Being Different is Unique and Special not weird kinda blog

  Being different.

  There are many sayings about being yourself, everyone is an individual, we are all unique in our own way..however, being uniquely yourself is not always easy. It is also not always a good thing.

 Take a class of say, twenty kindergarteners. You have a room full of young children, who are each and every one individuals, unique in their own right even though they are only around five years old. Still a bit young to expect to have long attention spans, but old enough to learn how to act properly in a classroom setting. The teacher needs for them to pay attention to her so that she may teach and they may learn. To have as many of these young minds to behave in a like manner makes her or his, job much easier. Most of these students may do just that, but as odds go, there is almost always going to be at least one that stands out. That one may have more energy, shorter attention spans, less ability to focus on the classroom work but sees everything else going on in the known universe. They may be frigidity, unable to remain seated for long. They may dress differently, laugh more loudly, be less mature than the others, or they may even be more intelligent and what is going on in the class bores them as they already know it. All it takes is for one other child to make a cruel remark and the one who is different suddenly becomes a target of all bad remarks. They may be ridiculed, teased, picked on mercilessly in a never ending manner that makes life difficult.  It doesn't get any better, often times growing worse as the child ages, simply because their tormentors have aged as well and know even worse names and ways of torment. Students may be ridiculed, tormented, harassed, even physically attacked. Today they may also find themselves under attack on the many social medias online and otherwise.

 It doesn't stop with children and young adults. It can and often does follow a person through life. Especially if they develop a 'why me' attitude. They wrap that persecution, victim, low self esteem complex around them like a shroud and wear it well. If they never learn to see past the being a victim and learn how to use their uniqueness, they will always be the victim. Even those who try to quietly go about their life, bring as little attention to themselves as possible and simply 'be' can find themselves attacked. There may be a few from time to time who try to help, but not many out of fear of being the next target of attack.

The one thing that those who are different need to realize is that different doesn't automatically mean bad or less. It simply means, different. And being different, can be a good thing-especially if one takes advantage of their difference.

An artist is a special individual. Whether they are musicians, actors, dancers, painters, writers, photographers and the list goes on..they see things that --normal-- people miss. Musicians hear the songs in everything. They hear the notes in the bird song, hear the rhythm of the rain and the winds. Painters and photographers see the colors and details of life. They see the things others over look. The small details, the flowers emerging early or the winds blowing the specks of pollen across the cars, painting the windows with the dust. With proper recognition and understanding of one's talents the individual can go far, because of their difference. They are the ones seeking new trails, finding great adventures, mapping the way and following the stars. They are the ones who create the next great inventions, build the roads, the bridges and cities that everyone said couldn't be done. They are the ones discovering new stars and planets, building the rockets and telescopes to explore them. They are the ones who being outside the box, easily think outside the box able to imagine, create, discover and

not be afraid to look for more and better.

 They are the ones who entertain, who can become anyone or anything to bring the audience into their world even if only for a short time. They are the ones who should be envied, not ridiculed.

Being different, brings the pain of loneliness. When no one understands that what makes the unique one more creative is what sets them apart, they are ostracized. It is one of the causes for so many artists being drug users and abusers. It is one reason why so many drink heavily or act wildly. Trying as hard as they know how to try, to do something that will never happen. They will never fit in with the so called 'normal' people. Thinking maybe, if they could get in with them, then the ridicule and teasing; the avoiding and harassing would stop. The unique individual, the one who is different, will never fully fit in with a normal world being they are not normal. Yet, they are not abnormal. They are unique, they are special, they are different and should be proud of it. Rather than avoiding those with similar talents, joining with them would make each one stronger. It would show they are not alone, that others have the same talents and abilities.. or compliment theirs.

I wonder at times if those doing the harassing, if those teasing and tormenting.. are not in some way shape or form, jealous of the one who is different. The one brave enough, strong enough to be themselves.  A six year old child may not necessarily understand jealous and all that it means. They may not understand the word unique, special, different..they will fully understand being insulted and ridiculed, they will fully understand that they are not like the others around them while not realizing that they are not alone as there are others who would enjoy their company, even if only for a short time.

The Bridges we Cross

   ( I thought that I would start posting video blogs on you tube to go along with my written blogs. Curiosity has me wondering which will get more attention. Then I would know where to focus more of my time. I worked on one this afternoon but wasn't happy with the results so I'll try again tomorrow afternoon.)

