Giving is Living!

How important is giving back to the community, your family, your friends, or even a complete stranger you meet on the street?  Do you need to be wealthy to give back?  Do you need to have hours of free time?  Have you ever felt like you don’t have any skills that will be useful to someone else?  Everyone has something they can contribute to the world around them.  The tiniest acts of kindness can make the biggest difference in someone’s day.  Just ask Kristin Pedemonti who has given away over 500 bottles of bubbles on the NYC subway and carries a “Free Hugs” sign wherever she goes, because we all need our daily quota of hugs.




It is important to the community as well as you to be actively giving back each day, even it is simply giving someone a hug to make their day a little brighter.  I promise you that for every act of kindness you show not only will you bring joy to someone else but your day will be brighter and your body, mind and soul a bit healthier.

There are many ways to volunteer that don’t involve money in any way, not even a dime of gas.  You don’t need hours of free time to bring a smile to someone’s face.  Read a story to a child, compliment a stranger, give a hug to someone who may need one, share a meal with a neighbor, the list goes on and I am sure you can come up with a few of your own.  Become a virtual volunteer, check out ways you can volunteer online, no special skills needed, if you are living, breathing and can do anything at all you have what it takes to make someone’s day better.

A 2005 Stanford University survey of 7000 older adults found that frequent volunteering and helping others is linked to a healthier, longer life.  The study also showed it didn’t need to be giving on a grand scale, it could be anything meaningful.

Allen Luk's 1991 survey of thousands of volunteers in the US found that people who helped others reported better health than peers in their age group who didn’t volunteer. 

A recent survey of 4500 American volunteers showed the following;

• 73% reported that volunteering lowered their stress levels

• 89% reported that volunteering improved their sense of well being

• 92% reported that volunteering enriched their sense of purpose

So what are you waiting for?  Get out there and give some free hugs, blow some bubbles, give someone a smile..you have no excuse...I have given you links to some great opportunities and I’m sure you can create a few of your own...give to others and you will always be giving back to yourself.

For more on Kristen and her storytelling adventure as well as her literacy program please visit her site.  To leave comments on her TED video click here.

Smile and others will smile with you...

Have you ever noticed that when someone yawns you immediately feel a yawn coming on?   How about those moments of contagious laughter?  I remember moments of laughter with my family and friends that went on so long that my cheeks hurt, I was crying, my stomach was cramping, and I thought we would never stop laughing.

Do you notice that when you are spending time with someone filled with doom and gloom you feel a bit blue?  I suggest you pick a new color, after all there’s an entire rainbow.  Have you ever cried simply because someone else was crying?  Even if you had no idea why they were crying?  Do you ever find yourself smiling when someone smiles at you?  There is a correlation between your emotions and your facial expressions and a real smile is an emotional contagion.

So what is real?  How do you differentiate between a real smile and a fake one?  It’s all in the eyes, yes really it’s all in the eyes.  The Duchenne Smile was first identified by French physician Guillaume Duchenne who discovered a clear anatomical difference between a real smile and a fake one.  His research showed that a real smile activated not only the muscles that lift the corner of the mouth but the muscles around the eyes.  You know the ones, those muscles that we lovingly call crows feet..so be proud if your crow’s feet are quite visible..it is a sign that you have had a long life filled with smiles.  

Most often we associate a smile with first being happy, but did you know that if you are feeling down and you think of something that makes you smile, you now bring happiness to your day by first having the smile.  Try this experiment, think of something that makes you smile, keep smiling and now change your thought to something sad and try to maintain your smile.  If you are truly smiling and then think of something sad you can’t maintain that smile.  Now, think of something that brings joy to you and try not to smile..not so easy is it?

Each of us have so many reason’s throughout our day to smile and if you can’t think of a reason just stop and think of all the things you have to be grateful for in your life.  If you are still having a problem just look at the list of reasons to smile on this website and I bet you will come up with a few of your own.

Smiling improves your health and well-being.  When you smile and feel the joy associated with a smile you can lower your blood pressure, reduce anxiety, increase positive energy, and enhance the life of those you meet throughout your day.  A smile crosses language and cultural boundaries and is the best communication weapon you have and you carry it with you everywhere.  Whoever may have said that the mouth is a very powerful weapon may have been speaking about what comes out of the mouth but I believe that the silent voice of our mouths is equally as important.

No matter the emotion or the facial expression, it is undeniable that what is written on your face and is in your heart effects those around you.  The more genuine the expression, the more effective it is, so if you think faking a smile is going to make someone’s day..forget it...if you really want to make someone’s day, keep it real.  Make today the day that you unleash your inner smile guru!

I'm back...

