Brita Corradini: The Monster in the Suitcase Is a Dust Bunny…
By Brita Corradini on February 16, 2012 11:20 PM | Comments (4)
I had noticed that there were pieces of my life that I was dragging along like a battered piece of luggage. Cancer was one of those suitcases that I started using as a step stool, a chair and a companion. It was always there and so cumbersome that I figured I might as well put it to good use if it was sticking around.
Then, I read something that sent my cancer bag downriver. Cancer cells are just ordinary cells that have forgotten how to communicate. This is of course in ultra layman terms, but it started to make some sense to me. There wasn’t some monster that invaded my body while I slept or forced it’s way into my immune system. My body hadn’t let me down or disappointed me. This experience has stretched my belief that everything happens for a reason, but I’m holding strong to it. There is always a bigger picture and I wouldn’t be surprised if this diagnosis is a small piece to a very big puzzle.
I finally decided to open that bulky bag and peak inside. Guess what I found? Fluff. I am not downplaying cancer but it doesn’t get to rule the roost anymore. I’ve found out through my thorough studying and braniac assessments that cancer is manageable. All you need are a few tools in your belt to start your journey back to strong lioness woman.
Friends and Cheerleaders
It’s got to be nice as a football player when you hear people literally screaming their heads off for you. And there’s a row of adorable girls leading the parade and doing high kicks and throwing their ribboned ponytails around because they’re hoping it’ll help you succeed. Everyone needs a few of those in their corner. I’ve found mine a few blocks away, in a few online support groups and in reading phenomenally encouraging stories about those who have been down this road before me and lived to tell their story. Whatever you are going through in life right now, find your niche. You are NOT alone.
Positive Powder
It’s kind of like internal fairy dust. I had to re-write that sentence so many times since each word I used seemed to already be taken by a recreational drug. So, before you get the wrong idea, (and in case this innocent word also has another purpose) I’ll tell you what I mean. What you put in is what you get out. Yes, incredibly cliche but oh so true. I drink a green vegetable juice every morning with a scoop of insanely healthy green powder, consisting of everything from spirulina and chlorella to sea vegetables and green tea. The big bang total on this bad boy is twenty five billion probiotics from 12 different strands. Now, math may not be my forte, but something is adding up when my energy skyrockets and I am able to last the day without moaning and rolling on the floor from lack of drive. So, pay attention to how your body responds to what you are ingesting and make some changes to lighten the load. In turn, you’ll notice a difference in your waistline and mental clarity.
Homework
I’m so sorry to be the one to break the bad news, but school is never out. As adults, we sometimes snooze on the drive, but you’re missing the best part if you don’t take an active role in your journey. Go and find your hobbies. Sit down on the ground with your kids and draw with sidewalk chalk. Pick a recipe you have never cooked before and surprise yourself with the ability to branch out. You may end up with a misshapen knitted hat or dirty pants from sitting on the ground or a truly terrible dinner, but what a great story to add to your book of life. Harvey MacKay put it perfectly when he said “Nobody said life would be easy, they just promised it would most likely be worth it.”
Breathe
Yep, that simple. Deeply inhale, and very slowly exhale. Repeat. All day. Take one minute to clear your head and thoughts and to-do lists and be silent. Even if this is the only thing you can do from this list, that’s OK. Tomorrow is a squeaky clean and brand new day. Breath through today and start fresh tomorrow.
Peace to each and every one of you.
