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| We need shade to appreciate the light |
You woke up this morning. Check. You walked over to pour yourself a cup of coffee. Check. You're not terminally ill. Check with fireworks. It's going to be a damn good day! If for one minute today you're feeling stuck, depleted, low-spirited or simply negative - Stop. Breathe. Surrender to whatever the universe is firing your way. Nothing really bad or really good ever lasts that long anyway.With pink ribbons overpowering Halloween decorations, it's pretty clear that cancer has gone from awareness to commonness. This post is for the cheerleaders on the sidelines, supporting anyone fighting an illness. It's also for those who are spectators in the bleachers. Wherever you're standing, you're familiar with the rules. Cancer or any terminal illness is like watching the Super Bowl - you know someone is gonna lose, but you don't know when. Ah the 'when' period is dreadfully painful.
From my experience on the sidelines, I credit yoga for helping me accept the process of life. I sat bedside for weeks helping my grandmother transition into her next phase of life. I'm not going to lie - the little girl in me didn't want to let go. I did a whole lot of breathing. I'd breathe into that pain so that when she'd look at me, she knew she could surrender to the inevitable.
And you? How are you effected by pink ribbons and cancer fundraisers? If you weren't equipped to accept your loss, it's not too late. The universe gives you plenty of second chances. You watched a rookie get intercepted by an overwhelming force, famous for touchdowns. You hoped, you prayed, you wished the odds were better. May be you regret not being present enough. There's a reason you stayed away from the sidelines and that's OK. Cheerleading isn't for everyone. Make peace with yourself by surrendering to what you cannot control.
For all of us who know someone presently ill, I encourage you to follow the rules and cry. Crying is a normal reaction that gets you bonus points. Waiting for the 'when' sucks, but it's an opportunity to recognize how blessed you are to have this person in your life. With a heavy heart, I smile at all those I've lost to cancer, and I pull out my pom poms to the ones on the field.
If you're complaining today. Stop. Breathe. Remind yourself you're healthy, and keep growing.
