" Celebrate … "

Everybody spread the word

We're gonna have a celebration

All across the world

In every nation

It's time for the good times

Forget about the bad times, oh yeah

One day to come together

To release the pressure

We need a holiday ...

You can turn this world around

And bring back all of those happy days

Put your troubles down

It's time to celebrate

Let love shine

And we will find

A way to come together

And make things better

We need a holiday ...

Holiday Celebrate

Holiday, Celebration

Come together in every nation

~ Madonna ~ Celebrate ~

***

Holiday celebrations are in full swing as cookies are baked, lights are displayed and gifts are bought.  This time of year we hope to witness the best that people have to offer.  We celebrate connections, we celebrate life.

So it is also a great time of year to reflect on what has occured in your life during the year.  Some years have been filled with significant landmark events while others have been more subtle, appearing to be less significant.  Yet what emerges from quiet reflection is an appreciation of my life.  

In the begining of the year, life started in one space and has ended in another ... the unfoldment of life and the changes that have occurred.  I am able to see how my life is supported and tailored to my growth.   And although there are situations that may have blinded my objectivity, the key is to release it when the bigger picture is explored.

Anticipating 2014, I am working towards a new sense of freedom, a deeper sense of joy ... I see my life working even as I know there are still many mysteries to explore.  But that is okay because I am starting from a new place within me.  And this new place verifies that action from a place of inner knowing works.  No matter what happens, I am safe, I am protected and I am definitely loved.  

❇ ❈ ❅ ❄ ❆ MERRY WINTER SOLSTICE ❇ ❈ ❅ ❄ ❆

May the solstice and turning of the wheel bring love, peace and good fortune in our coming year as we welcome the returning sun with joy ☼

" Ain't No Mountain High Enough ... "

If you need me, call me. 

No matter where you are, no matter how far. 

Just call my name. I'll be there in a hurry. 

On that you can depend and never worry ...

No wind, no rain, 

Can stop me, babe 

If you wanna go 

I know, I know you must follow the sun 

Wherever it leads 

But remember 

If you should fall short of your desires 

Remember life holds for you one guarantee 

You'll always have me ...

Ain't no mountain high enough 

Ain't no valley low enough (say it again) 

Ain't no river wide enough 

To keep me from you. 

~ Ashford & Simpson ~ Ain’t No Mountain High Enough ~

***

B-L-I-S-S ... the last few days, Russell and I were gifted a mini-vacation in the Rocky Mountains with my parents.  They booked a vacation rental for the four of us in Canmore.  So we had to pack and plan for a three-night get away.  You know the saying “everything but the kitchen sink” ... well we may have taken that as well ... juicer, organic veggies and fruit, coffee & supplies, medications, laptop .... And it is a good thing we have an SUV ... it was fully packed!

My mom knew to book a place with a full kitchen so as soon as we got there, the juicer got set up, groceries were unpacked, and coffee was being brewed for my upcoming enema.  Although this is the norm for us, it still amazes how we just know what to do when, regardless of where we are ... and still stay right on schedule.  
Man oh man I’ve got an awesome team!

Initially I wasn’t looking forward to the “hassle” of taking my therapy on the road, but I am so glad we did.  This was the first real trip for Russell and I since coming back from the clinic last March.  And those that know us, we have always travelled every year so this was a huge treat ... and I realized that a change of scenery is EXACTLY what I needed.  

Thankfully, Canmore is about an hours drive from our home, so it is easy to make this happen.  Mountain Living ... I understand why others get tired of the busy city life and make that change ... it is simply breathtaking.  As the mighty mountains tower above us, the pristine views, the quiet, calm atmosphere and the uninterrupted green settings provide plenty of benefits to your mind, body and spirit.  

I had plenty of room to breathe ...

We talked about what it would be like to live there and if we could truly enjoy the natural therapy mountain living would bring after a stressful day ... the best of nature.  We could still grow a garden and even chop our own wood for those crazy winters we endure.  Mountain living could give us our very own natural paradise.

It would be a massive change for the two of us ... but it is not as far fetched as it may seem.  A geographic move has been on our radar for many years, even prior to my diagnosis.  We just assumed it would be to a warmer climate and near water ... and still may be, you never know.

But for now, thanks to my generous parents, we had this wonderful opportunity ... to relax, play cards, read books, eat good food, and share in each others company.

Feeling truly loved & blessed ... I embrace every morsel of this life ...

