Life’s Lessons
“To learn and not to do is really not to learn. To know and not to act is really not to know.” ~ Stephen R. Covey
Three years ago I was diagnosed with breast cancer. I can tell you there is nothing quite like the sheer terror of tottering on the edge of a deep yawning abyss and peering down with wide stricken eyes.
I remembered clawing helplessly at the remnants of my life’s best laid plans. I remembered for the first time in my life, growing old seemed such a blissful prospect. I remembered being jolted wide awake.
In such moments of rare clarity, one of the first things that flashed across my mind was the shocking awareness and dismay of my own failings. I have tried to own up and learn from those mistakes. These are some of those lessons learnt from the school of hard knocks, long dark tunnels and other unlikely places of wisdom.
1. Our greatest failures are not the wrongs we did but the everyday opportunities to do good, to master ourselves, to try harder that we let slip by.
2. Some parties are not worth attending. Especially the pity-parties where we indulge and celebrate ourselves. Stop pulling out your favourite chair to watch re-runs of your life.
3. Once in a while it is useful to stop and ask oneself this question – “What if I am wrong?”
4. Life is actually not as complicated as we make it out to be. We just need to learn to appreciate the ride.
5. The quest for God is one journey worth taking.
6. To be consumed by unforgiveness is to miss out on the whole point of being alive. Choose well what consumes you.
7. The surest way to know what kind of person you are becoming is to watch what things you are feeding your mind, your eyes, your ears and what kind of speech filters from your mouth.
8. Like a pebble in the shoe, it is the little things that ultimately wear us down.
9. Live one day at a time…and strive to make it the best day you ever lived.
10. It is sobering to realise that most of life’s stress is centred on rather small, petty concerns.
11.The singlemost powerful thing on earth is the power to choose a thought, a response, a habit, a life.
12.To soar at the song of a blackbird at twilight must surely be news worth sharing.
13. Live from the inside out. Live from roots planted deep in eternal truths and wisdom.
14. Hiding your gifts and talents so others may not feel threatened is to hide a fragment of God Himself.
15. Even the simplest of acts can be sacred when performed in the spirit of mindfulness and perfection. I learnt this while watching my 86-year old grandmother fold the laundry.
16. “If only” must surely be one of life’s most tragic words.
17. One of our greatest failures is making ourselves victims of the failures of others.
18. If life is a gift, then the simple act of chopping tomatoes, brewing a cup of tea, even getting down on my knees to clean is a sacred act of service I can render.
19. Laugh! Laugh often! One of the names of God surely is the Great Humorist.
20. Get some perspective. It really could have been worse.
21. There is a time to grow up. Now is the time.
22. Stop. Wait. Rest. Listen. Sometimes that is the best kind of doing.
23. Take good care of your body. It is the temple of your soul.
24. One of the great skills of life is learning to sacrifice the important for the most important.
25. Gratitude and contentment are indeed the beginnings of a good life.
Since the earth-shattering news that day in December 2009, followed by mastectomy and chemotherapy, it has been an intense journey of healing and recovery. A healing that transcends the physical body. It has been a journey of inner healing and change.
It is quite impossible to describe the paradigm shift from which I once operated and that which I find myself living from today. I am humbled by life’s tough lessons yet I am grateful for second chances.
Don’t wait to set things right in life. If you had to come face to face with that dark abyss, what is the one thing you would do right now (that you haven’t done) which you know would improve your life?
Do it. Don’t wait for wake-up calls.
“If it be Thy pleasure, make me to grow as a tender herb in the meadows of Thy grace, that the gentle winds of Thy will may stir me up and bend me into conformity with Thy pleasure, in such wise that my movement and my stillness may be wholly directed by Thee.”
~ Bahá’u’lláh
So beautiful! Thank you for the wisdom… so grateful… j
Dear Jason, how very good to hear from you! Thank you for your warm note. I am just as grateful to learn from the wisdom of your thoughts and writings. To life and to lessons learnt. Sharon
There is one thing I know for sure. I know more survivors of cancer than victims of cancer. And many of my survivor friends have learned some of your lessons. I try to learn from them.