  The topic of today's was a serious one. It deals with bridges, the physical bridges and the metaphorical ones. Of course when you are traveling and come to a river, ravine, multi- level highways or in some cases a railroad track, there is need of a bridge. There are also bridges of other types, the metaphorical-. Those that take us through time as we cross from one age group to the next and the next. The bridges that take us across status from student to employee, from spouse to parent to grandparent. The bridge that takes us from healthful vigor to fighting a time of not so good health and back.
  How we face and cross those bridges is up to us. We can approach the bridge and seeing its expanse sit down and give up. Complaining that it is too long, too high, too difficult, too something to the point that we just don't try. We remain where we are, not getting to a place where we would be much better off. We could remain in that dead end job where the benefits never get better and the boss is never happy. We could watch our health deteriorate and marriage fall apart, because we can not put forth the effort to cross a supposedly difficult expanse.

 Or, we could see the bridge no matter how long or high or difficult as a challenge or what it is, in the way from one state of being to another. We can take the first step of many that will take us to a better place, a better way. Crossing may struggle, will at times be difficult, but we know that something better is waiting on the other side of that bridge. Each and every step that we take, is an improvement as we cross over the raging river of  challenges that we face.

 A ravine of health problems- whether it is cancer as mine was, diabetes, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, heart problems, obesity, the list goes on and on as far as the possibilities of health worries.

  When I came to my personal health bridge, I was diagnosed with cancer. I was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2008- I'm fine now. I do not recall ever being afraid, not from the moment it was confirmed to the moment everything was finished.  Then, there was concern as I had no idea what I was about to go through. I knew it was considered a battle, even though looking back my battle wouldn't even be considered a skirmish compared to what some people go through. My journey- my bridge relatively short. But battle and journey, it was. I did at times feel alone, but those times were short. The most difficult part for me, was the radiation treatments as they left me feeling lifeless and weak. The bridge seemed to be going straight up making it nearly impossible to put one foot in front of the other. I had to make changes in my diet as I was a big time, hard core junk food junkie. Because of how the radiation treatments were effecting my body I couldn't eat it any more even as I still craved sweets. The processed stuff made me even more tired and weak than I already was. I found that fruits such as watermelon soothed that craving.

  Once I finished all of my treatments, I continued  eating the fruits and vegetables. Changing my diet as I crossed the bridge has kept me healthier and helped me to regain my strength and energy. I wanted too, to do all that I could to prevent cancer from returning as I had and have no desire to have a return engagement with cancer.
  I have learned that exercise (while difficult during cancer treatments) can help prevent cancer and other diseases or make them less of a battle to fight. It isn't just physical exercise either. If you exercise your brain by reading, by studying, by playing mind games you help to slow down or event possibly prevent the onset of age related dementia. I have tried to not only exercise my brain by studying on how to help prevent my cancers return, in any and all means possible. What I have learned will not only help me, but many others.
  The food that we consume, when we pop a processed something in a microwave or oven we actually have no idea what we are eating. The list of ingredients sounding more like a science experiment gone bad than an entree for dinner. When you first change to more -or totally-whole foods and less or no processed you will be able to tell the difference. It may take a while to get the kitchen set up for real cooking, and having to purchase the items needed as in seasonings, but your body and your family and friends will appreciate your efforts. Fruits and vegetables all have their own nutrients that are good for us. It depends on the color as to what is held within. A variety of different colored fruits and vegetables, especially if they are organic will help your body fend off invaders. They can help as antioxidants, as anti-inflammatory, strengthen immune systems, clean out the pipes and build up your bones just a few among the long list of benefits.
 Cutting back on if not completely out the processed sugars helps. It can be done- trust the former junk food junkie. Don't fall for that sugar substitute trap either. Some of those are reported to actually increase your cravings for sweets. There are snacks out there that are good without added sugars. Drinking water can be bland, but add squeezed fruit juice to give it flavor.
  Meat. We honestly do not know much about the meats that we purchase. We do not know how the animals were raised, whether they were given antibiotics or fed genetically modified grains. If you know of a farm that raises and slaughters their own meats and you know how they care for these animals so much the better. If you cut back on or choose to go vegetarian, that too is better for your health.
  Exercise, briefly mentioned already, but get up.. get up.. get up off that couch or recliner or out of that chair and away from the TV or computer and move. Go dancing, go walking, go ride a bike, play some basket or softball. Join a fitness group.
  Stress........is a killer, or can be. It makes health problems worse, it can create health problems. Find ways to ease or rid your life of stress as best that you are able. My stress relief is visiting the pond, sitting on the bank, leaning on the bridge railing and watching the ripples cross the surface. I listen to the birds, the tree frogs and what ever other critter is in the woods. Feeling a breeze blow across my face sends the stress and tensions floating away. There are always different ways to relieve stress, high impact exercise, reading, music, swimming, hiking alone or with friends. Putting the phone down, walking away from the computer, finding a hammock under a shade tree and concentrating on the song birds. If that hammock isn't available, if you're somewhere that you can't get outside, find a book that you can lose yourself in, maybe a good movie that won't make the tension worse, a radio playing. there are endless ways, if you seek them out.
 We are going to cross a lot of bridges, we can't get out of most of them. We will age, we will cross from one status to another. We will change jobs, we will have physical challenges with health or weight or something. We will come upon those bridges and it will be up to us to decide how we will handle them. Will we give up and stagnate where we are, or face the challenge and forge ahead, anticipating what awaits on the other side?