Hello to all my loyal readers and fellow survivors.  I apologize for the lack of blog posts.  Prepare yourselves to get some great weekly updates.  For most of June I was on a very special trip across America as part of the crew for a wonderful racer in RAAM, Janet Christiansen.  If you don't know what RAAM is, please visit http://www.raceacrossamerica.org.  The Race Across America is the world's toughest bicycle race that most of you have never heard of.  I would have to say that this race is as tough on the crew as it is the rider(s).  There is no comparison to the Tour de France, unlike the tour, when the clock starts it never stops.  Imagine riding 3,000 miles on the seat of a bicycle in 12 days or less.  No monetary prize, and if you don't finish in the allotted time frame you are considered a "did not finish" even if you ride the entire route.  Stay tuned, I will be publishing a short story about this experience.

July has also come and gone spending time with family.  Now August has arrived and it is time to work on getting those bicycle wheels turning again.  It is time to resume the path of random acts of kindness.

Write to me, let me know what you would like to see here.  I would love for you to leave a comment, tell me where your favorite cancer center is and what makes it unique.  Why I should put it on my list of centers to visit.

Stay tuned, I am going to work on a video post for you about what I learned from my trip across country.

Kindness Counts

Busy as I can be, the new Karma cards are now ready! There is also a new line of gifts coming soon, perfect for survivors of all kinds and for those you love.

This journey has brought me to the realization that the most important form of currency I have available to me, no matter what my bank account says, is kindness. The kindness I give away and the kindness I receive, these are what keep me going when I think I can't do this any more. I decided I needed to start a movement of kindness but I am only one person and doing this all on my own would take a long time. However, with all of you reading this spreading your own kindness the movement would spread quickly. I also realized that many times in life we can't pay the kindness back, but we can always pay it forward.

Karma cards are my way of making this a game of fun and inspiration. Do something anonymously for someone and leave the card behind, watch the kindness spread. I will be changing the site in the very near future and there will be a page for your stories and a place to order the cards and the gifts. Stay tuned. In the meantime, if you are interested in the cards, send me an email and I will give you more info on purchasing or how to get them free. Send them with flowers, or a secret gift, use them when you pay for a strangers coffee. Get creative, I am sure you can find many ways to use this great little card.

The world is a one big "favor bank," you do something for someone, they do something for someone, someone does something for you..get it, Karma..What goes around, comes around! Are you ready to play?

I have the honor and privilege of crewing for the upcoming RAAM (Race Across America). I intend to leave these cards all along the cross country route, every place I can find a way to leave some kindness behind. Join me in the fun!

A Day of Healing Cranes...

Warm, sunny weather and warm, sunny greetings is how my day at Moffitt Cancer Center started.  With each visit to a new place there is always an excitement and anticipation of the unknown.  I do my research before deciding where to visit but there are still things you cannot anticipate.  I have discovered that no matter how comprehensive the website you cannot fully understand all that you may experience when you finally arrive at a cancer center.


Whether you are there as a patient, a caregiver, or simply a guest, there are so many unseen experiences to be found.

Moffitt Cancer Center is located in Tampa, Florida on the campus of the University of Florida.  The first thing I noticed was that just the building alone had a welcoming presence.  It didn’t have a cold, clinical feel.

My day began with the Manager of Patient Relations.  We dropped my bike and bags in the office and there is where the day began.  I had a small audience to share my story of survivorship with and since that is what this trip is about I was happy to oblige.  Sharing my story would end up being a theme throughout the visit.

I was taken to many parts of this wonderful facility and I will highlight a few of what I like to call the lesser known aspects of the day.

An early stop was in the Arts In Medicine department where I was introduced to several people and shared my story again.  It was there that I learned the story of the healing cranes, inspired by the family of a patient.  In Japan the crane is a symbol of peace and healing and the tradition is to fold a thousand “cranes,” for healing.  There were cranes on display throughout the area and I would soon discover they were on the desks in other parts of the center.  The Arts In Medicine department decided to put their own unique spin on this tradition so instead of having each patient fold a thousand cranes, their patients are instructed to write a healing message on the inside of the wing and hang the crane where it can be seen a thousand times and used as a reminder of peaceful, positive moments.  They graciously offered me the instructions on how to make my own healing crane.  I can’t wait to try it.  Arts in healing is so very important, it can bring a sense of calm in the midst of the storm.  Arts is a way to focus the mind on something positive, energy flows where attention goes and therefore focusing on the positive brings positive results.

I heard them make an announcement for a soon to begin meditation session for stress reduction.  That was the next sign that this center was treating the person and not just the disease.  The sentiment with patients and families seemed in agreement, as I heard them express they were glad that they were receiving their care at Moffitt. 