Love this reminder,”The surest way to know what kind of person you are becoming is to watch what things you are feeding your mind, your eyes, your ears and what kind of speech filters from your mouth.” It reminds me of Maya Angelou, “When people tell you who they are, believe them.” There is more than one way that we tell who we are.
Thank you.
“There is one thing I know for sure. I know more survivors of cancer than victims of cancer.” Music to my ears!!! 😀 Thank you for such positive kindness dear one! Hugs. Through this chapter, I have learnt to be more mindful of the kind of person I am each day, where I’m heading and what kind of a heart I’m cultivating. It’s the little things that make us or break us. Always, always a pleasure to hear from you. Sharon
Thank you for sharing this Sharon, your words are very wise. Lovely pictures!
Dear Chillbrook, it is always good to know that what matters deeply to me is shared and understood by another. Thank you for your gentle kindness and I am glad you liked the pictures. Sharon
Your words are so precious and very wisely expressed and shared. Thank you dear, Blessing and Happiness, love, nia
My dear Nia, eventhough I have only known you a short time, yet, everytime I hear from you or read your comments elsewhere, my heart is blessed by your warm kindness and love to so many. Kindness is the magnet that pulls the hearts of everyone home. It is my blessing to know you. Sharon
Hi Sharon,
Thank you for sharing this portion of your journey with us. I see the wisdom in every lesson you’ve learned, as I see it in my lessons.
I’ve noticed how on the mountaintops I see more because the vista is huge. All the things I see and take into my being then have to germinate and bear fruit and that happens in the darkness of the valley and the tunnel. The descent to our core is a beautiful, life-changing journey.
I’m grateful for everyone I meet along the path who has said “yes” to this journey. Goddess bless you, Sharon. You inspire me. 😀
My dear dear Brenda, all that I hope to capture about this great journey, you have done so beautifully, so perfectly in your words above. I am a novice with still so much to learn. Your understanding and insight reveals the depth, breath and height you have taken. I am inspired by you. By the coming together of so many wonderful souls. Thank you for your blessings. Thank you so much. Sharon
Namaste to you also.
Thank you for sharing these timeless wise words, Sharon. I am glad you survived cancer to post them here where we can all be reminded of how simple – and simply beautiful – life can be if we allow ourselves to be open. I think you might really enjoy “Dying to Be Me” – it recounts Moorjani’s experiences growing up, her development of cancer and her spiritual understanding of it following her NDE.
Cheers to Life!
Jeanne
My dear Jeanne, hearing from you is something I always look forward to! Thank you for your warm wishes. A friend actually sent me the pdf version of Moorjani’s book and I will definitely be reading it. What a lovely coincidence to see the book on your page. To life and to the wonderful people who make it so much sweeter. Sharon
Oh, that’s great! The part where Moorjani recounts her life and what brought her to cancer can be a bit long at times, (IMHO), but the wait is worth it. I’ve finished the book … for now. 🙂 So much of what she describes in her NDE state is consistent with the metaphysical work I’ve been doing over the years and is a source of strength and comfort. You’ll let me know what you think! Best wishes and enjoy the read, Jeanne
Thank you for yet another wonderful post, my friend.Your kindness shows through like sunbeams from your spirit.
Russ
Dear Russ, one of the best things about being given a second chance in life must surely be the best sort of people who have entered my life! Sunbeams from your spirit would make a good song, don’t you think? 😀 Sharon
Dear Sharon- I too am a breast cancer survivor. My mother, my two sisters and I all had the disease. I am seven years out and made changes. Your suggestions are another reminder for today. Thank you for the checklist. We must remember to do more than simply survive!
My dear dear Diane, a big, warm, tight hug to you…my wonderful fellow survivor!!!! You are my hero. What an inspiration! Your blog is a testament to the beautiful life of quiet celebration, friendship with all living creatures and wholesome living that heals. Knowing that you walked this path seven years ago makes me cherish your photography, your home, your garden and your life even more. Love, Sharon
Deepest gratitude Sharon. Your kind words bring tears to my eyes–tears of joy! Drink in your day!
#2……a HUGE one many of us get caught up in. I’m grateful for God’s healing in your body and mind. I”m also grateful for your ability to share your life’s lessons in such a prolific manner. Blessings to you, Sharon.