Writing and Breathing

            I've been writing blogs for a while now. It depends on the mood as to whether it is something fictional, or a retelling of a youthful adventure, or a nonfiction blog on being healthier or on my cancer battle back in 2008.

          The most fun to write are the sharing of how much fun we had growing up here and how special family has always been and continues to be. My mother made sure that we knew how special each other were and how to act with love and respect. Oh, we had out battles, it would have been impossible not to, but we always got everything straightened out and there was never left over hurt feelings. Our bond was too close.

         Way back when we were young--warning, a back when I was young lament--back then, we played outside. (Told ya) We knew what it felt like to run barefoot on dry ground, rocks, grass, through puddles and creeks. We rode our bikes not only barefoot, but without helmets or padding. We knew what the summer sun felt like on bare legs and arms without sunscreen, rarely were we burned. That drink of water from the creek or from the garden hose always tasted so good.

              I guess that by the standards of today our parents and grandparents would have gotten in trouble as when school was out and the days warm and bright- we were expected to be outside. We could be playing, resting in a hammock or working in the garden. We were not, sitting in front of a television mindlessly watching what ever was showing. Then, there wasn't such a thing as video games to entrap us to where outside ceased to exist. They came along later but our parents were bright and caring enough not to allow us to become to preoccupied by the little bouncing blip. They even censored what we were allowed to watch on television, imagine that. The house wasn't filled with junk food, our diet consisted mainly of good, home cooked -whole- foods that were not filled with no one really knows what. We loved the fresh or canned foods that came from the garden. I may not have liked all the work involved in the canning and freezing process, but later on, I realized just how good that stuff was in the cold of winter.

            We practically lived on our bikes. We made many trails through the woods and made it a regular practice of riding every one of them. We had no fear of anyone or anything being out there that would be a danger to us. There was a special freedom to be allowed to ride like that, out of sight but never out of hearing.

         Our Grandfather had a road of sorts for his tractor to go through the woods to the big power lines that crossed the area. Down along there he would dig up good soil to put on his garden. Many times we road on the back of the tractor on in the wagon to help. He was a wise man with many great stories to tell. I wish that I could have captured them on video, but maybe, seeing him might hurt too much.

         Our Grandmother was a gentle yet fierce force. She fully understood tough love, mostly love. They lived right next door which was convenient and special. We spent summer days with them, while mom and dad worked. Meals were the good old fashioned stuff that included things that doctors would cringe over now but we worked any bad stuff off through play or chores. Yes, we had those as well.

        The thing is, with a childhood such as this, we learned how to do things on our own. We learned how to spend time alone or with family. We learned what imagination was and how to use it. We learned how to appreciate nature and what it has to offer and the force of storms. It has given me the desire to write, and write I will whether anyone reads it or not. I may.. no, I will grow frustrated. I will stop, and start again, because the desire, the need, the have to write flows within and must come out in some way.  I may share a truth. I may share an adventure. I may share something so fictional it sounds like truth. And even if I'm writing for myself, it doesn't matter because writing is like breathing. I can't not breath, and I can't not write.

         I've also began playing with posting video blogs. Posting them just to see how it goes. Trying and hoping that maybe more will view them and my writing can be shared in another way. We'll see..The road is long, the door is open and the future awaits. Online time and trying only continuing on will tell me what happens. Wishing and dreaming are all well and good...but what counts is action and its past time to act consistently.

   

Catfishing 101 or My Husband GEts Schooled

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GnNu3QW8obY&feature=share

Scared Straight With Love

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HfcHufkESlM&feature=share

Scared Straight by Love

          I have said it often enough that many if not most have heard me- there is magic here. There is inspiration here. There is a creative force that lives here, and helps to bring about some exciting times and wonderful stories...I mean facts.

