Picking Up The Pieces

“It’s not what you go through that defines you; you
can’t help that. It’s what you do after you go through
it, that defines who you really are.” – Unknown

I love this quote.  I think it applies to all of us, no matter what you are enduring or what you have endured.  We all endure strife in our lives at some point.  What’s that saying, “nobody gets out of here alive?”  But it’s what you do with your life after the experience which defines you.  Do you pick up the pieces and help others through what you’ve endured?  Or do you wallow in a lifelong pity party and never recover?  Does the experience define you?  Or do you allow it to enrich the tapestry of your life?  Do you use it as a springboard to better yourself ~  to find you have more strength, more endurance, more spirit than you ever knew?  Do you use it to grow personally, spiritually, physically and to expand your life?  Or do you wither, weaken. grieve and wallow in your troubles?

As many of you know, I am a breast cancer survivor.  My disease changed me in so many ways, many definable and many so subtle that it’s taken years for me to see the changes that this experience gave to me.  I am grateful for the lessons learned through that experience although I will never say that I am happy that I had breast cancer.  The experience has gifted me with understanding, courage and deep friendships for which I am ever grateful.  Sure, it’s been a long journey (and it still is).  There have been potholes, tears, fears and grieving for what’s been lost forever.  There are memories lost to a chemo-riddled brain and there’s a body which has more scar tracks than a train yard.  There are lifelong limitations which plague me daily.  There is sadness for what is lost, what is lacking and what is missed.  But there’s also gratitude for what is, what’s come into my life which is good and for being here today and now.  Sure I could go on and on about the hell I’ve survived and I will share if you’re enduring the same.  I don’t want you to feel alone because I’m offering you my hand, my friendship, my understanding.

My blog is aptly named because I cherish The Presents of Presence.  I hold dear the preciousness of today for none of us is guaranteed a tomorrow.  I am filled with gratitude for this moment in time and I am determined to make the most of it.  I am blessed.  I know it and I want you to feel it as well.

What about you?  Do you feel that way about your experience?  Please share!

Shine On!

xo

The Rainbow Connection

Rainbow cloud over morning moon with star

(taken w/iPhone5)

Yesterday my son and I went out to the bus as we do every morning and it was he who happened to turn around to see this spectacular sight!  I rushed to get my phone from my pocket to take the photo as it only lasted a minute or two before the cloud and rainbow dissipated.  I am so grateful that we were able to capture it as I had never seen this before ~ and I am so sorry that the photo is fuzzy because it was truly amazing.

But it reminded me in a gentle way as many nudges from the Universe/God/Source/Spirit come ~ to take time to see all the nuances of life during the hustle and bustle season.  And according to the Muppets, to make a wish on the morning moon star, especially if it encompasses a rainbow!

So here I am…

My wish is for love to encompass the Earth, fill all of our hearts with its magic

and to bring peace as well to all mankind.

Shine On!

xo

Do you remember The Rainbow Connection from the Muppet Movie?

The Power of Purr

This is my baby Tiffy in our favorite position, on the couch, wrapped in blankies, face up like a baby, snuggled next to my heart, her purr reverberating into my soul.  She just knows and verbally meows at me until I take her in my arms and sit down.  We snuggle, I regain my bearings and enjoy the presents of being present for a bit.  It’s amazing what a little bit of fur therapy (our family word for holding the cat and petting her soft fur) can do ~ it can calm you, center you, wipe away tears and help you to feel the love.  There is power in purring, I truly believe this as our other cat Chessie who passed away in March most definitely helped me through breast cancer by staying by my side at all times and purring by my side so that her powerful purr reverberated into my body and soul.  I know I sound like a crazy cat lady, but I do believe in the power of purr.  Sometimes it’s the smallest things that Make a Difference in our lives. ♥

So, today, here’s a bit of virtual fur therapy for you!  May you know you are loved.

Shine On!

xo

This post is also doubling as Michelle’s Pet Challenge…join us by clicking here!