~Becky
Thank you for your blessings and warm wishes Becky. I really appreciate it. May we never forget what a gift it is to be able to wake up each morning to yet another day full of fresh possibilities to learn, to grow, to bless and in small and big ways make a deposit for goodness simply because we have lived. Hugs, Sharon
Lovely points you’ve listed – we can all learn from your wise words. I wish you good health, Sharon- and lots of laughter! 😀
To laugh often and easy must surely be one of life’s best wishes! Thank you so much my dear Cathy for your lovely wishes! Hugs, Sharon
So much wisdom in one post. So many lessons learned in one short life. I’d say you’re living well. This post is one I’ll return to time and again for inspiration and direction.
Thank you for opening this very personal window to your heart and sharing.
I can’t tell you how much your words just reached out and touched my heart. I am just grateful and immensely humbled to know that this post resonates with you. To be heard and understood must be surely one of life’s most remarkable moments. Thank you. Sharon
So true. I’m listening and I hear you!
What a beautiful and thought-provoking post this is. I’m also a cancer survivor and can empathize with your feeling of terror upon hearing the diagnosis. The fight to get well again was long and hard but quite a learning experience.
My dear Pat, it is no wonder that everytime I visit your place, it brings such a tremendous inspiration, healing, beauty and consolation. I believe we create what we are. You are an inspiration and a life of beauty. Thank you for this message. A warm hug from me to you! Sharon
What a beautifully written message! That is because it comes directly from you heart! Thank you for sharing this, it is a message that all of us need to take to heart and apply it in our lives daily! Thank you again!
Love and Blessings,
~ Judy ~
My dear Judy! How very lovely to hear from you and thank you for coming by this way. Thank you so much for your warm message. I wish you blessings for beautiful days and I really look forward to getting to know you better. Hugs, Sharon
This is a wonderful list of lessons learned, and I loved them all, especially numbers 3, 12, 15, and 19! The closing prayer is beautiful too. Thank you for sharing these lessons from your life journey, helping us all to keep things in perspective. Blessings, Mark
Dear Mark, my heart rejoiced to receive your warm message. I am sure there are still plenty of lessons yet to learn, mountains to climb, places to go, people to meet. And I embrace all that is in store with my face upturned to the sun!
I’m glad you liked the prayer. It is a very personal one for me. If you have time, I have included a link here for you from the group band Refuge where the prayer is sung by my sister-in-law Mea. I hope you like it. Thank you so much for your kind friendship. Sharon
http://refugemusic.bandcamp.com/track/tender-herb (just click the play button)
It is a gorgeous song revealing the heart’s worship, and Mea’s voice is truly beautiful. Thank you for sharing it with me. I’ve taken the liberty of sharing it on Facebook so that my friends can listen to it too. Peace, Mark
I agree with “laugh, laugh often.”
Thank you so much Masa for taking time to read this and for your comment. My family and I are so happy we met and we hope to see you again before you leave Finland. I wil be in touch. Here’s to beautiful laughter and happiness! Sharon
This is a post to which I will refer again and again, both in my readings and in my heart. Beautifully done, Sharon.
My dear Vivian, it means so much to know these thoughts touched you. Learning and growing together in God’s classroom. Sharon
Beautifully written. Such wonderful advice. Thank you.
It is so kind of you to write. Thank you and my loving greetings to your wonderful family. Hugs, Sharon
Oh, Sharon, this made me feel sad that you had to go through something so difficult. Your words, as always, say so much that is beautiful, gentle, kind, compassionate, and filled with wisdom. Thank you so much for sharing all of this. 🙂
My dearest Carol, your sweet gentleness soothes me and makes my heart glow to know that some of my life’s most vulnerable moments are cherished by another with great care. It always means a lot to me to hear from you dear friend. Sharon
🙂
True…as I type this a neighbour’s cat is hunting a spider next to me. She’s eaten it. Just a moment in life.
And I love the photos – are they yours?
Dear Paul, so good to hear from you! And even happier to know you liked the photos. Yes, I took them. 😀 Thank you so much. Sharon
Reblogged this on istopforsuffering and commented:
Beautiful and profound advice ♥
Thank you for the wonderful post. They say laughter is good for the immune system, so may you always be smiling and chuckling.