         I miss my Grandmother. My Grandparents were very special people who taught us so much. One was that outside was meant to be taken advantage of at every opportunity. The land is to be respected, no matter whose land it is or even if its the land along the sides of the road. Life, is to be lived. Love for each other is to be shared, and you look after family. These are just a few of the lessons I remember. One that I especially remember...is the time that Grandma was among the first to practice what is now known as 'scared straight'. Only this was scared right out of the woods right now no waiting, no hesitating no dilly dallying around. It was move and don't look back time..only we had no idea...........

         My brother and I were younger then. Young enough that we had been instructed not to go into the woods alone. Did we listen? Do kids generally listen?

         One day back when the paper was an afternoon delivery I decided that we needed to go and tell our Grandmother that the paper had arrived. My brother and I began the search by looking in the house, naturally cool inside even in the summer heat, but no Grandmother. We then went out to the garden and looked but she wasn't there either, and we knew she wasn't at our house so that left one place, The Bottoms.

         The Bottoms was a decent size garden down at the bottom of the hill. It was divided in half by a small creek. Grandpa had stretched twine back and forth across the field high in the trees, from that twine swung aluminum pie pans. Below that grew okra, corn and various other vegetables. That was were we figured Grandmother was. There was one problem. A portion of that same creek, that began with an underground spring, was on the way. Living in that creek was a large quantity of crawdads, crayfish or mud puppies, call them what you will. They were there, and they were a big enough draw to distract us from our mission. Grandpa had built rock steps that lead down from the path to the creek. The water ran clear, clean and cold. My brother and I made our way down the steps to the creek and began to do what kids do best--play.

        In the middle of crawdad chasing I thought I heard a sound. Standing up I looked around but I didn't hear it any longer. Mentally shrugging I again squatted down to watch for crawdads. It was only a few moments later when I began to hear the sound again. Very softly at first but growing in volume and intensity. I stood up and looked all around. It took a few moments of looking but then I saw it. Down toward the Bottoms, standing in between two trees and swaying slowly was a, shadow of something. It didn't appear solid, but it seemed to be on the ground not floating or anything. Then it began to move, directly toward us. The moaning and groaning I had heard moments before getting louder the closer it came. Only one word escaped my lips, "RUN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

  My brother confused by obedient (then) did just that. He began to run toward home, not an easy task running uphill even when you are young and more energetic. He was in front of me so I, in m,y panicked state was almost pushing him up the hill shouting for him to hurry. It was catching up, it was almost behind us RUN! He still had no idea what was going on and why I was yelling to run but he ran anyway. When we reached the top of the hill my brother wanted to stop at our Grandparents but I told him if he wanted to stop and let that thing get him that was his business I was going home. He didn't argue but he didn't stop either going on the rest of the way home with me.

   We must have had the appearance of wild horses bursting through the brush, or wild, panicked, disobedient children because our parents immediately stopped everything they were doing and came to see what was wrong, especially with me muttering 'monster, monster! There's a monster in the woods."

Dad and our cousin went to check it out as we tried to catch our breath. It wasn't long before they came back telling us that they didn't see anything but to be on the safe side we should stay out of the woods for a while. I wasn't arguing at that point.

  It was only much much later when I found out the truth. The shadow, was none other than our Grandmother teaching us a valuable lesson. You never know what may be waiting in the woods, allowing yourself to become distracted and not pay attention to your surroundings is dangerous. When you're a kid and you disobey instructions.. don't be surprised if Grandma takes things into her own hands and teaches you a good lesson or two. And know that its all done in love.

Changing a Creature of Habit for the Better

  When my doctor told me I needed to change my lifestyle to improve my heath I was grateful as I fully expected him to write out a prescription for some statin or other to lower my cholesterol levels. Maybe because it wasn't terribly high yet, or maybe because he preferred more natural methods first. Which ever the reason, I walked out of that office fully determined to learn more about the lifestyle he mentioned and get to work in making changes.

 Changes aren't easy for a creature of habit.

 I am a person who takes the same route every where I go. I know that route, I know the dips and turns and possible problems. I know where the signals and train tracks are and when the trains usually run. I know where the deer hang out. I am the person who tries to park in the same spot every time or when shopping as close to that place as possible. I can remember where I'm parked that way. I'm the person who hikes the same trails supposedly so that others would know where I am should I not show up when they believe I should. I buy the same foods, I visit the same web sites, you get the idea, such a horrible creature of sameness. Any deviation from that sameness created havoc in my mind and day.