As we made our way through the different parts of the building I got an explanation for the things I saw along the way and the next place I would share my story was in the patient library.  That is where I left my gift of Livestrong wristbands.  That would also be where I would be introduced to the hospital president.  A very welcoming man, he was sincerely interested in my story and the fact that I had chosen to visit Moffitt along the way.  We chatted for a bit and then it was time to move on.  I now had a new tour guide. 

I was thrilled when I was shown HER Place, a special place for women where they can research and get information on the illness they have.  Her Place is complete with computers, written materials and so much more and it is quietly tucked in a corner away from the hustle and bustle of patient activity.



Another wonderful, relaxing feature was a fairly large rock display with a fountain.  It was very serene and in the warm, sunny weather of Florida would be a plus for anyone needing to escape.

Next I would be shuttled off the main campus to meet with a woman who is doing some wonderful work in risk assessment, detection and intervention.  She has an amazing story and the work she is doing focused on HPV is certainly near to my heart.  I think we could have talked for hours.  Needless to say, I will spread the word wherever I go, on the importance of her work.

I lost count of how many times I shared my story that day.  To be honest, the time just seemed to slip away.  Everyone at this facility went out of there way to make sure I had a successful visit.  When the day was done, I was given a ride to my host’s home and all ended beautifully.

For more information on Moffitt Cancer Center click here.

Inspiration in the most unlikely places..

You may ask yourself, why I am visiting places along my journey that most people try to avoid.  The answer would be a simple one, love and inspiration.  I have learned that some of the most inspiring people are those you meet in some of the most typically uninspiring places.  With my family history of cancer it is only fitting that these destinations be on my agenda.  And I must say, using the Brompton is making that process a whole lot easier. 

I received a very warm welcome to MD Anderson, Orlando from the moment I contacted them right through to the end of a wonderful tour.  I was guided through the history of this premier health care facility and shown many unique features and programs by the centers Manager of Customer Relations.  She has had an impressive 23 years with this organization and her dedication and pride show, not only in her smile, but in the wealth of information she imparts.

 I arrived at about 10:15am and was greeted by two smiling happy women working the reception area.  As I waited for my tour guide to arrive I watched and listened.  This wasn't about what I saw as much as what I didn't see.  Yes there were people who were very sick coming and going from their appointments and treatments.  What was not present was sadness or an air of negativity.  I would find later in my tour that it didn't seem to exist anywhere in the building.

I won't linger on the history of MD Anderson, for that you can visit their website www.mdacco.com
I will instead touch on things that I think go above and beyond in making this a stand out facility.  The first thing you notice when looking at anything concerning MD Anderson is that the word Cancer in the name has a strike through it and underneath the name the words, "Making Cancer History".  This is one very powerful message.

This beautiful lady sits in the lobby/reception area, her name is Sophie and I was told she is the "Cower of Hope" and her name holds a special meaning.  Rearrange the letters, have you figured it out?  Hope Is!  She is adorable and fun, loved her rain boots and beads.  She helps to set the tone and lightened the mood of what could otherwise be a very somber environment.

I noticed a gentleman coming in with a wheeled cart filled to the brim with fresh citrus.  He was immediately greeted at the reception area with a smile and a hug.  He explained that this fruit was just a small token of his appreciation for the care his wife had been receiving.  He went on to explain what all the things in the basket were and then talked a bit more about his story.  I politely spoke up and said I couldn't help but overhear the conversation and that I was grateful to hear such an inspiring story.  He explained that he couldn't express how grateful he was and that if it weren't for the doctors and nurses at MD Anderson, he didn't believe his wife would still be with him.  This was just the beginning of the gratitude I sensed from so many people on this tour.  If you are reading this sir, thank you for the grapefruit!

 Up we go to a testing floor.  The first thing you hear and see when you come off the elevator is Craig.  He is playing a soft, soothing tune on his guitar, it was almost Zen like.  I was told that he is part of the Arts Program and moves around to different areas to play as a way of additionally soothing the patients.  It was amazing, thanks to Craig for taking his picture with me. 
It turns out that music is only a small part of MD Anderson's Arts Program and I would see some of that later in the morning. 

The little touches that make a big difference didn't end with the Arts Program.  Even the art on the walls was carefully chosen.  Next floor of the tour, I met a wonderful woman who had just come back from running with the Team Livestrong in Austin.  It was clear that she loved what she was doing.  Livestrong is a resounding message throughout this center.

One thing that stood out as I made my way around this facility was that they are treating the patient, not just the disease.  I was taken to an area where integrative medicine or mind/body medicine is offered.  The most fun for me with my massage therapy and Reiki background.  Once again it was the little touches that stood out.  Yes they offer presentations on healthy living, and nutrition, but who would have thought about a drum circle, tai chi, and a Labyrinth.  Better yet, how about afternoon tea.