I love the blessing of smiling and chuckling very much indeed! 😀 Thank you Keith for coming by and leaving me these kind words. It’s been good connecting with you. Sharon
Sharon, this is a wonderful list to live by. Thank you for sharing it. I am grateful that you are well now. 🙂
My dear Lee, always wonderful to hear from you and thank you for your kindness. Yes, I have been given a clean bill of health and it is with much gratefulness that I live out each day. So much hugs, Sharon
Pingback: Facing the moment | Crowing Crone Joss
Thank you for sharing your wisdom and yourself, Sharon. Your words inspired me to stop from the busyness of my work week to think about your question and to take a small step today and plan to take a few more in the coming days. Your transcendence from your suffering has helped you blossom into an even more beautiful rose (of Sharon).
Blessings my friend! Namaste.
My mother gave me that name precisely in reference to the Rose of Sharon. Thank you for the beautiful reminder. I am blessed to know that in some way I have touched your life just as you have mine through your thoughts and writings. I am immensely blessed that out of this difficult time, so many good things have fallen into my arms – like gentle rains on parched ground. Thank you for being one of those many blessings dear Still Valerie. Namaste, Sharon
“…I’m glad our paths crossed. I hope you find inspiration, rest and a little nourishment for your soul here.”
Sweet Sharon, Every post of yours confirms how glad I am our paths crossed. I do find inspiration, my soul gets nourished here. I want to hug you tightly as my daughter and hold your hands and listen to you for hours. We all have callings in life. You are brightening people’s hearts across oceans with your thoughts and are a channeler of Greater Words. You are a ‘Brilliant Star’! Fae.
My dearest Fae, the only reason I am late in replying to this message is that I have just wanted to keep your words in my heart and mostly because I just didn’t have any words that could perhaps convey to you what your kindness and love mean to me. To know that you care for me like a daughter is an honour. I have told my husband Sam about you and he reads your blog very actively too – and we both love you! Thank you so much for speaking such beautiful affirmations into my life. With love, Sharon p.s. Do check out my latest post. I have a little surprise for you there! 😀
What a lovely post Sharon. Isn’t it amazing how our life’s challenges turn us around 360 degrees? Thanks for sharing something so personal and frightening, and for giving us the best of such a horrible journey, the opening that occurs because of it. I really appreciate this so much. Lots of love, Yaz
My dearest Yaz, it always means so much to hear from you. Thank you for receiving this post with great understanding. Life touches each of us in ways we may not understand but to find meaning behind every suffering makes our souls soar to places we have not known. With love, Sharon
Such a powerfully positive post Sharon and as always it has made me stop, think and take a check of myself, you are truly an inspiration. I think your positive outlook on life and living is wonderful and the wisdom that you have shared with us should be acknowledged and filtered into our everyday lives. We can only become better people for following this list. Hugs to you x
So good to have you back dear girl!!! Thank you for bringing smiles to my life. I truly appreciate this kind message Eleenie. Much love to you, Sharon
A bittersweet post, but no real bitterness. Thank you for sharing.
Thank you so much Tilly. I appreciate this. Sharon
Thanks for sharing your journey and thoughts!
One of the lines i like is ’20yrs from now our regrets will not be the things we did but what we didn’t do’, live fully, forgive quickly and keep smiling 🙂 the world needs more smiles
Fabulous post . . . I’m glad that Joss sent me/us around. 😀
Love & Light.
How lovely to hear from you Dani Lynn! Thank you so much for your kind wishes. Sharon
Beautiful post Sharon. I can relate so well as two sisters had breast cancer and my mother brain cancer. The word you have written are words to live by.
Stay strong – laugh and laugh often. Share your love.
doug
Hi Doug, thank you for coming by and for your thoughtful message. I am always blessed to hear from you. I wish your dear family the best of life and good health. Send my warmest regards to Thai and I wish you well in all that you do! Let’s stay strong and laugh often. Sharon
How wonderful that you could go through something so difficult but emerge with such great wisdom to share with all of us! Thank you for sharing this and everything else with such joy.
