flowers, music, and being outdoors! I'm certain there will be ups and downs, but I trust I will face the challenges with hope and gratitude, in the spirit of Suzanne Lindley, my friend and mentor for living life out loud.
In studies about what makes people thrive, we've learned that positive anticipation of the future can actually improve our mood and increase our happiness. Give it a try! Think about the coming year with the big and little things you are anticipating. If none come to mind, start making a plan! Even if that plan is one day at a time or one minute at a time, find something you can anticipate and enjoy.
Much love, peace, and hope to you all in 2010.
Happy New Year!!!!
Having gratitude doesn't in any way mean that my life has been perfect and without challenge. In fact, this year has been one of the most challenging in years with real highs and low lows. I imagine I am with the majority of Americans in looking forward to a new year filled with hope and possibility...it has been tough... and I've watched many others I love suffer both physically, mentally, and emotionally.
My anticipation for 2010...
A fresh start with new beginnings, firsts, and special goals: Getting a special book about breast cancer to the publisher by their March deadline, watching my youngest finish his senior film project and graduate from film school in May, watching my oldest get married in June (and at our house, no less), a special family trip to Alaska, speaking and sharing years of hard work on the study just published (supporting survivors), and other new adventures yet to be unveiled. How appropriate on this last day of 2009, an e-mail came sharing the news that our study was published (go to the Healthy and Fit After Cancer page to view )!
And more than those larger things to anticipate, are the small ones that make up a life, including sunshine, rain, friends old and new, family, cozy fireplaces, laughter, dancing, flowers, music, and being outdoors! I'm certain there will be ups and downs, but I trust I will face the challenges with hope and gratitude, in the spirit of Suzanne Lindley, my friend and mentor for living life out loud.
In studies about what makes people thrive, we've learned that positive anticipation of the future can actually improve our mood and increase our happiness. Give it a try! Think about the coming year with the big and little things you are anticipating. If none come to mind, start making a plan! Even if that plan is one day at a time or one minute at a time, find something you can anticipate and enjoy.
Much love, peace, and hope to you all in 2010.
Happy New Year!!!!