No Bullshit

I am extremely grateful and blessed to have opened my eyes this morning with some pep in my step. The few days after treatment aren't always the greatest. But today I am filled with passion for my purpose which is to send out messages of hope, inspiration, courage, and love. A grim prognosis of any kind can bring you down, but we always have a choice to rise above it and live for today. My prayers were full of tears for a long while asking God to help me know what it is I'm supposed to be doing besides sitting on the couch feeling sorry for myself. When I decided to open my bible the very first scripture that I saw was Luke 1:79: To give light to those who sit in darkness and the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace. So here I am doing something I have always loved, (writing) and sharing what knowledge I have about this disease, life, and finding your purpose. I want people to know what God has done in my life and the difference He can make in yours. We are all souls created by Him framed within a human border existing to love and be loved by each other and all the creatures of His world. Gratitude. Forgiveness. Kindness. If each of us practiced just one of these everyday our world would become a better place. We have to change ourselves in order to change the world. Be thankful for at least one thing today.

I've learned through this illness that I am being tested. A test and a testament of my faith. A calling, if you will, to accept responsibility for my actions and let God lead me into my future. Some may say I'm preaching too much, but this is just my experience and I want to share it. I used to believe you HAD to go to church every Sunday and that you'd go to hell for any little sin you committed. Now I know that I can have a personal relationship with God, just Him and I for now and if that leads to encouraging others or attending a house of worship then that's great. But all you need is the first step.

I try to follow a daily routine or ritual to stay in habit of being thankful and compassionate.

• Approach the day in silent contemplation with a good cup of coffee.
• Once my mind is clear, I open my heart and give thanks or pray.
• I light a candle to send out positive energy and blessings for whatever or whoever is weighing on my mind that day.

It could be: "Today I light this candle for anyone suffering with cancer." Or the homeless, someone specific, or yourself. Or just a prayer for these things.

• Go out and breathe some fresh air, or open a window for a moment.
• Read a passage from the bible.

I always ask for a message for that day and then open it up randomly. Sometimes it isn't clear at first, so I just keep reading.

• Take a break and go outside. Be thankful for all of creation. Our world, specifically nature, is amazing when you stop and look around. Take it in for a few moments.
• Laugh.....so hard your belly hurts.
• Tell people you love them. Give someone encouragement or a simple "I'm thinking of you." "You're doing great." or "You're beautiful."

I'm a prime example that prayer works. That's what I believe. Even if you don't want to meet God, or you believe in something else, use it for the good. Every religion or belief leads back to one essential life force: LOVE! When you start doing good things, good things come to you! It's the law of cause and effect or Karma. Whatever you send out make it positive.

I hope you all have good intentions for today and may you be blessed with all that you ask for.

Thanks for reading,

Jen