So, if you’ve seen the video you are probably wondering what’s written on those cards and the meanings behind the quotes. Positive thinking cards help you in those moments of doubt or when boundaries seem to come in on you or you feel that no one understands – pull out the card and you”ll realize how strong you are again.
It all started when I was mortified at the way my brain was working as I mindlessly dialled the number on my pill bottle for repeat and used the prescription number rather than the phone number. This would have been a minor error if the number hadn’t started with 911 – imagine trying to convince the emergency operator that there was no emergency except my foggy useless brain! I was so embarrassed. That is when my friend said ” Laugh at yourself ” – and so I started my cards in an effort to understand myself and stay positive with the changes. As I had my head shaved, it was tough to realize that it was not as pretty. My husband said “just smile , you always look better” and from then on, I always smiled – a compliment back lifted my spirits. Of course, all the surgery re calibrated my pain threshold. If I complained all the time, people would shut off so I decided “don’t complain, take a pill” was a good message to at least doing something constructive and not dwelling on the worst. “Say yes to more than you are comfortable, you’ll be surprised at the results” – in the worst pain I was asked if I wanted a really helpful counsellor – “yes”, I said , not really aware of what it entailed. Then he called and I felt ridiculous and said I could manage but he insisted – best thing I ever did – my heart poured out and he made me live in the present and reframe my world. Don’t forget that everyone has a story – did the person at the traffic light have cancer or have a tragedy – have grace to everyone else’s story too. Don’t ever look at the past since you can’t change it – it is done, you can learn from it but cannot relive it so don’t worry about things that you can’t change. On the way to physio, I stopped and tried on some clothes – I erased one of my poorly drawn eyebrows and that was the last time I didn’t bring an eyebrow pencil with me – it stays on my thinking card. To do lists are not just a small feeling of accomplishment, I couldn’t remember anything! Starting one task, I forgot 10 more and the To Do lists kept me on task, proud of the check marks I would make when accomplished.
Going back to work has it’s own set of worries but I live by “If I’m not healthy, I’m not helpful” – this keeps me giving as much of myself as I can while watching my own health doesn’t suffer. When going outside your comfort zone feels a bit tough, go just an inch more and you’ll be proud of yourself. Don’t forget to go to that place in your head that you love – swim, create, exercise – it’s healthy and we only thrive on balance. So here are my 3 cards :
Things to Remember
Laugh at myself. Laugh at mistakes. Get up, put make up on, show up for life. Exercise. Enjoy every moment, live for today. Laugh again. Don’t sweat the small stuff. If it didn’t hurt anyone, leave it in the past. Worry only about the things that you can change. Don’t complain, take a pill. Ask for help. Order it online when you feel lousy. Play tennis. Talk to those people who make you feel good. Laugh at those cravings. Remember your eyebrow pencil in your purse. There’s always a way. Play the cards you are dealt. Perseverance. Love your job, if you don’t , change it. Control stress. When it upsets you, write it down, it works. Heal thyself mentally too, chemo fog is real. Make lists, make to do lists. Smile, you look better. Put away the black clothes. Say yes more than you want to, you’ll be surprised at the results. Swim. Remember the best people in the world and how much they are there for you, always and always
More Things to Remember
One day at a time, everyone has a story, allow more time, inspire, destiny, every day is a special day – never take it for granted, read, push yourself – it feels great, you have great gifts – share them, don’t forget your family – they are amazing, be a “yes man”, share the joy of life, write, step beyond your comfort zone – you’ll be proud of yourself, love the skin you are in – don’t be jealous, rest and take in the moment, life is what you make it , don’t say words that you will regret, say sorry, say thank you, create, don’t compare, take the time to visit, priorities, be grateful, deal with something that bothers you, don’t blame others, don’t expect others to understand how you feel, some people say the wrong thing – don’t be angry, positive attitude, friends are always there, change things that are negative, strength and courage prevail, perseverance, time heals, believe in yourself, love myself as I am, remember your spiritual side.
Things to Remember Moving On
Sleep on it – its better in the morning; remember your new path; you got through last year – you can get through anything; inspire; book coffee with a friend; visit; take a moment to call – it is worth a thousand thoughts; healing takes 6 weeks; go beyond your comfort zone- you’ll be proud of yourself; take more time; give yourself permission to play; book art time; book reading time; play tennis; go to that place in your head where time stands still; balance; make things happen – they don’t always fall in your lap; make to do lists; write; forgive yourself; you are not perfect- don’t expect perfect; only the healthy me is helpful; Lead with your heart; You are rare; be patient of your healing; do what you can do; speak out to relieve the burden; don’t look back unless to gain wisdom; fear is part of me but lives quietly in peace; choose to be happy; all you can do is always enough; focus on positives; trust yourself; keep writing;