Write!

“You have to write the book that wants to be written. And if the book will be too difficult for grown-ups, then you write it for children.” - Madeleine L'Engle

It's no secret that writing has been my therapy throughout my whole cancer experience. I've shared many times about my love of writing and that my desire is to write and publish a book. But to be quite honest, I've agonised over this book idea for months and months.

The agony began with the actual writing of it, but then only increased as I had to read, re-read and edit my story. Not only did it bring back detailed memories that I'd rather forget, but the more I worked on the manuscript, the more I thought..."Who do I think I am? Why would anyone want to buy my autobiography?" No, true. I was just being kind to myself...not like those terrible parents who tell their kids they have magnificent voices, then they go on Australian Idol and embarrass themselves in front of the whole country!

No, I broke it to myself gently and I've come to the realisation that yes, I do have a book that wants to be written...and I've written it, I'm excited to report. But it's not exactly what you think...

It's not an autobiography, because most of you know my story; and the bits you don't know, I'd rather you didn't, quite frankly. So I've ditched the autobiography folks! But I've still been writing my little heart out...that's why I've been missing in action for so long...I've been writing away, just not on my blog...forgive me??!!

So I've been writing...a children's book (but for adults too). I'm finally announcing it to the world now because it's almost ready for pitching! I'm excited and I'M READY...and I know the Universe hears me, and some amazing agent or publisher is going to come out of the woodwork any time now and discover how mesmerisingly brilliant my story is, and that it is absolutely must be told....

In the meantime, you can check out some of my other work here.

Your life's purpose...

Another milestone...

Image Credit

Yep I know, it’s been a while. I’ve just been so busy “living” life that I’ve had no time to photograph and write about it ☺ 

Blogging was such wonderful therapy when I wasn’t as physically able as I am now. There were times I couldn't physically grab hold of life and live it with the energy, wonder, excitement and passion that was inside of me. I dreamt about all these things instead, and planned how I would make my dreams come to life some time soon. 

So now I’m intent on living my dreams. 

It was my “Parisversary” on Sunday…a whole year since I was in Paris with my family, participating in the Paris Marathon. It truly was a life-changing experience, one that I will be able to inspire my grandchildren with! 

Then, I turn on the news this morning and I’m met with the shockingly tragic news about the Boston Marathon bombing. My heart goes out to all those effected by this devastating event, and I’m reminded once again just how precious life is.  (And yes I am well aware and truly saddened that there are many other tragic news and non-news events across the globe, but the Boston Marathon tragedy has resonated with me on the anniversary of my Paris Marathon).

I have another anniversary just around the corner. In a few weeks time, it will be FOUR YEARS since the breast cancer diagnosis. I don’t say “my” diagnosis anymore, just “the” because I’m not willing to own the dreaded C! It’s something that happened to me, but I won’t let it define me anymore! 

I was 39 back then…some of the best years of my life ripped away, but I tugged back with all my might and here I am today…physically restored, emotionally renewed and continually dreaming of a wonderful future and working towards all of my goals and aspirations. 

With this important anniversary just around the corner, it has got me thinking about why we CELEBRATE important milestones at all. After all, it actually means that we’re one year further away from our carefree youth! Take birthdays for example…sure, it’s a celebration of the day we were born into this amazing world, but I reckon it’s your Mum that should get all the presents for that “hard labour” ☺ 

Of course, birthdays are a celebration that we’ve made it to another year, but as we get older, many people would mourn the gradual loss of their youth! But to me, every milestone, including a birthday, is worth a celebration. I see all anniversaries as a way of celebrating “the getting of wisdom”! 

Just as we get better the more we practice doing something (theoretically), so too our character improves as time goes by (theoretically). As we get older and experience the highs and lows of life, our experience teaches us a few things and we hopefully grow in knowledge and wisdom. 

Sure, we may lose some of our youth with every birthday or anniversary celebrated, but we can gain so much more. With every milestone celebrated, we can choose to pursue greater wisdom! We can also take the time to hang out with people who are wiser than us…we learn from our elders, or people who’ve experienced an abundance of highs and lows even if they're still young. 

There’s a short story I’d like to share with you:

“When I was a boy at my father’s knee, 
the pride and joy of my mother, 
He would sit me down and drill me: 
‘Take this to heart. Do what I tell you—live! 
Sell everything and buy Wisdom! 
Forage for Understanding! 
 Don’t forget one word! Don’t deviate an inch! 

Never walk away from Wisdom—she guards your life; 
love her—she keeps her eye on you. 
Above all and before all, do this: Get Wisdom! 
Write this at the top of your list: Get Understanding! 
Throw your arms around her—believe me, you won’t regret it; 
never let her go—she’ll make your life glorious. 

She’ll garland your life with grace, 
she’ll festoon your days with beauty.’” 

(Proverbs 4:7, The Message Bible) 

This wonderful story leads me to ponder my ambitions and dreams, and how “throwing my arms around them” has kept me hopeful through many a hard time. Sure, I dream of all good things for my family and I admirably aim for financial success and prosperity. And I most certainly strive for optimal health. But maybe if I place “the getting of wisdom” first on my list of priorities, above all other things, everything else may just fall into place?! 

Being the youngest of 10 children has taught me a thing or two about listening to my elders. I am blessed with an abundance of people in my life who are wellsprings of wisdom. But in recent years, I had to walk a path that nobody close to me had walked before. It was a lonely battle, albeit with loved ones spurring me on. The way I see it though, is not to resent any life battle that you actually get through, as it can teach you a thing or two if you let it. 