 Changes are exactly what he was prescribing.

 Changes, or the lack of changes is a mindset that can be...changed.

One of the problems with being a creature of habit is the stress levels it produces.

 I mentioned that I park in the same place as often as possible. When where I work moved to its current location, I was among the first that actually worked in the manufacturing process. There had been many others already in there rebuilding and remodeling an abused building but as far as the actual doing what we do, that was me and my crew. I picked out the place I wanted to park and that has been "my" spot for many years. At first parking there every time was a given, we were still small with only one shift, as that changed, so did the battle for my spot. On the days that I would get to work and have to park somewhere else, my day was ruined- truly and completely ruined. My mind replayed the litany over and over about how that was my place how dare they take my place? My stress levels over something silly was out the roof. It only got worse as any little normally ignorable incident would get blown out of proportion.

 Lowering stress levels was part of this lifestyle. Is, a part of this lifestyle.

  Grocery shopping is not on the top of my list as fun things to occupy my time. Trying to find foods at an affordable price that is healthy and tastes good is trying at best, nearly impossible in part. On top of that parts of the changes are in parts of the diet. How many times have you heard the instructions and recommendations to cut out the processed sugars from your diet?  Yes, that is part of it, the sugar had to go. So here I am a creature of habit that is also a severe junk food junkie who has to make changes and still lower stress levels. In a grocery store where prices are only going up, I have limited funds to spend, I get behind people who want to block aisles to chat and then I get behind people with carts piled high with the really good foods and have food stamps while I'm counting pennies and have hamburger. Yes, that stress level factor hits over drive.

 And then, there is my husband who drives a truck and has his own full set of problems. Those where he calls me often to rant. We all need someone who will listen when we need to vent. Even when there is nothing the listener can do about the problems.

While all of the above may sound more like a rant that anything else. I am leading up to a point.

Change is not impossible. No matter how set one is in their ways, no matter how deep of a rut you have dug, you can make changes and lower stress levels. I am finding that out on a day by day basis.

 Life is short, don't sweat the small stuff. Have you heard that one before? Most likely you have, but you know what? Its true. What constitutes small stuff? Parking spaces, trains, grocery shopping, husbands who listen to talk radio and become alarmed at every scenario they mention.  I'm learning that when I can't park where I usually do because someone has beat me to that spot, when it comes time to go home, I can usually get out of the parking lot much easier. Simply get in and drive away as opposed to that corner spot that is prone to be blocked in. I refuse to carry a bad attitude in the building. I toss it in the backseat and leave it there to melt away in the southern sunshine. Small annoyances at work, I mentally toss the bad mood in the garbage and handle the situation with more patience and peace. Train delays are a way to find something good on the radio, or a favorite cd to play. Grocery shopping is a challenge as the amount of stress creators it contains are infinite. When it comes to people blocking the way, a polite excuse me request usually works better than steaming. Considering that maybe they are friends who haven't seen each other in ages, maybe one recently found out some extremely important facts that must be passed on and they don't realize they are an obstruction. Maybe one is trying to gain assistance in reaching an item too high or far back, being tall sometimes I can help. Find a magazine to glance through to distract myself from what is in the cart before me and their payment methods. It isn't my business anyway.

 Change brings peace, but it also brings surprises. When you walk or drive the same route all the time, every time, the potential to miss a lot is there. Yes, you may know that it takes exactly five minutes and forty-five seconds to get to work, but if there is another route and time is not of strict importance (leave home a little early when possible) you may see a beautiful sunrise, the inhabitants of nature moving about, families enjoying a few moments together. Walking in a different place may show you flowers or other plant life you don't see in your usual place. You may find wildlife and insect life that isn't a normal sight.

 Carry a camera to capture what you are seeing. It doesn't matter that you have no photographic career desires, capturing beauty in its many forms is therapeutic. Even if you don't capture it to view later, you carry the images in your heart and mind and that alone can bring a smile. Walking provides quiet time. No matter how long your walk, it allows for a peace to flow in pushing the annoyances of the day out. If you pay attention and walk with the intent to de-stress, you can fill the change taking place. You can actually feel yourself relaxing and enjoying the walk.

 All that walking, whether just a stroll or a vigorous hike? Not only does it lower stress levels as you are out in the peace and music of nature, but you're getting exercise that helps not only the body but mind as well. Stress tends to tie one up in knots. Walking, especially if you walk at a faster rate than normal, is one way to work that out. Taking an exercise class or working out at home on a regular basis helps. Whether you are weight lifting, aerobics, or any other type, as long as you have cleared it with your doctor is good for you.

