HOPE IS WHERE THE HEART IS (5)

"Hope is where the heart is." Wonderful words, written by my dear friend Lisa just before we lost her to leukemia at the young age of 32. She used it to say that those who had never suffered in some way were missing out on understanding the joy of hope. She was an amazing person and inspired everyone around her right up until the day she was taken far too soon.

I wrote the first blog entry under this heading back in April 2014 when Scott was first diagnosed with cancer. What a journey it's been! (Sorry Scott, I know I'm not supposed to refer to it as a journey unless we're going on a cruise...but you won't go on a cruise!) Scott still endures the agony of scanxiety every six months, and he never has to wonder if he'll meet his insurance deductible, but he remains cancer free, and that's a wonderful thing. Our good friend Jeffrey, our "2 in a million" friend, was also recently declared clear after a long, hard battle. He was the other chordoma patient right here in the Keys; statistically impossible, and yet, there it is. We are thrilled for him that he can now look forward to the rest of his life!

Many we know haven't been so lucky. We lost another chordoma warrior this week. A beautiful young angel named Madison Rose. She was 23 years old. When I read the words this morning, I sobbed. First I yelled an expletive I won't repeat here, then I sobbed. I sobbed for a girl who's late teen and early adult years had been nothing but surgeries, treatments, recovery, wash, rinse, repeat. She had endured so much by the time we met her, and yet still smiled the biggest, brightest smile. When I met her, she was in a hospital room at MGH undergoing chemo. She had no hair, was very thin, wearing sweat pants and a Boston Strong t-shirt, hooked up to tubes and wires, but she still sat up and talked and laughed and made everyone in the room feel better. She was one of those souls who gave hope to everyone trying to comfort and take care of her. Her strength, courage and grace were amazing, especially for one so young. She was 19 when we met her, in Boston for her second surgery. She and her family were so full of hope, it was contagious.

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"What a wonderful world it would be..."

"What a wonderful world it would be..."

What are you doing to create a better world? Please don't get me wrong; I believe that protesting has it's place and many good people stand up and march for good causes and can actually make a difference in raising awareness to an issue. But, did you know that you, yes you, just one person in one town somewhere, has the power to change the world?...without marching or chanting or carrying signs or yelling, and without ever leaving your hometown. Change can start small. One act of kindness can change one person's life, and that is a great place to start! The greatest gift we can give is ourselves; our time, our money, our hands and our love. Volunteer, donate, fund-raise... that is how you can make a difference in your world. You can be kind, you can lend a helping hand, you can smile at a stranger; those are all things you can do right now that will make a difference in this world.

What are you doing to create a better world?

Happy is Healthy

"I have chosen to be happy because it is good for my health."-Voltaire

Choosing to be happy is really as simple as it sounds. Make a decision to be happy, and then be happy. Most of our lives will never be perfect, but the secret to happiness is in how we choose to react to what the world throws at us. Refuse to allow people or events control over your emotions. You are captain of your ship; master of your own mind. You are in control. Never forget that. 

Studies have proven now that being happy is actually good for your health. The participants in the studies who reported feeling more positive emotions experienced less incidents of high blood pressure and heart disease, had boosted immune systems, and reported fewer aches and pains. People who report higher levels of positive emotions also tend to live longer. On the other hand, individuals with more negative emotions and anxiety tend to experience more illness and disease. 

Do yourself a favor and decide to be happy! It really is good for your health! You will feel better on a daily basis, be less prone to illness, experience fewer aches and pains, and live a longer, happier life. What have you got to lose? 

Re-Train Your Mind

Science has proven that you can re-wire your brain for happiness. Being grateful for what you have is a great way to start. What messes with a lot of folks is the vision in their head of how things are "supposed to be." Let go of that. Be thankful for what you have, every day. That doesn't mean you should be afraid to go after your dreams. There is nothing wrong with wanting something more or different, but never forgot to be at peace and grateful in the moment as well.