Saturday 10 December 2011

There are Ups and Downs in life. Just the indicators of a true, normal life.

Everybody goes through hard times and some really good times. We must cherish every single moment that we are surrounded with smiles and happy thoughts in our good times. And bad times are there to tell us that we have had better moments and there are still better times that are waiting for us right around the corner.
The above said, it is very normal to have a bad phase and be miserable when you're going through it. Even when you're miserable, there is a strong person inside you. You are strong which is why you are the one who is able to tell the world that you are going through hard times. Most people would hide their weaknesses and never be able to share their fears. I feel the same way sometimes. I feel that there is so much pressure to be strong and motivate others with your strength that its shameful to feel bad for yourself. That doesn't help me and never gives me the positivity to help and motivate others. I guess it is alright to be nervous about your fears and concerns. I think its alright to share if sharing will comfort you.
What I am trying to say today is that every person should be able to express themselves irrespective or their faith or beliefs or society. Do not let people judge you in your hard times.
I always open up to everyone about my experience with cancer and it may make some feel that I am seeking sympathy, some feel that I am making a career out of it; still others who feel that I am more outspoken than I should be... given that I am a mother, a wife and a daughter from an Indian background. Today, I feel like I am in a dilemma. I have conflicting thoughts regarding my health decisions. I want to be able to share more and I have not found the right words or the resources to say more about how I feel and how would sharing my thoughts benefit me or others who I try to help or reach out to? I am as positive about my future as I could be and yet I know there are things that need to be taken care of. I thought that by sharing what I am going through, I should be able to tell people that its normal to be worried and to express that worry or concern.
I hope more people would speak their mind and try to find solutions for their concerns without thinking about what opinion others may have of them.
Still very positive... still the same...Shikha :)

Monday 5 December 2011

Its December......

Hello friends,
We are in December and its getting chilly. Warm thoughts and warm wishes are always good during the cold winter season. It is Holiday Season where I live and all the malls are decked up. It feels great to see happy faces everywhere. Amongst these people I see everyday, there are faces of those who are currently going through Cancer or are helping others who are going through this damn disease and yet others who may be grieving or missing their loved ones.
My heart goes out to everyone who is going through this painful phase or has someone in their family or friends going through it.
When I look back and think of my time going through my diagnosis, treatment and the consequences thereafter, I always think that no matter how strong I was and how positive everyone around me has been; I still hope and wish for a world that is free of any kind of diseases. There is so much that can be done if each one of us pledges to remind another of the benefits of good health. We all treasure our friends and family and want to see them live longer, happier life. How many times has a conversation circled around the weather? This conversation could have been about annual physical check ups too!
We girls talk to our mothers about so many things, most often complaining about petty things in life. I wish we could just every now and then ask our mothers or aunts if they had gotten a mammogram done or if they were due for one now?
Its so easy to reach out to our loved ones. Why is it then so hard to get this to be a part of everyone's routine?
If you really love someone and want them to stick around longer, ask them - When did you last get your physical check up? Should I call your doctor to set up an appointment for you? Do you need a ride to the doctor's?