Or how about the small class we passed along the way learning how to make healthy dessert choices.  I was introduced to the leaders in that class and I could immediately see they were very passionate about what they were doing.  They certainly had everyone's attention.

Just outside of this area where they held afternoon tea was a special bell hanging on the wall.  This bell is for anyone who has finished their treatment.  They are told to ring it in celebration of life and the end of treatment.  How cool is that.

There are many more great things I could say about the couple of hours I spent at MD Anderson however I would just like to end this post with a thank you to all the wonderful people at MD Anderson.  You are doing a spectacular job.  I think this last picture sums up in one word what the atmosphere at MD Anderson speaks volumes to.  So you see, many inspiring moments can come from the most unlikely places.  Share your inspiring moments in an unlikely place in the comments below.

Blessings

Where do I begin this update?  Every moment of the day I feel so blessed.  I am blessed to have all of you, my followers and supporters. I am blessed to be able to do what I am doing.  I am blessed by all the kind strangers I meet along this journey.  I can't begin to count all my blessings, I will start with the two newest.

The first came as a complete surprise.  I was contacted via Say Hello which isn't unusual but this time it was someone who was hired by a major university health system to do an educational infographic on cervical cancer risk factors and preventative measures.  It was explained to me that this company found me while researching information for the work they were hired to do and that my story inspired the design for the infographic.  Now how cool is that!  In less than a 2 week period of online collaboration the project was finished and is now live.  I am so honored to have been asked to be a part of this project that will be an educational tool for potentially thousands and thousands of women.  Please check it out, it is interactive so drive the car and whatever you do, don't forget to click on the bicycle.  Follow this link; http://iuhealth.org/cancer/cervical-cancer-risk/

On to the second blessing.  I do believe that everyone that enters our lives is a teacher and although we may not know the lesson at the time, we need to just be mindful and learn.  Some of you know that one way I am able to keep spreading smiles and happiness to survivors is by taking on some freelance writing projects.  I was searching through some ads and came across one that peaked my interest.  I could feel the emotion in the ad.  It was written by a father who lost his daughter to a little known disease.  I replied to that ad offering my assistance.  After exchanging a few email I was introduced to the founder of an organization that celebrates women.  Just this week I was featured on that site;  http://acelebrationofwomen.org/?p=76128 

I cannot begin to express the gratitude I feel for being asked to be part of these amazing projects.  The exciting thing is there are more to come.  I can't share just yet but you will be the first to know.

Positive intent brings positive results.  If you are struggling and not sure where you are going in life, set your intentions in the way you wish to go.  See life as you want it to be and that is what you will soon create. 
 

Are you listening?

This post is being written as the words flow from my heart.  As I proceed on this journey life unfolds before me.  I am open to receiving all the messages that come to me through everyday happenings. 

I was with a new friend just recently and decided that I needed a movie to watch for those nights when I just need an escape into another world.  I asked my spirit to lead me to what I should watch.  I don't normally buy movies while traveling but I figured I would send it to someone and pass it along as a gift.  The movie didn't win any awards, it is probably a movie that many never heard of, it is however a movie I was lead to.  I watched that movie tonight and I now know why.  Lately I have had moments where I just don't know if I can do this, it is tough.  I miss my family and to be honest this trip put me totally out of my comfort zone.  The message from this movie, not only are you making a difference, but you need to push on because the road will lead to greater love and joy. 

I am finding that the more I travel this road, the more messages I receive in the most unusual ways.  One day last week I was up until 3 am working on a project and just couldn't seem to get it right.  I decided to take a break and check my email.  The first email I open says, "there comes a time when we are best served to call a project done"... Talk about a wake up call, or in the case of 3am, a good night call. 

Just a short time later I was thinking about someone I was waiting to hear from about something important and as I was preparing to call them, up popped an email.  How can I not listen to what messages are there in everyday happenings.

All too often, we get so caught up in life that we forget to live, to listen.  I believe that this post was meant for someone who is reading it who may be in need of encouragement, hope, or maybe just your own wake up call.  It is so simple to hear your messages, just listen and remember messages may come from anywhere, an email, an unexpected phone call, even a movie that few have heard of. 

Give a smile to a stranger.  Don't wait for people to be kind, show them how.  Do something for someone who can never repay you and even better do so anonymously.  I hope that all of you reading this will take some time today to just breath, to just live, to just listen. 

Hope Center

Hello from Central Florida! I just wanted to share with you a bit about yesterdays visit to the Hope Center, part of The Central Florida Cancer Institute.  It was a beautiful day in Central Florida for a bicycle ride.  I love riding bike in warm, sunny temperatures and there is nothing better than knowing you will bring a smile to someone at the end of the ride. 

The day started with a few adjustments to the bicycle, can't go for a bike ride without making sure all equipment is in order.  I had directions in the map holder and off I went.  I thought I was prepared for an easy day of bike riding.  I would soon find a few hitches in that bike ride.

