" Dedicate … "

I dedicate this song to the love of my life ...
That's why I sing this song to tell you that I love you
'Cause you're my one and only

Oh, you're the one that I adore
And no matter what we go through, 

I'll love you forever and more ...
You'll show me the way back to your heart and that's why

Ooh, I dedicate, ooh, I dedicate

~ Amanda Perez ~ Dedicate ~

***

In the past, I’ve struggled with an obsessive personality ... finding something to learn or do, getting carried away and thinking about it constantly ... becoming so curious and seeking ways to find as much information I could.

Doesn’t sound so bad right?  Well, depends on if what you are obsessing is more destructive than productive to you ...

Ask yourself when is the last time you gave everything you had to make something happen? ... extreme focus and determination, full of passion.  You see, whether you realize it or not, the way you choose to spend your day is ultimately a trade off ... moments of your life in exchange for your current activities.  

do you consciously recognize & appreciate each day of your life with awareness ... are you activities worthy of your life energy ...

Ultimately, to know what counts and what doesn’t, you have to know what motivates you rather than what affects you, being more proactive than reactive.  

“we are punished by what we do, not because of it” 

~ C. Humphreys

I often think about what I will be remembered for ... and really if I will be remembered at all.  So I do my best and choose to dedicate my life to something I consider worthy ... in whatever small way possible.

Perhaps in the end it doesn’t matter what you do, it only matters how you are ... devoting your life to is a way of being.  You each get a choose how you want your life to be, to identify what you value, who you want to be, what you want to stand for and you get a lifetime to practice that.  With no input from anyone but your own heart ... listened in your quietest, most compassionate moments ... with every breath you get to dedicate what is dearest …

" Why ... "

How many times do I have to try to tell you

That I'm sorry for the things I've done

But when I start to try to tell you

That's when you have to tell me ...

That's why it hurts so bad to hear the words

That keep on falling from your mouth

Falling from your mouth

Falling from your mouth

Tell me ... Why

This is the book I never read

These are the words I never said

This is the path I'll never tread

These are the dreams I'll dream instead

This is the joy that's seldom spread

These are the tears...

The tears we shed

This is the fear

This is the dread

These are the contents of my head

And these are the years that we have spent

And this is what they represent ...

You don't know what I feel

~ Annie Lennox ~ Why ~

***

The meaning of Life and it’s impermanent nature.  We often contemplate life, death and the purpose of being here ... the why of it all.  Why the happiness, why the sadness, why the struggle, why the heartache ... and I don’t know if there is a solid answer I’ve found to satisfy the why ... I don’t know if the chase for a more promising tomorrow will ever end.

Some day, that goal ... it will all lead to happiness.  But we know better.  We know that we cannot stride through life as if we will live forever.  We know that we cannot treat time as a cheap commodity that we blindly waste.  We know that we cannot hide behind victim stories forever.  We know the signs to wake up and make a change.

So you learn to forgive, you learn to take responsibility, and you learn to let go of anxiety and stress ... but what happens when we make all those changes only to find our problems are still very present and very real?  You learn to live your life with courage, love and integrity.  You learn to slow down and appreciate the preciousness of whom you are and the beauty, wealth, abundance, love and opportunities that surround you.

it’s about what makes you come alive ... 

A blank canvas in front of you, you are the artist of your life 

and you are free to paint any picture that pleases you ... 

and change it at any time for that matter ... 

We may not be able to answer the infinite question of why ... but we can replace it with questions that motivate us ... what do you love in life? ... what would you stand for if you knew no one would judge you? ... what really inspires you?

Believe that the more you can implement your passions, strengths, values and desires into your days, the less you will be asking why because the most valuable knowledge that you will ever discover is, and always will be, within.

" Other People's Lives ... "

And the details make you shiver

But it's hard to escape

When your head is stuck in vice

Because nothing matters

In the self obsessive age

Where they dare you not to notice

But it's everywhere

In shocking color on the page ...

In the magazine

Staring out at me

Out of my TV

Other people's lives

Pixelated lives

Just like yours and mine

~ Duran Duran ~ Other People’s Lives ~

***

Do you have clarity about what you truly want and is your life exactly where you want it to be?  You may have a general sense of what you want like more money, loving relationship, fame ... but is it enough?

I recently read that without true clarity, you can fall prey to other people’s lives and agendas.  True clarity provides focus, makes things specific ... makes things happen.  So unless you are absolutely clear on what and how, it becomes much easier to get persuaded by someone else who has greater clarity than you.  And, you end of following their agenda.  Makes sense right?

You see, when you are clear, you are driven regardless of what pitfall is in your path.  When you are focused on what you want, you keep your eyes on the prize.