Reblogged this on But Mostly Hers and commented:
These are great truths that my friend Sharon is teaching us. I could not say any of this better.
I appreciate your warm and supportive words and for your kind reblog. When I was first diagnosed, we didn’t inform anyone except for close family members and friends. I didn’t think it would help anyone to know what I was going through and I didn’t want friends to worry or become sad. I think I needed all that I could muster within myself to get through it one day at a time. But now, to be able to open up and share this part of the journey and to receive such immense support and kindness is like wave upon wave of blessings. Thank you so much. Much love, Sharon
I experience your wisdom, as a gift of love. Thank you. Blessings, Erin
My dear Erin! How good to hear from you and it was a pleasure to visit you at your place. I’m sorry I had somehow missed following you – so there’ll be lots to catch up.Thank you for this kind note and I look forward to keeping in touch with you. Hugs, Sharon
What you have learned is precious… and that you are sharing it with others, is precious too. Most important of all might not be heard by all, but needs to be said, “don’t wait for your wake-up call”.
L’Shana Tovah! So good to hear from you! I hope you are enjoying the New Year celebrations fully with your family. I have often wondered would I have learnt all of this without a wake-up call? A pertinent observation indeed my dear Shimon. Thank you for writing and many wishes for a bright new day. Yuen
Thank you for this insightful loving and wise post today Sharon ~ very touching and validating in many ways for my own journey ~ xxxoo Much Love dear friend! RL
A true pleasure to hear from you Robyn. Your words make my heart warm. With so much love to you, always. Sharon
Pingback: Rolling Round Corners & Corridors « Spirit Lights The Way
I read this with great interest Sharon. It`s one of those coincidences – for personal reasons I`ve been thinking about cancer these past days and here you are, writing about your experience. It`s a beautiful post and I love these pictures.
I am glad to hear of this synchronicity and I hope it has lent some meaningful aspects to facing some of life’s difficult moments. Always so good to have you here Aditix. I am also happy you liked the photos. Wishing you well and let’s stay in touch. Sharon
Great post, so moving. My father-in-law also survived from cancer.
I give here to You Finnish wisdom which I learned from my superior when I was yet working:
“Life teaches us to walk quietly”!
Have a wonderful day!
My dear Sartenada, thank you so much for sharing with me this words of wisdom. I shall remember it. I am happy to hear about your father-in-law. Thank you for coming by, it means a lot to me. Have a lovely autumn! Sharon
I also am a cancer survivor, I am greatful for everyday! I had a lot of time to reflect and I truly know that I am a better person for traveling that dark journey. It took me quite along time to heal. I feel so greatful for all I have and continue to grow through wisdom like yours. Thank you for sharing and inspiring me today. I will keep your thoughts with me always.
Dear Mamie Lallo, thank you so much for coming by here and sharing your precious thoughts with me. Eventhough we have never met, yet we share a bond of friendship through a shared deep experience. I wish you wholesome, beautiful, radiant health. May you blossom like a fresh flower each morning. And may the fragrance of your life sweeten the lives of those around you. We must always remember that we have been touched by the Divine to unlock beautiful gems otherwise hidden inside. My warmest hugs to you. I would love to get to know you better. Love, Sharon
Honored for this reminder. My bc journey began on New Years Eve 2003, like you I have rooted out deep truths from the maw of that abyss, and the journey continues for us both. Blessed Be. *anna
My dear Anna, how very good to hear from you! HUGS. How very wonderful to hear from a survivor with a beautiful story and a life of blessings to share! I am grateful and inspired to see you doing so well today. I wish you radiant and perfect health and may the best years of your life be still far ahead of you. Love, Sharon
And Sharon I wish you the same… thanks for the most eloquent way of putting it all 🙂
This is a beautiful post with so many thoughtful and thought provoking lessons for us all to think about and to live by. 1 and 12 are my favourites. What a strong person you are. I send you love and thanks for sharing this intensely personal piece.:)
I thank you for your love dear one. Your beautiful things surely overflows here and it is a pleasure to hear from you! Hugs, Sharon
Beautiful and wise. Thank you for sharing your wisdom.