The first would be my directions, I had gotten the directions from Google maps for cyclists.  The first two roads were accurate.  The road I was on changed names, Google failed to mention that.  Then the next road listed, didn't exist.  That made things interesting.  I followed my instincts and knew that I was okay where I was.

I decided to use the map function on my phone to see if it would any more use for this bicycle trip.  I got directions from my current location, all seemed well until I looked for the second road I was told to turn on.  I rode quite a ways before thinking it can't possibly be this far and turning around.  It was then that I discovered the road I was told to take only existed to the right, it had a different name in the direction I was told to go...lol.  Now the bike ride had to be back on track.  Right?

The street names and directions from here were more accurate, not quite what you would want but I was able to figure them out.  Now I was able to enjoy the ride, maybe.  Okay, not completely, most of the roads had no shoulder and some inconsiderate drivers.  I have learned to expect that so I do not let that bother me, I just ride the bike with extreme caution. 

Half way to my destination the most amazing birds walked out in front of me.  I have since been told they are Sandhill Cranes.  Thank you Jessica and Lisa for the education.  At first there was one on each side of the road, as I stopped to watch, it was like a dance in friendship as the slowly made their way toward each other.  They seemed not to be bothered by me at all.  They walked gracefully, side by side, occasionally stopping to dig in the dirt.  They didn't move much until a tiny white Chihuahua came prancing down the sidewalk.  Apparently they aren't fond of dogs...lol..wow what an awful noise.  A few pictures and I moved on.

Not much further down the road, I can see I am coming up on a school, the sounds of happy children are in the air and then the sound of a not so happy dog.  Now I find myself being chased down the road by a dog who came darting under the fence and across the road to let me know she didn't like me.  Okay so the bike ride is now a race so as to not get bit.  I won!

The rest of my ride to Hope Center was beautiful and uneventful.  I arrived feeling great, parked the bike just outside the entrance and went inside.  The only person in the waiting area at that time was a pharmaceutical rep.  Soon a receptionist appeared to talk with him.  She disappeared to get someone to help him and I introduced myself.  It turns out he had seen me riding on the back road to the center.  We had a great conversation, he wished me well and I went to speak to the receptionist.  I gave her my card as she informed me everyone was in a meeting.  I told her to please give them a thank you for me.  It was now time to share a smile with some survivors.  I walked outside to find a couple who were just getting ready to enter.  I introduced myself and asked would they mind taking the picture you see of me.  We chatted for a bit, she was a breast cancer survivor and her husband was heading for his mapping for treatment of prostate cancer.  Another great time of sharing, smiles and joy.  This is what this trip is all about and I must say the bike ride back was amazing and without incident.

Please take the time to offer someone a smile today! 

FREE is a good thing!

Hello everyone, I am so excited to actually have a real internet connection. I know it sounds cliche but you really don't know how much you miss something until it is gone.

Okay, I hope that some of you respond to this offer.  FREE, how can you turn that down?  A copy of Blake Mycoskie's new book, absolutely FREE.  You don't even have to pay shipping.  All you need to do is post your most memorable moment of human kindness, either here in the comments section or on the Facebook page.  It can be a moment when someone was kind to you or a moment when you felt the joy of doing something for someone else. How easy is that? In return you get a FREE copy of "Start Something That Matters", the new and inspiring book by the founder and Chief Shoe Giver of TOMS shoes.

Along with the FREE book you just may inspire someone to create their own most memorable moment of kindness. 

Here are my most memorable FREE gifts since leaving on this journey.  First a ride through some rough territory with my bike and gear stashed in the back of a pickup truck.  Great company and a few scary moments but nonetheless FREE and safe.  Next, a most beautiful apartment with a view to die for, all to myself, and FREE.  I will post some pics for you and you will see what I mean.  Soon after that, a new friend with a great dog and a warm shower, you guessed it, FREE.  That same new friend, gave me the most awesome sight seeing tour, yep, FREE.  Life is great and now I want to hear about yours!

Human Kindness

This post will be short as I have limited access to the internet. I hope to post again soon. I wanted to let everyone know that the experiment in human kindness is going well.
I just finished reading Blake Mycoskie's new book, "Start Something That Matters". I will do a full review in the coming days. For now I will say, it is the greatest book I have read in quite some time. Prepare yourselves to win your own free copy. I was chosen as a participant in books for bloggers and was given an extra copy to give away to one lucky winner. Check back for more details in the coming weeks. If you can't wait or you don't win the free copy, I would recommend you buy it.
Gotta sign off for now. Internet is a precioius commodity and it is time to go.
Have you made someone smile today? If not what are you waiting for?

Survivor's for Life...