So now honestly ask yourself, are you achieving the results you want in life?  If not, here are some ways to help you gain clarity:

• determine you goal and why it is important to you
• list words and phrases that specifically describe what it would look like to accomplish this goal
• visualize how you feel if you did or did not achieve this goal
• prioritize this goal in your life
• write what are your first steps in accomplishing this goal
• confirm what you will sacrifice to make it happen

Most importantly, power in clarity comes from knowing what you want AND what gets in your way.  The dreaded word: Sabotage.  We have all been guilty of it so once you are clear about your self-sabotaging ways, you can address directly and put it to rest.

"Take stock of your current position and assess how happy YOU are with it.  Becoming more than you are at present means not accepting second best from yourself ... agenda setting is all about having a clear goal in mind. If your agenda is to take control over a certain part of your life, it's necessary to develop an action plan to tackle it ..."

This may seem fairly straightforward, but from my own experience, it takes time to get absolutely clear on what you want and how to get it.  Lots of things get in the way, but it is more than okay to take the time you need before you can truly own this process. 

The key is to keep trying to gain clarity and do what you need to do ... revisit, pray, meditate, and revise ... do whatever works for you.  The beauty is that soon things will become crystal clear and start manifesting quickly ... allowing you to live out YOUR agenda and not other people's lives.

" What Happens Tomorrow ... "

You've got to believe 

it'll be alright in the end 

Fighting, because we're so close 

There are times we punish those who we need the most 

No, we can't wait for a saviour 

Only got ourselves to blame for this behaviour

And nobody knows what's gonna happen tomorrow 

~ Duran Duran ~ What Happens Tomorrow ~

***

How do you define motivation?  Is it what makes things happen?  Without it, is there any desire or drive to accomplish or create?  Once I understood what was moving me in one direction or holding me back in another, I started to understand my motivation triggers.  And started to make things happen.  For me, motivation affects everything I do and every choice I make. 

We usually can slot into one of the below motivation types ...

Achievement ... pursuing & attaining goals ... this kind can be combined with the drive to be good at something.  Achievement motivated people like work, responsibility and take pride in solving problems.  

Affiliation ... strong desire for love and acceptance ... there is a drive to relate to people on a social basis.  Having a support system is crucial.  Compliments, good attitude and cooperation are valued.

Security ... essentially a deep concern for the future.  The feeling that accumulating money and material possessions eases and shelters the pathway to the future.  Change and risk-taking is stressful.  Having steady work and dependable income is comfort.

Nuture ... need to give support, help, service and gifts to others with no strings attached.  Important factor is knowing you are lending comfort or a listening ear.  This is associated with the ability to empathize and respond to the needs of others.

Fear ... often imposed from an external source.  Creates worry and stress.  Internally, the feeling of need for change, due to pain and fear of remaining in a situation is often a catalyst for this type.

Power and Influence ... intensely driven to put in an extra effort to accomplish goals for this promise.  Competition with others is evident.  Influence, leadership, desire to control and responsibility for others are by-products of a power position.  Positively, results are achieved, negatively, power used for personal aggrandizement.

So what motivates you? Unlocking your motivation type(s) can help you understand your personal values ... what truly energies and excites you.  Once you know what these values are, then you can plan your goals around them.  If you are still unsure, study the some of the most successful people.  They understand what their values are and live their lives in accordance with them.  

You’d be surprised how many of us though, live our lives according to other people’s values. We end up devoting a large amount of time to things that genuinely don’t matter to us which results in those feelings of de-motivation & sluggishness. 

Some of my personal values are health, innovation, learning and insight, fun and adventure.  I make a concerted effort to ensure I am factoring in these values every day in some way.  I am careful not to confuse my values with ‘pleasurable activities’ ... values are not always about instant gratification – but they assist you to grow as a person in the long run.

“Never let the things that matter to you most be at the mercy of those that do not”

" Lose Yourself ... "

Look, if you had one shot, or one opportunity

To seize everything you ever wanted in one moment

Would you capture it or just let it slip? ...

You better lose yourself in the music, the moment

You own it, you better never let it go

You only get one shot, do not miss your chance to blow

This opportunity comes once in a lifetime you

(You better)

~ Eminem ~ Lose Yourself ~ 

***

Do you ever ask yourself what “role” you are playing in your life at this exact moment?  Do you ever think that you are not playing the role which you want to play in your life?  Do you ever feel like you are losing yourself?

The choices we make in our lives decide how we step onto our life stage, either as a lead actor or an understudy.  We are the author and actor of our own life story.  We decide what parts to play, what scenes to cut and what curtain calls to take.

Yet sometimes instead of playing the lead, we blend into the sidelines ... instead of acting in our story, we allow others to act on us.  Do we really want to turn the spotlight away from being the subject of the drama to being the object in the limelight?