Adventure is a path. Real adventure – self-determined, self-motivated, often risky – forces you to have firsthand encounters with the world. The world the way it is, not the way you imagine it. Your body will collide with the earth and you will bear witness. In this way you will be compelled to grapple with the limitless kindness and bottomless cruelty of humankind – and perhaps realize that you yourself are capable of both. This will change you. Nothing will ever again be black-and-white ~ Mark Jenkins

" Recovery ... "

I’m not afraid to take a stand
Everybody come take my hand
We’ll walk this road together, through the storm
Whatever weather, cold or warm
Just let you know that, you’re not alone
Hola if you feel that you’ve been down the same road

~ Eminem ~ Recovery ~ 

***

At the end of the year most of us reflect on the going ons we have experienced.  2011 has been a wild ride to say the least for us.  With the start of the year ringing in my diagnosis, the remaining has been full of discoveries and lessons.  Those around me that are in a similar situation will attest to the personal transformation that occurs at a very rapid pace.  The "shift" that happens is not gentle ... it is abrupt.  Initially I felt that my life has turned upside down.  But upon reflection, it actually turned right side up.  The naive thought of being immortal faced me head on when I was dealt the dreaded C word .... And the most profound thought for me is that cancer is a word and not a sentence ... initiating my personal healing.  

Looking forward to 2012, a beginning of a new year full of success, adventure and possibility.  Instead of planning for a new car, new home or renovations, I choose to plan my life ~ what I want to achieve and how I want to grow as a person.  You know the saying that "Life is a journey” ... so are you the driver or a passenger? ... do you pick an adventurous route or snooze in the back?  Rather than life developing and me existing, I can choose to make things happen the way I design them instead of leaving it all up to chance.

So how I going to set my intentions for the new year?  

Well I figure I have to set the mood, a time for me to feel peaceful, relaxed and uninterrupted.  Once in a positive state and open to possibilities, I will write down my achievements for 2011 and then ... reflect on them.  One year ago my life was full of uncertainty, quiet chaos, anxiety and fear .... now I have peace, gratitude, confidence, and love.  I will allow myself to celebrate my success this year ... a tough year, but could have been worse and the best part, I am getting thru it.  I read recently that once you are diagnosed, at that moment, you are a survivor.  Such an empowering feeling.  

I have been checking in, asking myself questions around my year ~ who, what, when and where ... not why, because there are no definitive answers to that question.  That is where my strong faith kicks in ... I read today that “every sorrow has a spiritual lesson, if you get the lesson, life gets easier ... if you don’t, the sorrow gets tougher” (thanks Oprah!).  

Next, I will think about the areas of my life that are important such as spirituality, relationship with friends/family, personal development, career, etc ... and consider where I am with each right now, today ... then thinking about how I would like to positively change each area.  

Imagine ~ Dream ~ Design.  So powerful and effective to make it Real.  I may entertain the use of a dream board to paint a vivid picture of exactly how it will look for me.  Supporting this process, by prioritizing what areas need immediate action, setting dates, the importance around it, etc can be helpful as long as I am being true to myself.

I think the next step will be the most challenging.  I will ask myself who will share my intentions with me.  In the past, I have found that some do not always support my “new design” and try to burst my bubble.  And it is not intentional, they just like life to be the way it is and do not want change.  They fear that I may fail and are too protective of me ... as I experienced this year where others may think it’s best for me to take a more conventional route and do things the way they understand.  I have realized that each person is an unique individual with their own set of life situations and challenges ... if we listen to and take negative comments of others, we are bound to struggle to achieve our intentions.  

Valued Lesson: I will share my intentions with those who will support me, encourage me and be inspired by me ♥

In wrapping up 2011, one word comes to mind ... BLESSED.  At this moment, I feel healthy, loved, safe and secure.  I choose to live in abundance of all good things and know that I am exactly where I am suppose to be.  

And what will my 2012 dream board look like? ... 

• pictures of how my life is going to be, what I will have, and what is important to me
• words that inspire me to dream big and take action ... and I will imagine the feelings surrounding those dreams

So till next year my friends ... may the light shine brightly in your heart and the upcoming year be full of powerful changes allowing you to let go of the past so your life can be richer and fuller with room for multiple blessings and joy.

We are the light of the world ~ so let us share it willingly, lovingly and unconditionally ♥ R.Bankapur