As a survivor of many different hurdles placed in my path I have noticed a few attributes that all survivors seem to have in common. 
1.  I believe we all have Faith, faith in God or some higher power.  We have an inner knowing that we are being watched over.  We know that whatever adversity we face, we do not face it alone.
2.  We all have Hope.  Hope that is a combination of assurance that everything will be fine coupled with the reality of what is and the knowledge to know what to focus on.  What we focus on grows.
3.  Love, love of family and friends, love of life.  These are the love "potions" that give us reason to survive.
4.  Changeability, helps us to let go of what was and create new strategies for our new reality.  We know that when everything changes, we need to change everything.
5.  Resilience and Flow, we bend just like a tree in the wind and flow like the mountain river moving through the rocks.  We have a "never give up" attitude.
6.  Heart and Compassion, heart lets us handle the pain and keep moving forward.  We always get back up one more time than we fall down.  In the face of any adversity we reach out to those in need with the knowledge that in helping others we help ourselves. 
You may be reading this and wondering how do these things apply to your life if you have never had cancer or dealt with a hand such as mine.  Think about life and what you face on a daily basis and ask yourself, how many times have I needed to apply these attributes to an everyday situation.  Although you may not have ever dealt with cancer or any of the things I have mentioned that I have been through, I am sure that you have found yourself a "survivor" on more than one occasion in life.  Inspiration and solutions are everywhere, just listen and look and they will be revealed to you. 

I would like to invite all of you to go to the resources page and find the Cancer Solution Center, I am honored to be able to call the leader of this team my friend.  They have teamed up with 7-time Olympic Medalist, Shannon Miller and are offering a free book by Shannon on her journey with cancer.  For all of you who are reading this that are undergoing cancer treatment, know someone who is, or have finished treatment they have an amazing line well worth looking into.  If you have read "Anti-Cancer" you will most certainly want to take a look at PhytoFusion.  This is a product I would recommend even for those who just want to give their health a boost with some phytotherapy in a great tasting drink.  I do hope that all of you check out Shannon's free book!

Enjoy life, you are amazing!

A World without Cancer?

In light of the most recent tragic loss of Steve Jobs, one of the greatest minds this world will ever know, I really have to ask what would our world be like without cancer?  Can you imagine a world where cancer is something you read about in a history book and never experience first hand?  I can and that is what makes this trip so much more important. 
If we can create a vaccine that eliminates a virus that is linked to cancer thereby effectively eliminating that cancer, there is no reason, in my mind, that we can't do it for other cancers.  Which vaccine does that, the HPV vaccine.  We can't stop there.  We need to keep pushing toward a cure for all cancers.  I don't want to hear about "rare" cancer's, all cancer sucks!  Whether you experience cancer first hand or you are a family member or friend, the impact is great.  We can't just sit back and do nothing.  Look around you 1 in 2 men and 1 in 3 women will at some point in their lives be faced with cancer, those numbers need to change.
Okay so maybe those of you reading this aren't crazy enough to ride a bicycle around the world, but we can all do something.  It may be just holding the hand of someone suffering or offering up a prayer, it may be speaking out and keeping this disease in the forefront of everyone's mind, we all have some way of giving back.  I challenge you to find yours!

The importance of One!

All change begins with one, and that one is you, that one is me.  If we each resolved to make a shift in our thinking, in the way we do things, and in our daily intentions, we would have a collective of intercultural cooperation. 
I will give you examples of those shifts from my own life.  Have you ever heard this when you were a child, "You need to eat everything on your plate, we don't waste food, there are children starving in other countries."?  At the time we all thought, but gee I don't like it and more importantly we couldn't identify with those starving children.  Even better, we would have gladly given them that food.  Now we are adults and we know all too well the reality of children who are starving in other countries.  The first step to ending world hunger;  be more mindful in your own home and at your dinner table.  As I learned the power of the message I was given as a child, I realized how important it was to only take what I could eat and even more importanatly to share the bounty with others.  When is the last time you made food to share?
Another great shift in my life came as a survivor of multiple types of physical and emotional abuse and being able to not only survive those realities but also come out a stronger woman.  I first had to bring peace into my heart.  There came a point in my life when I no longer let the fear and self doubt control my life and what I knew I needed to do.  I learned to love myself so I could live.  I came to accept that those things happened to me, however, they did not define me.  I believe that if we want to see an end to domestic violence, child abuse and to see world peace we must first shift our hearts and homes to a peaceful mindset.
I wear many different coats in the physical realm.  I am a mother, grandmother, sister, daughter, aunt.  I am a survivor of domestic violence, rape, molestation, and several serious health issues.  The list goes on, yet who I really am is simply Spirit.  All those other things are nothing more than roles I play on the stage of life and this is no dress rehearsal.  There are no second chances.  So my question to you is how will you make a shift?
I would be ill serving if I did not say to those of you reading this who may be struggling, it can and will get better when you intend it to.  If you need to talk it through, I encourage you to use the Say Hello page and send me a note.  I am here to inspire. 

