HAWMC Day 22: Day to Day Inspiration!

Today's task for Day 22 of WEGO Health's Health Activist Writer's Challenge is to write about the day to day ordinary things that inspire you.

There are so many things on a day to day basis that inspire me. Because I am heavily involved in large cancer community people that I come into contact inspire mostly more than they will ever know. Tonight is prime example, I went down to current LIVESTRONG at the YMCA session to see how the class was doing, sharing some info with them about other existing programs out there that they may be interested and just generally see how I could help them. While there I was speaking to someone who is still currently going through treatment and is far to hard on himself for not being able to do what he thinks he should be able to do. We had a very long conversation about life obligations as well as his goals. He was inspiring to me because although he is in the midst of fighting for his life that isn't his focus he still wants to live his life! That was extremely motivating and inspiring to me to make sure I keep doing what I am doing so that I can help others achieve their goals!

There are so many other little things too that inspire me...
- Whenever I see someone doing any kind of exercise; running, walking, biking, etc. they inspire me because I know what it takes to put those things into motion.
-People that stand up for what they believe in. Even if it happens to be something that I don't necessarily agree with. Standing behind what you believe takes a lot of work.
-Waking up to the birds chirping letting me know a new has begun, it's like a clean slate waiting for what I want to put on it.
-The children in my class. Just seeing how much progress they have made and how much their brains absorb.

One thing recently that has been extremely inspiring is the overall human generosity in Boston. I have lived just outside of Boston my entire life but the ties I have to that city are strong. More memories then I have time to share here. So the recent attack was really personal. However to see so many people running to the aide of other despite their own safety with even the slightest hope of helping/saving them is astounding. Seeing not only the people in Boston/New England rallying around and supporting the city but support across the world is inspiring. Knowing how much support all these bombing survivors will have is inspiring. The survivors themselves are inspiring, telling their stories in addition to providing comfort and support each other.

There are so many small things in the world that are inspiring you just have to know where to look and be willing to accept them. I have also learned that you have to be willing to offer inspiration as well it's like one big complete circle.

So my advice is to live in the moment and take the inspiration where you can get!

HAWMC Day 21 - Adversity

Today's task for Day 21 of WEGO Health Activist Writer's Challenge was to decided if the saying "The flower that blooms in adversity is the rarest and most beautiful of all." is true or false and when do I bloom best.

I think that the flower that blooms in adversity is the rarest and most beautiful of all is absolutely true! Unfortunately it seems that when you are faced with misfortune or distress that is when the best usually comes out in people.

If you think about everything that just happened this past week in Boston that is a prime example of what happens in adversity. All the people that ran in to help those hurt, all the law enforcement agents putting their lives on the line to keep so many people safe. The way everyone is supporting Boston and all those hurt or that lost their lives. My point is that the events were beyond horrific but it brought out the best, most caring side of humanity. It is just sad that it usually takes adversity to get to that point.

For me personally my cancer was my adversity. It changed my life forever. It made me realize there are so many things in life that just aren't worth worrying about or being involved in. Life is way to short to sweat the small stuff! I am a much happier and helpful person now and I love it.

As far as when do I blossom I would have to say when I can use my experience with my cancer adversity to help others that are facing a similar situation. It brings me so much joy knowing I can help others hopefully get through their journey and end up with a similar outlook when theirs is all over too.

I try to remember what I felt when facing lymphoma so that I am that helpful, happy, compassionate person that I so badly want to make sure I am.