V-Day! How will you celebrate?

A friend of mine asked if I could remember the most difficult moments in my life. I said yes. That was back in 2000 when I found out my dad had advanced liver cancer and needed a transplant. 

Then, if I could remember who helped me. I said yes, I can still hear my husband voice saying – “I am here for you, do whatever you need to do”. 

For the third time, he asked me if I remember how he made me feel? I, for the third time, responded yes. I was much younger and my dad was my world. My husband gave the strength I didn’t have to help my dad win his fight.

Three simple questions showed me how important emotional memories are. The great impact of being around good people when I needed it the most. I don’t remember all my husband’s exact words, but how he made me feel, and that he cared.

Everyone faces hurdles. It can be a painful illness, a financial crisis, a difficult trauma or any type of loss.  We all can claim that we have had overwhelming days and busy lives, but nevertheless, we can also carve some time to love one another. 

Goodness in Doing Good

It is proven by science that it feels good to do good. In my experience, the gift of love and comfort is instrumental when living with lupus. That includes self-love and compassion to others. Turning my focus to help people around me has helped me the most.
I have always had very high expectations for myself. I’m constantly aiming at a higher goal, not appreciating what I have conquered, and working to the next objective. But that has increased my anxiety level and stress, which does not help me nor lupus.

Helping others has the opposite effect on me. It gives me a sense of purpose, happiness, and peace. Turning my attention to others, helps me put my own issues from a different perspective.

I invite you to honor yourself during Valentine’s day with simple pleasures such as calling up a good friend to say thank you, watching an uplifting movie, and also taking time to help others.

Love and Hope

At some point in time, doors close, doors open, and we can see that change is a constant. But that is what molds us. We are a sum of everything we have done.

Small acts of love can have a big impact on one’s life. Love and true friendships heal. It heals others and it heals us. Love gives us hope.

Self-acceptance and compassion can change lives. I know as it has changed mine. Choosing every day to be more content with where I am, while working towards where I want to be, has increased my belief in myself, my optimism and my faith.

Carefully pick your life choices. They are endless. But as you choose, seed love to nurture your soul and be your ‘best friend forever’. Find a reward that not only makes you happy but it’s also doing good for you and others. Embrace the unknown and accept your vulnerability. It takes a lot of courage to show up. 

Life goes so fast, and with that in mind, I feel that lupus is a call for the appreciation of being. Who we are today, where we are now.

Valentine’s Day 

My suggestion to you is to give yourself a Valentine’s Day gift that is priceless:

– Forgive your mistakes, commit to a better you, and work for it

– Surround yourself with positive people and thoughts, reach out to a good friend who wants the best for you 

– Show how you care for others, by caring for yourself 

It’s Valentine’s Day! How will you celebrate? 

Yours truly,

Hope

“The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched – they must be felt with the heart.” – Helen Keller