A reader posted a comment on yesterday's post, about "Keep it Simple." Now there's a mantra for cancer treatment craziness.
When it comes down to what really needs to be accomplished today, and what can wait - Keep it Simple - we need groceries to fill the fridge, more than we need to drop off extra supplies back at a hospital office kind enough to give them to us in the first place. We have to eat today - they have sufficient supplies that our paltry return will be as nothing on those well-stocked shelves.
When it comes down to what each of us can bear, if Robert needs a time-out to straighten his head or just have the cool water of peace swish through his soul, then keep it simple - make the space for him to go off alone and putter, by giving myself the space to start a painting, cut out a garment I wish to sew, or do one of a zillion things I can do, alone and happy.
When the logistics are getting complicated about who can drive me where, to get this or that done on this or that day at this or that time, and I can't yet feel comfortable driving myself to a distant hospital for a CT scan to stage the tumour - keep it simple - call my sponsor/dear friend and ASK. She of course agreed, which means I get to have a meeting with my sponsor and some wonderful laughs and the pleasure of her company, making this an outing I can enjoy instead of just another obligation.
Keep it Simple. Cut my day down into bite-size chews, and that way I'm not faced with a mountain I think I need to devour within the next ten minutes; I can take it one step, one day at a time.
Thank you for that blessing,
I forgot to add that I had breast cancer 17 years ago - surgery, chemo and radiation. I remember the peaceful calm I felt after the first shocking week or two. I realized there were fewer grays in my life. You have to save your time and energy for the important people, places and things. My endless "To Do" list shrunk quickly and I enjoyed that. I also quit responding to people who began a sentence with "You need to . . . " No I do not need to do something because another thinks so!!!
ReplyDeleteOver time I have forgotten some of this so your posts are so helpful. Take care.
When I was fighting depression I was surprised how long many things could be left undone and the world never came to an end. Just the basics when surviving is all that is on the list. Take care.
ReplyDeleteSo true. I can complicate things if I go into my head. Instead, by concentrating on the necessities, I feel much more at peace. Wishing you the best.
ReplyDeleteThank you for posting about this; it is so important to do things that bring you pleasure and healthy distraction, so that you don't feel your whole life is about being sick. Time for yourself alone, asking for help, keeping it simple, how important is it--all of these things I learned in AlAnon and need to practice every day. I'm very grateful for your blog. Having cancer treatment is like having a new job; they keep you very busy, but just as with a job, you need time off. A good mystery novel takes me away for a while, and I'm sure you have an equivalent, and sewing and painting and writing. You have a great attitude--thank you.
ReplyDeleteI appreciate your willingness to show up and share with others. This opening up is a gift for me it still is difficult to risk they might see the person I have been hiding...
ReplyDeleteOne day at a time I keep turning it over and over
Hi! I've been reading your blog for a little while now. I live in an area where there is an Al-Anon meeting withing driving distance pretty much every day of the week, but sometimes it's too late in the day and I've missed it, or it's morning and the meeting isnt until 7pm, or . . . So I made up a folder of bookmarks to Al-Anon blogs, that I can use as my own sort of mini-meeting. It has helped me tremendously. I just wanted to tell you how grateful I am to you for sharing your experience through this blog.
ReplyDeleteI am thinking of you and missing you on this blog. I hope and pray that things are going ok for you. Thank you for all your thoughts for al anon and others.
ReplyDeleteI am concerned about you. Hope that all is going okay. Thinking of you.
ReplyDeleteI've been a little afraid to ask how you are, but I'm sure many of your readers are wondering. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Keep on keeping it simple, but let us know how you are. You are loved and missed.
ReplyDeleteI too really appreciate your articulateness, vulnerability, and all the profound insight you share on this blog. I was away from it from a while and wanted to check back in and see how you were doing. I always gain something from reading here, and I am praying for you.
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