The battles of my past have taught me a lot. One of the most important being, in order to live life to it’s greatest potential and to live it successfully, it takes wisdom. Living wisely ensures we won’t squander our time here on this amazing planet called Earth. It means that we will focus on making the most of what we have, rather than longing for what we don’t. It means that we will hug our loved ones daily and constantly tell them how much they mean to us. It means that when the lows of life threaten to consume us, hope can rise up and fight against it. And it means that no matter what, we are the only ones who can control the way we think about life and different circumstances we face. Everything else may be out of our control, but if we still have our mind, nobody can control our thoughts! 

Recently, I was asked by someone close to me what my most comforting thought in times of distress is. This is what I answered: 

“There is always a rainbow after a storm, and there’s always someone out there who dearly loves me!”

So for every milestone I celebrate from now on, it is “the getting of wisdom” I will celebrate and truly appreciate! And for every loved one who needs encouragement right now, as there are many, I'll sign off with some words of inspiration, that are the most helpful “clichés” I have ever been encouraged by. Words that have greatly helped in my “getting of wisdom” quest …

- dream big 
- never give up 
- do your best 
- be kind 
- love your family 
- set a good example 
- the sky is the limit 
- have a generous heart 
- keep the faith 
- laughter is the best medicine 
- it is better to give than to receive 
- give hugs away 
- always know that you are loved 

Sending you light & love,

 

A "Pink" update...

Have been fairly quiet on the blog front lately...my only excuse is that life is crazy busy at the moment, but definitely no complaints here. I'm absolutely loving my life, whatever it entails!

Besides the fact that I'm back full-time teaching (exciting, I know), I recently organised a great fundraising event to raise funds for the National Breast Cancer Foundation, which also kept me really busy. It was such a fun event, thanks to "Team Pink"... a team of about 60 family members and friends, who participated in the Color Run Sydney:

  

Together, we raised a fantastic $5048! Thank you to all who got involved in either the Color Run itself, or the pre-Run dinner event at Efendy Balmain. I can report that it was an awesome night at Efendy, with a delicious menu, followed a week later by the most colourful, fun-filled 5 kilometres I've ever walked!!

I've had heaps of people saying they are definitely going to be part of the Team Pink Color Run again next year, so stay tuned :)

Another exciting happening in February for me, was being invited to the most delicious canape dinner with the amazing Governor General and beautiful Sarah Murdoch at Government House. I was honoured to be invited by the National Breast Cancer Foundation, in recognition of my work as an Ambassador for them.

There were a number of awards presented on the night, with many wonderful people recognised for their efforts in raising funds for breast cancer research.  It reminded me of how grateful I am that such people exist...those who will never give up until there is a cure for breast cancer once and for all!

Until next time...

One Dream

Please help Team Pink's dream come true ... we wish for no more breast cancer deaths by 2030!

You can donate to the National Breast Cancer Foundation (NBCF) at our Everydayhero Fundraising Page - all funds go to breast cancer research. No donation is too small...every dollar counts, bringing NBCF researchers one step closer to a cure!

What's your wish for the future?

Best year ever!

Too often I hear people complain, "I hope next year is a better one", or "I'm glad this year is over", etc. I find it all a bit sad. It's almost as though these people are wishing their lives away. Admittedly, I do look forward to each new year, but am also mindful of looking back on the year that has passed with fondness and appreciation. I reckon every year that I'm still on this earth, is the best year ever!!

Obviously, a whole year is going to be filled with a mixture of ups and downs, good and bad days. But more often than not, the good days make up for the bad, so these are the ones that I choose to keep in the forefront of my mind. It's the great memories and times spent with loved ones that I remember the most over this year. And I'm so grateful as this, another new year is about to begin, that I'm still here. I'm still living, breathing, spending time with the people I love. I'm still discovering, growing, fighting the good fight. And of course, I'm still learning each and every day.

So here are some things I've learnt this year:

1. We always have the hope of a fresh start, no matter how bad things may seem. There's always a rainbow after the rain, calm after a storm, morning after the night, a new beginning after an ending.
2. That all the sayings I've ever heard about love are true. All you need is love. Love conquers all. Love covers a multitude of sins. If you have love you don't need to have anything else. If you don't have it it doesn't matter much what else you do have.
3. The sustaining power of faith. Through highs and lows, thick and thin, I can always count on my Creator.
4. A life without hope is dismal. So never, ever give up hope.

During the year, I was asked by a dear friend to put together a photo message for her young nephew in Ireland, who unfortunately is having treatment for cancer. His name is Aaron, and my hope was to encourage him through my message below. On the brink of this coming new year, substitute your name for Aaron's, and be encouraged that while ever we have breath, ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE! And don't ever forget how "Life's like a Cupcake!"... not always perfect maybe, but sweet all the same!!

Piece by piece

You know, I get that in this crazy world of spam emails and texts, irrelevant social media posts, random web link sharing and just doing day to day life, these messages may go unnoticed. But this message is so important and is such a simple way of supporting breast cancer research! I've posted it all over Facebook, Twitter, emailed it to everyone in my contact list, and am quite shocked that only a handful of people responded. Really, I thought if you could help someone for FREE, most of us would jump at the chance!

The most amazing thing about it is that it will cost you absolutely nothing, no $$$$$, only your precious time.

Please, PLEASE, take a couple of minutes to watch this beautiful video, then another minute or so to go over and upload an image to piecebypiece.net.au - that's all you have to do and the brilliant Ford Company will give $5 to the National Breast Cancer Foundation on your behalf. They have pledged up to $100,000 but have only been able to raise $29,050 so far.

Please support this initiative...yours could very well be the missing link needed to cure breast cancer!!

C'mon, show me your hearing me...& be sure to leave a comment to let me know you're with me on this!

Support Breast Cancer Awareness - 'SHINE BRIGHT' - Ft. Diamonds by Rihanna from Azahn Munas on Vimeo.