 And yes, what we eat can raise our stress levels. Especially if we are trying to cut out a certain food group or type- such as processed sugar-and then we give in to temptation. I have often read that it is good in some cases to treat yourself from time to time. That couple of cookies, that one slice of cake, that bite of chocolate is okay as long as you don't binge. In fact, dark chocolate has been shown to be good for you, as long as you are careful in how much you consume. In this case, more is not better.

 If we watch the foods that we consume, eating more raw and natural foods rather than processed our body is better able to handle stress and the effects that it has on the body. If we take time to cook rather than microwave it is better. If and when we prepare meals at home, we know for the most part what is in that meal. What we put into our body does matter.

 I am not a big fan of today's television. I do not like to watch the news but I will watch weather reports if I fear storms are approaching. I have found that if I must fill the quiet of my home, I prefer the radio.  I love music of almost all genres, so I can usually find something to deliver me from a bad mood. At times even being moved to get up and move. At home, it doesn't matter that I have no rhythm and look as if I'm in need of medical intervention when I dance. The cats are entertained and I'm getting a stress relieving exercise moment.

 Speaking of storms, from personal experience I have found that not being prepared brings on stress. The fear of doing without-something-the biggest factor. If we know before hand and are able to prepare or if we try to remain as much as possible in a state of preparedness that can lower our stress. Having foods that are non perishable in our cabinets, having a way to prepare those foods or having foods that don't need much in way of preparation, having lanterns or candles (used safely), blankets or some way to generate power, ways to entertain ourselves and our children those can and will lower our stress levels. If those storms cause an event that is beyond our control as hurricanes and tornadoes, along with snow and ice are want to do causing one to have to evacuate then we must learn how to handle the shelter or other accommodation as best that we can and leave the stress behind.

 Writing a journal can help. It gives you a place to write down the things that are bothering you where you can vent to your heart's content and harm no one's feelings or get yourself in trouble. 

  Finding a sport or outdoor activity that you enjoy helps. You can lose yourself in the activity and get that exercise thing going on. Fishing, sitting in a boat or on a pier is relaxing when you enjoy the scenery and peace. Catching fish for dinner is also good. Softball works out the knots of stress as does bowling. Bicycling in groups or in safe areas gets the heart rate up as well as giving you the passing scenery to enjoy. Gardening gives you time alone, time to work up a good sweat and grow some wonderful tasting fruits and vegetables. Pick your favorite activity and go with it.

 Find a charitable event to participate in. You will reap the benefits of helping others and they will reap the benefits of your work and help.

Find time for family and friends, unless of course those same family and friends are a source of your stress, then find ways to enjoy life away from them.

                                           (deliberate choice to protect the privacy of my family)

 Pets are a great stress reliever, just make sure that you get the pet that is right for you.  Some pets require more than others. If you are one who cannot chase after a dog or give it the exercise and extra attention that it needs you would not want a dog that requires that. My German Shepherd Dog is very high energy and acts out if she doesn't get the stimulation and exercise she needs. Consider what you are able to do and the pet that best suits your lifestyle. Fish are great for apartment living and need only food and attention to their living quarters. They are also great stress relievers as it has been proven that simply watching fish swim lowers our stress levels dramatically.

 Many people find peace and stress relief in their faith. To believe that there is a plan and a purpose, to believe that a Higher Power is in control and that through Him we can find peace and relief is a good calming factor.

 Take time to simply have fun.

Find things to laugh about.

 Stress in our lives causes a lot of our health issues, headaches, heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, arthritis, asthma, skin conditions, depression, depression, anxiety and can cause other problems and health conditions to worsen. As a cancer survivor I have been told to keep my stress levels as low as possible. Drinking alcohol and smoking can elevate stress levels. Stress is a problem, it is a difficult issue to resolve unless you are fully determined to make changes in your lifestyle. Changes I am determined to make as I prefer not to go on medications to lower my cholesterol levels. Besides, life is much more enjoyable without that stress thing hanging around over my head.

How do you find relief from stress?

The Winter of Cancer

           To me

 Facing -and fighting- cancer was like watching seasons change.

 Before cancer I was going through life as if it were summer. Life was warm, happily filled with every day things. I took walks, I enjoyed family and friends, life was good.

