What gives you strength?

CypressCynthia
CypressCynthia Member Posts: 4,014 Member
edited March 2014 in Breast Cancer #1
Please share what it is that helps you get through this awful diagnosis, treatments, etc. For me it is gardening. When I get stressed, I piddle in my garden.

Also, music helps a lot. My ringtone is from a beautiful Jimmy Cliff (reggae singer) song, "Sitting in Limbo." They may sound like a downer to some but I love the lyrics:

Sitting here in limbo
Waiting for the tide to turn
Yeah, now, sitting here in limbo
So many things I've got to learn
Meanwhile, they're putting up a resistance
But I know that my faith will lead me on

Comments

  • Kat11
    Kat11 Member Posts: 1,931 Member
    #2
    My family, my beautiful
    My family, my beautiful grandchildren. Thinking of them and the thought of never seeing them again gets me through all my treatments.
  • cahjah75
    cahjah75 Member Posts: 2,631
    #3
    I too think
    of my grandchildren. I have 2 grandsons and 3 granddaughters and 1 on the way ranging in age from 0-6. I want to be alive for a long time to see their special moments. I'm 61 so I hope to be around for awhile:)

    I also scrapbook. I'm sharing my life through pictures that others can look at when I'm not around. I also read and crochet. I've made several blankets for the local children's hospital. It helps me feel like I'm giving back a little.
    Char
  • pdv
    pdv Member Posts: 56
    #4
    God, Family & Friends
    give me the strength that I need. My cancer is triple negative and my news has not been good but I have no fear because of my relationship with God. He has brought me closer to my family and friends and they have given me more encouragement than I ever thought possible.
  • Different Ballgame
    Different Ballgame Member Posts: 868
    #5
    This May Sound Silly
    Cynthia

    What gives me strength is that I honestly believe that I am going to live to my 90's. I always look for a positive reason as to why the negative is happening. There is a reason for everything, even though we may not understand why.

    What soothes me is listening to music. I have a wide range of taste buds when it comes to music.

    What relaxes me is going to see a movie in a movie theatre.

    Fondly,
    Janelle
  • mom62
    mom62 Member Posts: 604 Member
    #6
    Strength
    I get my strength from my children who inspire me every day to keep going. Weather it's getting on them about their chores or finding a college for next fall I know they need me and I feel better knowing I'm needed every day...
  • sea60
    sea60 Member Posts: 2,613
    #7
    I ditto God, family & friends
    and I also agree with Janelle, I see myself attending my grandson's wedding...and he's only 19 months so I have a lot of living to do!

    I also LOVE to bake, it really relaxes me.

    Great thread!

    Sylvia
  • Heatherbelle
    Heatherbelle Member Posts: 1,226 Member
    #8
    I get mine from my two
    I get mine from my two beautiful beautiful little girls and the wonderful man who is sitting here beside me, watching tv in bed with me :)
    I've found so much inner strength since this whole "cancer BS (as I like to refer to it)" started - that I didn't know I had.
  • ppurdin
    ppurdin Member Posts: 1,181
    #9
    What helps.
    When I felt good enough I would get one of my grandchildren.They are so full of life.And they would remind me why I am fighting this beast.I also beleive in Prayer.These boards. and I also liked writting my thoughts in my journel.Good luck to you.
  • Lighthouse_7
    Lighthouse_7 Member Posts: 1,566 Member
    #10
    My grandchildren
    Every time I need a real hug I just go visit them or bring one to my house and go bowling or mini golfing with them. Sometimes we just take a walk on the canal. All my worries seem to evaporate when I see the joy in their eyes at doing something fun. My daughters and husband are also a great source of strength too.
    It's funny that you mention gardening, I used to love to do that until now I become winded and tired. That makes me very sad. I can't even roll up my hose now and leave it for my husband to do when he gets home.
    Onward and upward right!?
    Hugs,
    Wanda :)
  • Jean 0609
    Jean 0609 Member Posts: 2,462
    #11
    I get my strength from....
    My best friend (who happens to be my husband), my two sons, my daughter-in-law, my daughter-in-law to be and my soon-to-be new Granddaughter!!!!!!! They have all been so wonderful and supportive. I couldn't have done it without them and love them all soooo very much!
  • Boppy_of_6
    Boppy_of_6 Member Posts: 1,138
    #12
    The main thing that gives me
    The main thing that gives me strength is my faith in God. I know he will bring me through this. Next is my 3 adorable grandchildren, ages 2 1/2, 4 mos and 3 1/2 mos. they are a great inspiration! Spending time with them always makes me feel good. My daughter, son in law and my son and daughter in law have been amazing to me through all this too. God Bless
    (((Hugs))) Janice
  • Rague
    Rague Member Posts: 3,653 Member
    #13
    My horses
    My horses are what keeps me going in so many way - they NEED me to survive. Hubby (34 yrs) 'needs' me in some ways but he is quite capable of taking care of himself and he would be 'lost' without me BUT I know that he can "keep on keepin' on". My IBC has been very hard on him, he lost his Mom when he was 9 to cervical cancer and then his Dad when he was 16 to a heart attack - he is a survivor. Sons are in their 30's.

    Many may not understand but horses have been apart of my entire life (when NanDad found out he was going to be a Grandfather he started looking for my first horse). through the bad times in life- they have kept me going and out of trouble. I was very fortunate to marry a man who though he had never been near a horse before he met me has always seen to it that I had my horses in our life and is there for whatever needs to done.
    My yard/garden also gives me so much. Unfortunately, here it;s on 3 to maybe 4 months a year I can do anything in it but - - it's there for those weeks/months.

