Five Things I Do When Facing a Big Life Challenge (some of them actually work)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  1.  Fantasize about running away from my life.This can’t ever actually happen, mainly because I have a terrible sense of direction and am likely to find myself back where I started. It makes running away from my life a bit pointless.
  2. Take work to bed and attempt to do some lying down. But mostly I just fall asleep.
  3. Meet up with a caring friend, drink coffee and eat something delicious and over-priced. This strategy is quite effective, for two reasons – my friends are ALL much wiser than I am, and nice food and (even mediocre) coffee tend to make me feel Very Much Better About Everything.
  4. Create Something.Writing or painting tend to untie the knots in my heart. But sometimes those knots also seem to tie up my hands, or my hands are too busy reaching for chocolate…so it all gets a bit tricky.
  5. Converse with my spirit. Now this one ALWAYS works. A walk along the river where I have been known to speak my worries out loud and watch them magically dissipate. A favourite prayer that brings solace to my heart. Moments in meditation that bring clarity and comfort. I must remember to start with this one more often._______________________________

Tomorrow we get the results of my husband Greg’s latest CT scan. When Greg was diagnosed with Stage 4 Renal Cell Carcinoma (translation: terminal kidney cancer) he was given just 6 months to 2 years to live. That was 3.5 years ago. So, as Greg says, he has gone past his ‘use by’ date 🙂 It’s been an extraordinary adventure – dozens of hospital admissions, many surgeries, so many mountains climbed. Through it all, Greg’s been amazing, and our friends and family have been unbelievable.  But Greg’s symptoms have worsened lately, and we are not expecting good news tomorrow. So prayers, good thoughts, wishes, chocolate… I won’t say no to any of it. I have a feeling I’m going to be eating a lot of chocolate.

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  1. If I recounted what I do in these difficult moments, peoples suspicions about me might be confirmed – so I keep my own counsel and just love everyone.

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  2. Dear Malini (and Greg),
    Praying for God’s healing power and peace for you both. Your positive words bless me every time I read them, even during this trying time, you both still sound so positive and blessed. Thank you for all you share. Bless you, Cinda

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      Cinda that is very kind of you. It really helps us both to read such warm wishes from so many people. It helps not to feel alone when one is afraid!

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  3. You and Greg will be in my prayers Malini! You are such a gift to all you encounter. Such a beautiful, sweet sense of humor even in your difficult times. Such a true inspiration you are.

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      Oh what a gorgeous thing to say, Lisa! Truth be told, I wanted to write something deep and meaningful, but this is what came out instead 🙂 It helps to have a laugh in the face of one’s fears. And I am so deeply touched by everyone’s kindness in response. Thank you.

  4. With all the best luck in the world, it can never be easy, anticipating what you think you will find but regardless of what is given, true Spirit courage and determination and persuence of endless happiness with our hearts from souls to souls can and will always bring treasured moments, remember!! a Fart in the wind is for sharing , a silly grin brings a smile to the wonderers, and undying Love beats all that drag us down, thats why we live for today, Wishing u many more in the future to both of u ( Im Staying upwind hugs to u both x

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  5. Inspirational – as usual! Prayers definitely continue to wend their way to you both, and can just but trust God knows what He is doing. Was going to ask which type of chocolate you prefer, dark, milk or white, but only have a supply of dark – so will call in and provide some yummy stuff from New Zealand on Friday. much love to you both.

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  6. i know whatever news you are to bear you an greg and the whole extended family will be able to bear, carry and you will find the strength to get through anything. god bless and all the best for you malini and family

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  7. Thank you for inspiring me with your post today. Wish I could send you a boatload of chocolate but it would take a little long to get to you. Sending you and Greg loads of love and light and my best wishes for tomorrow. Will be thinking of you two.

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      I received the chocolate 🙂 This way it goes straight to my soul and doesn’t linger anywhere on my body! Thank you so much Fi, it is lovely read such kind words and wishes. xox

  8. Malini love, I have no words to send, but my love and prayers continue unabated. Imagine me struck dumb??
    Lots of love, Ellie xxx

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      Ellie my dear, I can feel the love and caring you have for Greg, and it helps support us through this time. Thank you so much.

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  10. Ohh that is such bad news. When life gets to much for me, I project my mind ahead and my imaginary world helps me through.

    Love

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  11. Wah , you are both such a great,divine example !!Thanks for sharing your strengths !

    Sending you acres of good wishes ,and lots of love ; eva

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  12. Despite your pain and suffering, you are still exuberant and inspiring others. Thank you and love and blessings to you and Greg. Whatever it is, we can view death as a transition – moving on from this life to the next.

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      So true, See Yoong! It’s a transition that is fraught with worry, but one we must all go through. Thank you so much for your kind wishes, and for stopping by. x

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