My best friend, Erin, recently asked me what advice I would give someone regarding life, post-diagnosis. It got me thinking and this is what I wish I could tell younger me. May this advice resonate with you and bless you.
More faith, less worry.
Do not waste your time worrying about anything, but have faith and give it up to God. The things you are inclined to obsessively worry about rarely ever come to fruition anyway. Instead, use your time wisely and on something meaningful. If you are ever faced with a life threatening illness, all you will want is more time.
Your body truly is a temple.
Do not neglect or misuse your body. Appreciate the amazing design and workings of your body, and try to make decisions that promote its wellness. Also, your worth is not defined by the number on the scale, your dress size, or how tan your skin is. While you can always decide to rebuild, do not wait until your life is depending on it.
Be present.
Do not dwell in the past or dream too much about the future. If you do, you will miss all of the beauty that each day has to offer. Before you know it, your children will be teenagers, your grandparents will have passed over, and you will regret not cherishing every single moment.
Listen to your body.
Do not ignore what your body is trying to tell you. If you are tired, sleep. If you are frequently stressed, eliminate the cause or find a healthy way in which to manage it. If you feel ill or something seems off, always be your own advocate despite what conventional medicine may tell you.
Quiet your mind.
Never underestimate the power of an untamed mind. An overactive mind can be dangerous, so its important to learn techniques for calming it. Practicing mindfulness through prayer or meditation, for example, creates internal peace, provides clarity, and can even boost your immune system.
Fear is a liar.
Fear is the opposite of faith, as you cannot lead with both. Fear is designed to delay, or even eliminate, your ability to recognize and receive God's favor. As a result, it hinders you from fulfilling God's purpose and being a blessing to others. Do not believe the lies.
Every day is a blessing.
Do not take a single day for granted. Each new day yields an opportunity for a fresh start and growth. Always retire and awake with a grateful heart and thank God for another day. You never know who is praying for the very blessing you take for granted.
Talk with God daily.
Communicate with God every day. He is always with you and hears your prayers. But don't forget to be still and listen.
Choose joy every day.
You have a choice every day--choose joy. Despite all of the seriousness of life, be sure to laugh, love, and be the light the world desperately needs.
Believe in miracles.
Believe in miracles--both seen and unseen. As an extension of faith, belief in miracles is a shift in your perception away from fear. God is a miracle worker and with him, nothing is impossible. Just believe.
Love & Sunblock