The Final Countdown!

Wow, I can't believe I am on the final countdown.  In a couple of weeks I have my visit with the doctor and I am anticipating all will be fine and she will give me a green light.  Then it is out the door and down the road.  The fear and realty is setting in, I am about to spend an extended period of time purposefully homeless.  I hope to inspire all of you that I meet along the way.  I also hope you will follow my journey and post comments on here as I update the blog page. 
My apartment is looking like a tornado went through it, sale again this week.  The large furniture is gone.  I am sleeping on an air mattress until I head out, it is actually kinda comfy.  Still not sure what I will do about the puppies, really want to keep them together.  They would be like siblings who went to separate foster homes, sad.
Fixing some last minute issues with the bike, and I will simply say that if you are considering long distance cycling, be sure to use a customer friendly bike shop. :(
I can't wait to post pictures and video from the road!

I have to make my opinion known!

I needed to take the time to make my opinion known about a controversy that has arisen through the political scene. I would not normally do this but this hits very close to home for me.  As someone who was diagnosed with HPV and has had ongoing cervical issues, first 18 years ago, and then again for 3 out of the last 4 years, I am disheartened by anyone who speaks out against a preventive vaccine.  I firmly believe that it is our duty as parents to protect our children in anyway we can.  To the best of my knowledge, this is the first vaccine available that has been shown to protect against a virus that causes certain types of cancer.  It is time for people to get some courage and speak out, this is not a taboo subject.  Yes, HPV is sexually transmitted, and I ask, how many of you are celibate?  Studies show that a very large percentage of all women will at some time in their lives contract this virus, which also means that a large percentage of men will also.  The greatest thing is the vaccine is now available for both boys and girls.  If this had been available when I was young it would have saved me numerous surgeries, the emotional stress, and ongoing fear of living with this virus.

As you all know cancer is a cause I take to heart, I do what I do because I can, so many people cannot.  Please watch the video, I ride for many reasons, cancer being one of them.  I have lost a Grandfather, 2 Aunts, an Uncle, and a Sister to this disease.  I have a sister who holds my hand in survivorship.  I want to know that there will be a day when my grandchildren are reading about cancer in a history book, not experiencing it first hand. 

How is being a survivor just like riding a bike?

This post is for all of you who have asked how did I get through the life experiences I have had and come out with a positive outlook. It is also for those of you who are struggling to find answers.
I would first have to attribute some of my ability to staying positive through adversity to a gift. At a very young age I discovered that I was able to separate who I am from my physical being, with the knowledge that what is happening to my person is not happening to me. This I truly believe is a gift from God.
I also know that some of the credit goes to watching my father. Having 8 children and many unexpected hurdles, to this day he just has faith and does whatever it takes to get through.
My life isn't just about surviving, anyone can do that, all you need is a pulse. My life is about living and not giving my life's energy to the negative things or negative people that come along. It is about awareness and about being here now. Does that mean I am never hurt, disappointed or have a bad day, absolutely not. I am just as human as the next person. What it does mean is that I don't live in those hurts, disappointments or bad days, I live through them to get to the other side and back out into the sunshine.
What can you do, well here are a few things to look at. What kind of energy are you surrounding yourself with? Studies have shown that we tend to become like the people we choose to spend our time with. Is it time for new friends, more positive friends?
What are you feeding your brain? What books are you reading or are you reading at all? Are you spending mindless hours in front of the tv? Are you learning new things? Here is a fun exercise for your brain; for one day do everything you would normally do but with your non-dominate hand, brush your teeth, comb your hair, do the dishes.
How are you caring for your body? Are you eating healthy? Are you moving each day? How about annual exams? Are you taking time for yourself?
Maybe you look at your life and all you see is stress. Determine is it dis-stress or eustress, is it bad or good. A bad stress would be a constant fearfulness, a good stress would be the excitement you feel when you walk into a gathering of friends and family who have surprised you for your birthday. If you are unsure how to deal with dis-stress contact me for suggestions.
Now you have a place to start, a new way of looking at the hurdles life throws in your path. No excuses.
I recall when I was about 7 or 8 years old my father was teaching me how to ride bike. He held onto the seat and I started pedaling. Of course, as any child would, I thought he would protect me from falling. I was so wrong, he let go and I landed in a rose bush. I was crying and scratched from the thorns. My father reached out his hand, helped me out of the bush, and said get back on the bike. At the time I had no idea that would be such a life lesson for me. When life throws you into the rose bush and leaves you wounded, get up, and get back on. The freedom I felt when I got back on and learned to ride is the same freedom I have every time I get back in to the game of life.
Being a survivor for me is much like riding a bike. The pedals on my bike are a reminder that I am the source of the power. God helps those who helps themselves. If I don't pedal, I go nowhere. The gears allow adjustments for the climb and help me to accept that change is a positive thing in life and it is there to help with the climb. The handlebars are clearly for direction and the knowledge that I can choose the direction my life goes. And last but not least, my helmet, my protection. This represents so many things. Friends, family, an organization that supports me in my time of need, and so much more. Most of all it represents the love I give myself everyday and in turn the love I have to share with others.
Share your love everyday, you will always get more than you give.

