Stop and Smell The Roses..Literally

While I've been doing relatively well on my  journey thus far, there have been a few minor set-backs which at the time seemed devastating, but are simply a reminder to take it one step at a time.  Literally, ONE. FREAKIN'. STEP.  And a good reminder to simply "stop and smell the roses." 

Fortunately, this has been a practice I have been able to perfect in one of the most generous gestures I have ever experienced thanks to my cousins who all gathered together and arranged to have weekly flowers delivered to me since my diagnosis.  They usually arrive on Mondays which for some reason are always the most difficult days. Each delivery is accompanied by an inspirational quote of some sort. And the quote always seems to provide the perfect sentiment/inspiration/encouragement.   This week's quote is perhaps one of my favorite and so relevant for where I am at the moment (can I get an amen!):

"The way I see it, if you want the rainbow, you gotta put up with the rain." ~Dolly Parton 

This weekly gift literally brightens my day and spirit. But more importantly, it reminds me of the energetic safety net that is supporting me from all my friends and loved ones.

As I approach my halfway point on the journey, I am learning to dig deep and embracing that this is hard, really really hard. For me, this means surpassing all the things I think I'm supposed to do, and simply going to the place where I don't know what the hell to do.  No blame, no expectations, no judgements, just surrender and love. And thus, where I naturally tap into this energetic safety net.

And for the times I forget this important lesson,  I have the roses to remind me, and I literally take time to smell them. EVERY. SINGLE. DAY

To my cousins, thank you for one of the most precious gifts ever. You are my brothers and sisters and such beautiful reflections of graciousness and love that are fueling me on this crazy journey.

With infinite love and gratitude ~ Cousin Paige

Dear Naptime..

I have fond memories of our time together when I was a child. I can remember the exact smell and pattern of my nap mat in kindergarten.  However through the years, I lost the art and joy of napping. As a typical (and now recovering) Type A personality, napping simply didn't fit into my schedule and became hard to justify.

However, as cumulative effects of my treatment take hold and energy deficits become the norm, I have been forced to get to know you in a new way.  I can't help but feel a little weak and lazy. But on the flip side, I also embrace the nurturing and child like nature that you can bring. I have come to value the importance of sleep as it relates to the tremendous cellular generation and efforts that my body is undertaking.

Regardless, I realize that there truly is an art to napping.  I can't help but feel a little envious as I look at those around me (you know who you are) who have mastered this art with great joy and productivity.  But it is through their success, that I realize that there are some simple guidelines that can help us newbies excel.

• Couches don't count: As I am learning, while a couch snooze can be nice, if you are really intentional on being a master napper, you gotta get off the couch and into the bed.  However, if you must lay on the couch, it helps to have golf on in the background. 

• Fully commit: Draw the shades, and get under the sheets. This isn't the time to go half assed. Create the environment to let your snooze succeed. 

• Dress the part: A naptime outfit is key. It doesn't have to mean full pajamas, but a transition from your daily clothes into something comfy is imperative which I can TOTALLY get behind. 

While these guidelines from loved ones are helping, I realize like most things on this journey, it's about exploring and taking it one step at a time. For now, my priority is to listen to my body and when it craves some sleepy time, I am here to serve. And as far as role models who excel at the art of napping, I think my sweet puppy Buck is the best teacher of all.

Looking forward to getting to know you more naptime.

With gratitude ~ Paige