And thank you so much for coming by! So good to hear from you. Sharon
Of course!! I love your work!!
Beautifully expressed Sharon. Very wise post Indeed. You are a brave and strong person. Thanks a lot for sharing these words of wisdom. Lots and lots of good wishes for you!
My dear Arindam, thank you so much. Even from across the miles, I can feel your kind and good wishes. Your blessings mean a lot to me. With warm gratitude, Sharon
Sharon,
This is one of the most eloquent, honest, powerful, and wise posts I have ever read.
The way that you interweave your personal story with the lessons is seamless. Each of the numbered thoughts is a place to stop and ponder. For example, #15- grandmother folding the laundry- takes me back to those moments when I am just doing what it right in front of me- just putting the dishes away, just standing in the forest, just writing- moments of full presence- beautiful, peaceful moments.
Exceptional.
I’m tweeting this forward.
Thank you.
Tom
My dear Tom, the only reason for this late reply is that I didn’t know how to properly express to you what your kind words meant to me. But they have stayed in my mind and found a way to my grateful heart. Thank you.
From you I have learnt so much and your writings trigger in me new dimensions of thoughts and understanding that I would have been deprived if I hadn’t found your work. I am grateful most of all for this.
Sharon
Dearest Shaz–I read this a few days ago and have been thinking about it since. I am so deeply moved by your post that words seem insufficient. I want to thank you for telling your story…it must not have been easy to reveal such a personal part of yourself. It’s not just sharing your story…the way you learned and decided to share your lessons, and the beauty you expressed and your unique writing voice. I don’t know what to say except thank you for being Light and sharing your Light with us. I am saving this post and will refer to it often. In gratitude-Julie
A wonderful post, Sharon. An inspirational story.
Love Corinne
Pingback: Who can I turn to in a crisis? | soulsnet
Wonderful thoughts…beautiful post.
Incredible writing as always. You have been through so much, and your pain has given you such wisdom. Thank you for inspiring us to keep on moving forward and to turn our knowledge into action. May we live the lives we have right now, and be grateful.
Blessings,
Ali
As i ate of the delicious meal that you have laid out my hunger was satisfied by the golden nuggets of your spirit’s wisdom. It occured to me while digesting them, that what i have partaken of is what i have always seen so alive, when i look at your image…for you are all of the above and more, and your selflessness is a pearl that i will never let go of! Blessings to you my sister…it is a truly marvelous post!
My dear Wendell, what a kind generous gift you have brought me! Sunshine, flowers and smiles to my doorstep! My sincere apologies for this late reply but I have stored your beautiful blessings in my heart. How blessed I am to know a man who not only writes from his heart but carries out his words into deeds. Hugs, Sharon
Thank-you Shaz for being such an amazing Lady. YOU truly are an inspiration. big hugs. Renee 🙂 ♥
Reblogged this on Wise Counsel and commented:
Just the way I like it. Itemized for simplicity, sincerely from a heart that is concerned for the good of others. I read this post and thought it right to share. Grab the lessons in it for you and do what is best. I’m extracting mine already! It sincerely is worth sharing!
Reblogged this on saymberblondi and commented:
More than once I found myself recognizing things I’ve faced or continue to try to overcome. This is a great reminder of what’s truly important.
Your list really resonated with my deeply – so much so I had to reblog it. Thank you. My stepmother went through treatment for cancer and it was her positive attitude I think that has kept her in remission.
My dearest Saymber, I can’t tell you what it means to me to have kind folks like you who reached out to me with kindness and compassion. Your generous spirit and genuine care can be felt even across the miles. I am blessed to know you. I look forward to getting to know you. Please send my loving greetings to your stepmother with wishes for renewed health and a long beautiful life ahead for your whole family. Hugs, Sharon
SHARON! What a beautiful comment to start my visit to WordPress today with! Thank you and I send a hug and positive energy back to you! You are surely an inspiration and source of light to all those around you and I’m so glad to have found your blog and make the connection with you. I had another Sharon in my life once who was ALOT like you. Just all heart! I look forward to reading more of your posts – writing is such a good therapy in all phases of our lives.