And what about the number of roles we play in our lives ~ parent, spouse, child, sibling, employee, mentor, teacher, support person, coach ... and on and on.  We play several roles in the course of a day regardless to how important they may seem.  Also, it is very common to think your role is your purpose.  Mainly because it brings you great satisfaction and is so rewarding.  But when you think this is your purpose and you lose it, you may be in danger of losing yourself.  

But what if we use our role to find our purpose.  Find what motivates and empowers us.  Your life purpose is the thread that runs through your life ... the thing you do without thinking.  And the beauty is when you know what your life purpose is, you will change as your role changes with ease and grace.

So focus on the impact you are making on stage rather than the role you are playing.  And although your role may seem insignificant, its all in how you view the part you play.  Life is full of happiness and fulfilling when you believe YOUR role to be important and serve a purpose in life ... helping you to act in losing, finding and loving yourself.

"And if Hollywood made your life into a movie, would you even go see it?  

if not, then it's time to rewrite the script"

" You're A Superstar ..."

"Reach for the sky, and hold your head up high
For tonight, and every night, you're a superstar
And don't you be afraid
Think of all the friends you've made
Like any other night you've got your name in lights
You're a superstar"

~ Love Inc ~ You're A Superstar ~

***

When my wellness journey started, I had a real choice to make.  Would I curl up and hope it would all go away ... or would I share.  Initially my blog, WalkStrong, was set up for my walking club and to support my keen interest in fitness.  Also, to display a compilation of articles, news and general information regarding health and fitness.  After my cancer diagnosis, I decided to really work my blog.  "To share a collection of thoughts, experiences and emotions regarding a natural therapeutic and wellness approach to beating cancer" ... that is what I came up with for a "description" when recently asked.

Starting from the beginning, treatment at the Gerson Clinic in March 2011, and now, a continuance of frequent updates about anything from natural supplements, emotional detox, spirituality and awareness ... to rants and discussions to give you food for thought.  

And during this journey, I have had loads of feedback ~ private messages, comments, emails, notes and calls, giving me the thumbs up.  I have been so humbled by the idea that I inspire others.  It is a real honour to write, share and help others.  I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart, it truly motivates me to continue with the path of communication.

I continue to write outside of this blog too, compiling my "story", the one I will choose to share perhaps one day on a grander scale ... an interesting journey that has been painful, playful and liberating all rolled up in one ... and still a work in progress.

So this is to thank YOUs for your support and asking that you keep it coming ... you've made me feel like a "superstar", holding my head up high at the times I need to the most.  I am surrounded by an exceptional number of incredible people, I like to call Earth Angels ~ you know who you are!  Much Love ♥

"We Are Family ..."

" Ev'ryone can see we're together
As we walk on by
(FLY!) and we fly just like birds of a feather
I won't tell no lie
(ALL!) all of the people around us they say
Can they be that close
Just let me state for the record
We're giving love in a family dose
We are family"
~ Sister Slege ~ We Are Family ~
***


We just had 3 full weeks of great family time ... Russell's Mum and her husband Ron were visiting us during their cross Canada tour.  They live in New Zealand, Russell's birthplace.  Usually it just the two of us in the house, so with Mum, Ron, and brother Tim over the house was full of energy.  Family dynamics can play a factor but fortunately we are all pretty laid back.  No expectations, just wanting to spend time together.  So we had a chance to experience all the local attractions in the city.  Most of the time, I took part in parts of the events, other times I stayed at home restricted by my therapy schedule.  And yes that was tough not being able to participate, but I know that this is temporary.  I enjoyed experiencing the love and support on a daily basis in our home.   Of course we have this already by my side of the family and friends that live here and are constantly connected to us.  It is just a little different when its in your space.  You never feel really alone.  It like a security blanket with you at all times.  And it's not smothering, it is there just in case you need it.


When you get a chance to spend some time together, you learn about each others preferences, opinions, differences and similarities.  Being in a respectful environment, you can learn a more about each other even after so many years.  And what doesn't change is the unconditional love a mother has for her son.  I could feel the strong bond Mum and Russ have.  The opportunity Mum had to see with her own eyes the sacrifices Russ makes on a daily basis to assist me on my wellness journey.  Definitely some very proud moments.  Realizing that family is love beyond words.  


During the past three weeks, I stopped and just took in all senses to remember that specific time.  Etching in my mind, remembering all that it offered.  Staying very present and still.  Allowing me to be very content.  Feeling very fortunate to have so much love in our combined families, overflowing and in abundance from parents, siblings and friends.


I know that if these were my last moments, they would be a glorious ones, a memorable ones and a happy ones.  Yet wanting more moments to reflect on, fuelling my motivation to continue winning the biggest fight of my life.

All is well in my world, all is very well.