Then came fall and the first chilly breeze. I had my first mammogram just after I turned fifty years old. It was November, Thanksgiving was in the air so I wasn't thinking anything at all about possibilities only getting the test over and out of the way and my getting back to living. Summertime was going to be a long way away. The last colors that had burst forth with Autumn faded away as I got the call that more images were needed. Unfazed and unworried I went in the day after Christmas to get the images done so my mother and I could hit the shops. We wouldn't hit the stores that day for the first time in years. After having multiple images taken, then going for an ultrasound the mood for shopping was gone. The cold of winter's reality was approaching, the clouds on the horizon growing thicker. Even before any confirmations the chill ran up my back, it was going to be a cold winter. I didn't need any weather predictors telling me that. When the confirmation came I was ready, as ready as one could be in those circumstances.

  As I progressed through the initially testing and questions I had donned a jacket of strength of will. The surgical biopsy had brought out the boots of determination. I would walk this journey and see it to the end. when the biopsy showed cancerous it was time to get serious. Winter's winds were blowing, but I was not to be swayed. After my surgery I dressed in the armor of one going into battle, preparing for the treatments to come.

 By now, the colors had every one faded to brown, most leaves haven fallen from the trees covering the cold, barren ground. Ever so often you would see a tree that had retained its leaves. I remembered hearing that some trees held their leaves so that the wildlife would have a place to find shelter from winter's cold and snows. I was going to need to seek out those special places for shelter during the coming winter season.

  Since my becoming a so-called adult, winter has never been my favorite time of year. Truth be told, I dislike the cold as much as one can dislike anything. Even that remembered fun in the snow is short lived when one has to attempt to drive in the mess around others who have no practice in the activity. Winter is a bland, grey, occasionally white time of year where color is sparse, I feel trapped inside wrapped in blankets and extra clothing. Breast cancer was my time of winter. The colors of laughter, song , and fun were shrouded in the extra layers of worry, fear, pain and concern over the unanswered questions. For me, winter is a lonely time, I spend most of the season hiding in the house. During my battle, I spent most of the time exhausted. Radiation treatments were deleting all of the energy that I had and replacing it with a tired feeling so extreme that it was all I could do to put one foot before the other. Every time I stretched out on that table and watched that monster of a machine move into position I closed my eyes and made ready for the cold reality. They were flooding my breast with radiation, supposedly one area, but could one be sure? How does one confine snow to one area? It is not a possible reality at this time, so how could confining radiation to one area be fully possible? Each treatment brought colder times, each moment on that table less color- how I longed for the warmth and color of spring. I hated the silence, I hated the loneliness, I so disliked the drab grey times and days.

  The day I had my final radiation treatment I walked slowly from the building, certificate of accomplishment in hand. It was accomplished, I had finished all of my radiation treatments. Winter was ending. It was however going to take a long while for spring to fully arrive. As the flowers slowly poke their first buds from the ground so did my strength return. The flowers of spring depend on the sunlight and rain, I depended on rest, good foods and exercise. The plants depend on fertilizers, and pruning, I depended on the love, prayers and closeness of friends. As spring's warmth and color returned, as life in nature renewed, so did mine.

  My battle, my season of winter in the year of 2008, not so long past that I have forgotten. Not so close that it disturbs my rest and thoughts. As winter returns, will my cancer? That I cannot say, but I do know that as one prepares for difficult times in the cold, so I have prepared to better my health. When freezing temperatures threaten one stores up water, fuel for heating, foods easy to prepare in case of power outages. I have removed the bad things from my diet and saved up the good. Processed foods is out and whole natural foods are in. Sodas are out and water is in. Exercise and stress relieving acts are in. Will the winter of cancer return? I hope and pray not, but if it does, I will be much better prepared and understanding of what is to come.

One thing that I did while fighting was join forces with the American Cancer Society and Relay for Life. I have learned much, made new and good friends and helped, in what ever ways I am able in the fight to end cancer. Relay welcomes everyone. It is a joining of forces, a joining of friends. We walk, we laugh, we raise awareness and money. Please find a Relay event to participate in. If you can't find a Relay in your area and would like to help you can always donate to the ACS on my profile page here:

http://main.acsevents.org/goto/RebeccaSRevels

   

Going Green, its not just an Environmental Thing (colors of food)

   As one who loves photography, artistic endeavors, the explosion of Spring and the burst of fall foliage, I love color. I enjoy what it does to my photographs, on a canvas and yes, even on my plate. I am much more interested in eating and eating better if the meal before me is aesthetically pleasing. An important note here is that not only are colorful foods more pleasing to look at, they are good for you. Each color represents different nutrients held within. In an earlier posting I discussed red foods, today is obviously green, so lets go green shall we?

