Hey buddy, do you have a match!?!?!?

A lot can be said about a person by the way they cope with bad situations.  Some turn to substances, some turn to inflicting physical pain on themselves or others, some turn to food, others just turn off the world so they can process the news.

Hi my name is Lisa, I bet you can't tell which one of those categories I fall into? Who would've guessed with a blog post (to the general public, I might add) that I fall into the "isolation" category. Yes, siree.. I said it.. Isolation is my coping mechanism.  After all, It has worked so well (insert sarcasm here) for me in the past, but lately?  Not so much!! I keep thinking back to what my dad always tells me, "No matter what honey, you always land on your feet."  Well these days, I sure feel like I spend more time on my knees in prayer, than on my feet.. that's for sure!!




As with any great epiphany, I've been thinking a lot about why I isolate myself from others when things feel like they're crushing me, and I think I'm missing just one thing..Keep reading, and then tell me if you think I'm on the right path here...

Sometimes it is the relationships in our lives that save us from those dark and terrible moments; moments like hearing your mom has cancer, or finding out your uncle has leukemia, or hearing that your friend's dad has passed away.  

So tonight readers, I will ask one simple question:  Do you have the kind of relationships in your life that light the way when you just can't seem to generate a little... tiny.. spark?  

If you answered yes to that question, I'm so glad that there are people in your life that love and care for you. You are truly one of the lucky ones!! :)

If you answered no to that question; Try this..Take some time to reflect upon what is holding you back from those relationships. Then get out there and start developing them!! (Really, that's more of a request than a direct order) After all, there is nothing more valuable than a network of people in your life when life seems to be crushing you.

Seriously folks.. Life is precious!  Don't let another day go by without sharing YOUR spark.   

Sometimes....

Sometimes, it takes everything we have to just breathe. This week (although only Tuesday) is that time for me.

A lot of stresses are hitting all at once lately. Now while the old me would prefer to ignore them and stay inside my protective bubble, I realize that I must recognize these stresses, work through them, and move on. It's called LIFE. Good, bad, or ugly we are here to live it.. So live it I shall!

This is no easy task for me because I often doubt my own ability to move forward. I often over- analyze every situation to the point of driving me a little crazy.  I often sabotage my own life so that I can pave the way for others.  Not this time.. Oh no! Not this time.  

This time, instead of old habits taking over, I have decided that a peaceful heart, a morning alone with prayer, keeping a positive outlook, and being true to myself will pull me through whatever "life" throws my way. 

It has taken me quite some time to get to this point; but now that I'm here, I'm grateful to my CR friends who have helped me see that overcoming my own discomfort, my own insecurities; I am able to MOVE forward instead of retreating back into my protective bubble. 

The bubble has popped!  *POP* Did you hear it? 

I will climb down off my soap box now. :)

Good night. Hold your children tight. My hope tonight is that my words will be inspire one person to shed their bubble and move forward.. :)

What price am I willing to pay?

There are so many things happening in my life right now.  Mom is still battling her cancer, but thank God she only has one chemo treatment left.  Then I found out another family member has the most aggressive type of leukemia there is; so he begins intensive chemotherapy this week too, soon to be followed by a bone marrow transplant.

I also haven't been feeling my best lately.  I finally took myself to the doctor, and my diverticulitis has flared up again, so THREE antibiotics later, here I sit on a clear liquid diet... again.  UGH! 

All of these medical problems seem like a lot, right?  Well, in my experience lately, there are no coincidences.. EVERYTHING happens for one reason or another... and here is what I believe to be true after doing a ton of reading.

1) Smoking=CANCER.. I never thought I would be one of those reformed smokers that preached to others, but I beg of you; if you're still smoking... please stop, and stop NOW!  Got it?




2)  Help others:  However you can, whenever you can. In relation to that topic, I am looking for a few people who would be open to volunteering for bone marrow donation. I must warn you, I do not know any of the specifics (i.e. what is involved in the screening process, what type will be needed, time frame, etc.).. I have tried to find information on the screening process, and how matches are determined through various leukemia sites, and honestly... the only information available is for potential matches, and what to expect during the donation procedure.  Not much help to concerned family members.. neat, huh??


3) Finally, I am admitting to myself, and to all of you, that although I had every intention in the WORLD of staying focused to this 90 day Challenge life has been swirling around me, and I fell off.  I believe that because of the poor food choices I made, I now have to deal with the pain of the diverticulitis flare up. Now, I am no doctor, but I see a definite correlation here  :(... So, I guess this was God's way of telling me that I need to keep drinking my Vi shakes. Shakes are what my body NEEDS. Shakes have kept me healthy for the past 19 months. Shakes do a body good.  Ok body, you've got my attention.. I won't stop drinking them again, I promise..

Please leave comments on any of the above topics.  I'm interested in hearing what you have to say.

Have a great day, love yourself as you would love others, and focus on your health!  :)