Oh my goodness, I have goosebumps after reading this post! So inspiring! You’ve given us much to think about, Sharon. My mother is also a breast cancer survivor, and she always told us that receiving the news of her illness served as a wake up call. She soon realized that life was too short to waste on the toxic things and people that contaminate living in joy. She made changes in her diet, lifestyle, and her way of reacting to the little upsets that in the end are so nonsensical. She’s been cancer free for the past twenty years! Great post! 🙂
My dearest Bella! Thank you so much for getting in touch with me. Sorry for this late reply but I just wanted to make some special time to properly sit and write back to you. You don’t know just how much your message means to me. I could just feel the strength, well wishes and the bond across the miles eventhough we have never met.
You must surely know that you were probably the number one factor that kept your mother going and getting better all these years because as a mother, my first thought was of my little boy who was just three years old at that time.
I have goosebumps reading your words! And thank you for blessing my life even with this wonderful testimony of your mother being cancer free for the past twenty years!!!!! That’s what I call super good news!! You go give your mother a big, tight hug from me and let her know that she has not only lived well with this wake up call but she sure has raised a beautiful daughter whose heart beats with compassion and kindness – even to a stranger far away.
I look forward to getting to know you.
Hugs, Sharon
Sharon, you are such a beautiful writer with an inspirational, wise spirit about you! Your story and positive spirit remind me of my college roommate, who was diagnosed with breast cancer at a very young age. Like you, she is is still thriving and inspiring others today! 🙂 Thank you for sharing your sage advice.
Amazing post, thank you so much for sharing!!
My dear Brittany! How very good to hear from you and thank you for coming by this way. I appreciate your note and I will be coming over to check your space. I love the healthful and flavourful recipes there. Have a blissful, wonderful day! Sharon
Inspirational! Last year, a close friend went through chemo for breast cancer, the most aggressive and invasive kind. She is doing fine now, but it sure was scary.
Not enough words to comment Sharon… I am speechless but most of all incredibly incredibly thankful for your work and for who you are… thank you for sharing both with the world….
Reblogged this on Small Circle Big Circle.
Sharon, your blog is wonderful!
Good site you have got here.. It’s difficult to find excellent writing like yours nowadays. I really appreciate people like you! Take care!!
Reblogged this on Waiting for the Karma Truck and commented:
I am new to Sharon’s magnificent blog. October is Breast Cancer Awareness month. This whole post is about awareness, written with such sensitivity and clarity it needs to be read by as many as possible. I was moved beyond words..
Amazingly, perfectly, said.
I came over from here:http://waitingforthekarmatruck.com and wanted to say this was a beautiful post it spoke to me thank you
Sometimes I think our scars are places where our God has most profoundly touched us…this post is so full of wisdom; it seems your journey has taken you into deep places many of us skim around or avoid. Thank you for going into the dark and coming out with such blessings of light…
Dear Sharon, what a beautiful and inspiring post! Thank you for sharing – there are so many people out there who will take courage from it! And to me personally it is a wonderful reminder to cherish and enjoy each and every moment that has been given to us. Again, thank you so much.
And maybe, if you are interested, please visit the come meditate blog – this is all about our own inner energy that heals and nourishes and can be easily experienced (and never any payment involved, that is just for sharing with each other)
I wish you all the best on your life´s journey and waiting to read more of your beautiful posts, Angi
Hello Angi!
How very lovely to hear from you today! I visited your wonderful blog and it is a gem. I look forward to catching up and learning from your wonderful site. Thank you for the warm invitation over. Thank you for your kind words. There is so much we can all learn from each other. I look forward to getting to know you! Hugs, Sharon
There are some lessons i could learn from here.
Reblogged this on Say « ohmmm ». and commented:
Beautiful thoughts, beautiful life’s lessons!
What I perceive as the most difficult thing in life is to never forget about lessons like this – not even in so-called “bad” times where I tend to exxagerate the importance of certain situations and feelings. I guess to finally be able to master that means being old and wise and looking back on many, many things which we perceived as a complete catastrophe when they happened to us.
STUNNING lilac flowers, stunning.
And this post, for me today: thank you. This has sealed my week, with inspiration. Sort of hard to explain – but thank you for such an excellent post.