In the process of doing the research for this particular writing the same phenomenon happened that usually happens. I was finding so many interesting pieces of information that I was having too much fun searching and forgetting that I was supposed to be writing. Learning however, is never a bad thing, especially when we are talking about what can help you be a healthier individual. One thing realized, while the sight of green mold on your food is not pleasing to see, most green foods are good to see... on your plate.

 Green  leafy foods, contain chlorophyll, something many of us learned in high school science class. This gives food their green color. There is a wide variety of nutrients to be found in green fruits and vegetables. Among the many nutrients, green leafy plants contain phytochemicals, compounds that help fight disease. Rich in fiber they help lower cholesterol, keep you feeling full longer, lower blood pressure and help with the slowing of absorption of carbohydrates.

I'll admit it, I love a good salad, especially one that I make here in my own kitchen. I know what I've chopped up in there.  Especially if I have grown my own vegetables or have green thumbed friends who share. That being said, let's build our own green salad bar.
 My husband is a die hard iceberg lettuce man, I will eat iceberg, but I know that Romaine is better. While Iceberg contains very few beneficial nutrients, Romaine contains five that helps promote better health. The five are fiber, folate - a B-vitamin; Cartenoids- an antioxidant; Vitamin C and Saponins- phytochemicals found in green leafy vegetables.

With those big bowls of lettuce filled lets start on the other smaller containers, we have a lot to fill as I love a salad filled with a variety of good things. Take cucumber, I have been known to eat more than my share of cucumber, especially if it is fresh picked from the garden. My love for cucumber was always based on taste, now I have more reasons to enjoy this favorite. Cucumber according to the web site exhibithealth.com. contain lariciresinol, pinoresinol and secoisolariciresinol. These are three lignans that research has shown to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease as well as several cancer types.
 Bell Pepper is next. While I enjoy all the colors of bell pepper and they all go in, we're discussing green. The green bell peppers are an excellent source of vitamin C containing more than found in an average orange. Green peppers also contain vitamin E and the antioxidant mineral manganese.
After that are the Brussels sprouts, small, but packs a heavy punch. The many nutrients in Brussels sprouts support three body systems. The detox system, its antioxidant system, and its inflammatory/ anti-inflammatory system. Providing many vitamin antioxidants such as vitamin C, E, and A.
Broccoli, steamed, broccoli can provide some cholestrol lowering benefits. Raw broccoli has this ability, but less so. It has a positive impact on the body's detoxification system. With vitamin A and K broccoli helps keep vitamin D levels in balance. Has unique anti-inflammatory benefits. Its many different nutrients and properties make eating broccoli a good cancer prevention strategy.
Kale: packed with vitamins A and C, folic acid, iron and calcium.
Honeydew melon: Good source of vitamin C.
Peas: contains, fiber, protein, iron, zinc, potassium and folate.
Avocados: VitaminC, K, folate, potassium,the antioxidant lutein and monounsaturated fat.
Kiwi: More vitamin C than any other fruit. High in fiber, potassium, and vitamin E.
Limes: Antioxidants including flavonol glycosides that help prevent hardening if the arteries and help fight cancer. 
Asparagus: Excellent source of folate and thiamin, fiber, iron, vitamin C and beta-carotene.
Artichokes: Vitamin C, folate and potassium.

The list could go on and on as there are many good "green" foods out there. Whole and natural foods that help the body and help our health. It is too easy to fall into the trap of convenience when it comes to using processed food products. Most of which anything actually nutritious has been removed. When you use natural foods that are not laden with chemicals or modified, then your health can improve. They provide a multitude of nutrients, that improve body functions, cut down on inflammation, help prevent cancer, help blood sugar and cholesterol levels, help with digestion, and more.
 I know from experience that once we are caught in the processed foods trap it is a difficult one to escape from. Ripping open a box, tossing the "meal" into a microwave and then presto- we have dinner convenience is much easier than taking raw vegetables and slowly from scratch preparing dinner. Better health though is worth it, well worth it.
 Once my cholesterol levels began to creep up a couple of years ago I pretty much stopped purchasing most processed foods. I do purchase frozen pizzas because I haven't bothered to try and make my own...yet. That is next on my list..I could start by learning how to prepare a spinach pizza..its green..
 Kermit the frog said "it isn't easy being green" and yes, sometimes it isn't easy eating and living a green lifestyle. But once a healthier way of life is adopted, one can and does adjust, and is all the better for it. I know that I feel much better, and I have less fears of my cancer returning.