    That is not to say that my faith in my Heavenly Father does not play a major part (the primary part) in my life - because it does. He knows me better than I know myself and he has given me so much and what I 'need' to be 'me'. I believe that each of us - His children are unique with different 'comforts' and needs. While I do 'follow' a particular religion as to me it is what makes sense to me - I do not believe that Heavenly Father or Heavenly Mother reveal themselves to all in the same way/form.

    Susan
  • survives
    survives Member Posts: 254 Member
    #14
    Rague said:

    My horses
    My horses are what keeps me going in so many way - they NEED me to survive. Hubby (34 yrs) 'needs' me in some ways but he is quite capable of taking care of himself and he would be 'lost' without me BUT I know that he can "keep on keepin' on". My IBC has been very hard on him, he lost his Mom when he was 9 to cervical cancer and then his Dad when he was 16 to a heart attack - he is a survivor. Sons are in their 30's.

    Many may not understand but horses have been apart of my entire life (when NanDad found out he was going to be a Grandfather he started looking for my first horse). through the bad times in life- they have kept me going and out of trouble. I was very fortunate to marry a man who though he had never been near a horse before he met me has always seen to it that I had my horses in our life and is there for whatever needs to done.
    My yard/garden also gives me so much. Unfortunately, here it;s on 3 to maybe 4 months a year I can do anything in it but - - it's there for those weeks/months.

    That is not to say that my faith in my Heavenly Father does not play a major part (the primary part) in my life - because it does. He knows me better than I know myself and he has given me so much and what I 'need' to be 'me'. I believe that each of us - His children are unique with different 'comforts' and needs. While I do 'follow' a particular religion as to me it is what makes sense to me - I do not believe that Heavenly Father or Heavenly Mother reveal themselves to all in the same way/form.

    Susan

    Faith, Family, and Friends
    Faith in my Heavenly Father, always first,then my family and friends who have yet to let me down. Well, my family did one time, but I don't think that will happen again!! >;-)

    I also like to garden when stressed. It's amazing how calming that is. So nice to be outside, listen to the birds, and pull weeds without hearing anyone gripe or anything else!! Also, I have one bed that is really full, and I have to focus on what I'm pulling, and where my hand is going. Don't want to grab a snake!

    Been working on my baking this year...ahhhhhhhhh, chocolate. In fact, just pulled out a cake from the oven!!!MMMmmmmmmm! Also have a new receipe in the slow cooker that I wanted to try. Poor hubby is the guinea pig. He's a good sport, and my chief critic. I think he'll like tonight's dinners. If not, leftovers for a month! (wa-hahahahaaa) NOt mentioned, but very much part of my support are boards such as these, with an army of women (and a few men) who are there to cheer me on or up, which ever the case may be!

    Thanks for starting this thread. Interesting!

    Jennifer
  • GreeneyedGirl
    GreeneyedGirl Member Posts: 1,077
    #15
    survives said:

    Faith, Family, and Friends
    Faith in my Heavenly Father, always first,then my family and friends who have yet to let me down. Well, my family did one time, but I don't think that will happen again!! >;-)

    I also like to garden when stressed. It's amazing how calming that is. So nice to be outside, listen to the birds, and pull weeds without hearing anyone gripe or anything else!! Also, I have one bed that is really full, and I have to focus on what I'm pulling, and where my hand is going. Don't want to grab a snake!

    Been working on my baking this year...ahhhhhhhhh, chocolate. In fact, just pulled out a cake from the oven!!!MMMmmmmmmm! Also have a new receipe in the slow cooker that I wanted to try. Poor hubby is the guinea pig. He's a good sport, and my chief critic. I think he'll like tonight's dinners. If not, leftovers for a month! (wa-hahahahaaa) NOt mentioned, but very much part of my support are boards such as these, with an army of women (and a few men) who are there to cheer me on or up, which ever the case may be!

    Thanks for starting this thread. Interesting!

    Jennifer

    Me 2!
    faith, family, friends....the journey would be long and lonely with out all 3. I also journaled my journey...putting thoughts, feelings and what i went through on paper helped. Also just enjoying the small quiet things in life~sitting on the front porch watching the neighborhood buzz...being at peace with life, enjoying the sun on my face, or the sun setting in Hawaii, the wind in my hair while riding in a convertible, or laughing hard with a friend over the silliest of things. Moments, all wonderful fully taken in moments...Life is good.
    Melanie
  • slynch
    slynch Member Posts: 82
    #16
    My strength
    My strength comes from God, my best friend who is also my husband and my two step-children. I could not have made it through this without all of them. Now my relaxation comes from sitting on my back porch and watching the variety of birds and squirrels that we have. It is so peaceful and relaxing and gives me time to thank God for all of my many blessings. I have been a blessed woman to have so much family and friends to go through this with me.
  • CypressCynthia
    CypressCynthia Member Posts: 4,014 Member
    #17
    slynch said:

    My strength
    My strength comes from God, my best friend who is also my husband and my two step-children. I could not have made it through this without all of them. Now my relaxation comes from sitting on my back porch and watching the variety of birds and squirrels that we have. It is so peaceful and relaxing and gives me time to thank God for all of my many blessings. I have been a blessed woman to have so much family and friends to go through this with me.

    Thank you for all of your replies!
    You all have reminded me of the most important blessings: my wonderful husband who has been supportive throughout everything, my sweet daughter, my pets (Cindy Lou is on my lap right now).

    Gardening is really pretty far down the list. But I guess what I meant is that gardening is my go-to "zen" activity to help me cope.

    Thank you all so much for helping me see all of my other strengths.

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