All too often I have found myself focusing on the negative things that may have taken place during the day. Bad day at work, a rude comment from random stranger at the store, or whatever it may be. It’s easy to let these things take over. But then there are the random acts of kindness that can really change the course of your day. Simple things like a kind smile when you’ve had a bad day. Or when you’re in line at that coffee place, and you find out the person ahead of you paid for yours, and left the message to “remember how it made you feel, and pass it on”. These simple acts are what helps to restore faith in humanity :).

I’m lucky enough to say I’ve been on the receiving end of the kindness of strangers. The strongest influences coming to mind right now, are the wonderful people I’ve met through the MPN community. I have received wonderful advice, support, information, and love from people who I’ve never even met. There is nothing more isolating than thinking that you are going through your trials/suffering alone. When you find a community of people who know what you’re feeling, not just someone who can sympathize, but someone who has actually BEEN where you are…it is amazing. It is liberating. For 10 years now I have been lucky enough to find comfort knowing that I’m not alone. Knowing that there are others out there who feel the same way that I do, and who are there to share stories, and help lift my spirits. Thank you, Good Samaritans. Thank you, empathizers. Thank you, friends.

As always, you are your own best advocate. If you do not stand up for yourself, who will?

Next up – #HAWMC Day 4 – Creature of Habit

Until next time,

Lina

So…One day into the challenge, and I already failed. Yeesh. That doesn’t bode well for the rest of the challenge…but I’m trying to make up for it now. I will not miss another day!!! So today, I am taking advantage of the beautiful weather, and hanging out on the porch with my writing buddies to catch up on the #HAWMC posts I’ve missed…

(There will be 3 separate posts today.)

#HAWMC Day 2 – My Key(s) To Happiness

This is a tough one. I don’t think that (for me) there is a single “Key” to happiness. But sticking with the “key” metaphor…I have a pretty full key ring of things/people that help me to stay positive, and therefore happy.

My Family. No matter how I’m feeling, spending some time with my family never fails to perk me up. My husband often jokes that in addition to being “solar powered” (more on that later) that I am also “family powered”. That’s pretty accurate. It really is true that I can be practically devoid of energy (spoons) and a phone call from my sister, or spending time with mom and dad will re-energize me, and whatever problems may have been bothering me, just don’t seem as big anymore. This is key number one.

My husband. He is definitely family, don’t get me wrong. But he voluntarily became a part of my family, and made me a part of his. That earns him his own “key”…and also makes me question his sanity at times ;). M is one of my biggest supporters, he encourages me, he loves me at me best and at my worst, he tolerates my occasional rant, and helps me redirect my personal frustrations into my passion for health and patient advocacy. This is key number two.

My faithful writing buddies. At the end of the day, these boys are always at the door to greet me with a wagging tail and slobbery kisses. They don’t hold grudges, they don’t know how. They simply know how to love. As goofy as it sounds, if more people knew how to love like man’s best friend, the world would be a better place. This is key number three.

A good afternoon in the sun. As I alluded to previously, M likes to say that I am solar powered. He may very well be right. Spending a few hours in the sun (with a good sunblock on, of course!) is one of my favorite ways to pass time. Ever seen the movie Wall-e? Picture the scene where he’s using his solar panel to re-charge. That’s me 🙂 This is key number four.

A sense of humor. From the beginning of my diagnosis (well…from the time I decided to take it seriously, anyway…) the best way for me to approach the problems I encountered was with a joke, a smirk, or a laugh. You may have noticed (I hope you’ve noticed…) that a lot of the things I write are a little tongue and cheek. Taking yourself too seriously can be a good recipe for unhappiness. You have to be able to smile. Even if (no, especially if) you’re laughing at yourself. This is key number five.

A good cup of coffee. Don’t laugh. Or do. Whatever makes you happy. (Refer to Key Number Five). Whatever you do, do NOT underestimate the power of a good cup of coffee. This is key number six.

These keys may not be the same as yours, but they certainly help do the trick for me.

As always, you are your own best advocate. If you do not stand up for yourself, who will?

Next up – #HAWMC Day 3. Good Samaritan.

Until Next Time,

Lina