21 Days of Smiles

Thank you for taking on this challenge, I guarantee it will be fun and rewarding.
Studies have shown that it takes 21 days of consistent behavior to change a habit or create a new one. I am giving you a list of things that will fit in any one of these categories, good for you, good for someone else, good for the planet. All of them are sure to bring a smile to your face. These are just ideas, if they won’t work for you, create your own, mix them up, think outside the box, do the same thing twice, there are no rules, just flex your kindness muscles, and then share your stories here. I want to see the most outrageous, hear the most heart warming, and find out how many of you can hang for 21 days.

 Be a pick up artist, wherever you go today pick up the trash you see along your way.
 Call an old friend to say hello.
 Stand in front of your mirror, smile and tell yourself “I love you”, use your name.
 Offer to watch a friends children and give them some time away.
 Smile at everyone you meet for the day.
 Talk to a stranger.
 Do something special for yourself, get a manicure, a massage, or something else you enjoy.
 Take a child to a movie.
 Donate lightly used books to the library.
 Pay the tab for the person behind you.
 Read to a child.
 Let someone go in line in front of you.
 Return someone else’s shopping cart.
 Hold the door for a stranger.
 Write a letter or thank you note to someone who made a difference in your life.
 Say hello to everyone you meet throughout your day.
 Donate to a food bank.
 Make someone laugh.
 Complain less.
 Play with a child.
 Take care of your body, get out and ride bike, take a hike, or play a game.

You don’t need to post everyday, try posting once a week or when it fits your schedule, you will have the bonus of inspiring others with your posts. Go to the comments and leave your heart warming stories. At the end of the 21 days I will pick a winner, the person with the most kindness given and the best posts on here will be rewarded with a special honor. Get in the game to win.

Can't take it with you.

Are you living life on purpose? Are you just playing the game? If life is a game, why not win? I am the first to admit I have spent many years just playing the game and not living my purpose. What changed? I call it my awakening. My awakening came in those moments where death was within a whisper and with one common theme.  Life could end at any moment.
With the realization that at any moment my life could be over also came the realization that we take nothing with us, zero, zip. Not our money, not our gold, not the car we drive, the house we live in, the clothes we wear, not even those sentimental belongings, none of the things we hold as valuable would go with us when life is over. So I started to question, what was the real value of what I would leave behind. I have discovered along this journey that the real value I leave behind has nothing to do with my possessions.
My most valuable possessions start with who I am, the love I am here to give and live, and how I can contribute to the greater good.
Have you ever told yourself "you will be happy when", _________ fill in the blank? When you have a certain possession, when you have a certain amount of money, when you find your soul mate, and I am sure you can add to this list.  What is on your "happy when" list? Happiness won't suddenly fill your life when....happiness will fill your life when you live each day asking, who am I, what is my purpose, and what must I be doing. You don't need to know all the answers, life will send the answers to you, just live now, tomorrow is not promised. Follow your heart.
In my next post I am going to offer you a 21 day smile challenge. It will be fun, exciting, and guaranteed to make you feel great.

How many lives can you touch?

I am just one person, how can I make a difference? What can I do, I have no money, I can't ride bike, I have no talents? I have heard them all and I have an answer for all of them. I challenge you to give me one I can't answer.
Each day I discover a new way that I have inspired someone, many without even trying. It may be a smile I gave to someone who really was feeling sad. It may be sharing an inspiring word on social media. Sometimes it is simply going out on a limb and doing something I may not have ever considered as I grew up painfully shy. I have learned to think outside the box. Things that you may think are impossible or not even worth trying are the things you should be doing. What is the worst that can happen? One of my new friends says, "falling on your face is still moving forward" and I agree.
If you have been dreaming it, thought you never could, feel like people may laugh or judge ask your self these questions. Will it make you happy? Does it serve you? Will it make someone else happy? Does it serve the greater good? If you have said yes to these questions, what are you waiting for? If you have said no to any of these, look at what needs to be changed for you to answer yes to all and get moving. Stop worrying about what others may think, don't fret the how, if you have answered the why the how will take care of itself.