bcw_flowersidewalkJoy matters! Yet when diagnosed with breast cancer, it is the first feeling that flies out the window.

 

“If you don’t think your anxiety, depression, sadness and stress impact your physical health, think again. All of these emotions trigger chemical reactions in your body, which can lead to inflammation and a weakened immune system. Learn how to cope, sweet friend.”
— Kris Carr, author of ‘Crazy Sexy Cancer’

 

Of course we aren’t joyful to have been diagnosed with breast cancer, but letting a diagnosis rob us long term from the feelings of joy is harmful to our health. When the feelings of shock, overwhelm, despair, bitterness, anger and fear dominate our thoughts, it can take over everything in life…. which is the very energy of what breast cancer can do… it can take over our joy and eventually spread and overtake one’s spirit.

Joy can be defined differently than happiness. For many of us, happiness is based on our circumstances and if life roles out in a way that pleases us… meaning something or some one will “bring” us happiness. This type of definition says happiness is a role of the dice, something external, and is outside our control.

However, joy blooms in spite of any circumstances. The energy of joy triggers the healthy endorphins and the healthy chemical responders that are vital for feeling alive…which is just the opposite of  the energy of breast cancer.

In this issue, Laura Pexton, a woman thriving ten years after a medical diagnosis of terminal metastatic breast cancer shares her life changing “aha” moment that it was her thoughts about cancer that was causing her suffering. Sara Thompson’s life’s story is a 66 year living testimonial that complaining is in direct opposition of thriving.

When we plug into the energy of thriving, we plug into the energy of joy, which is the essence of our being, which is also the essence of healing.  As Kris Carr points out, anxiety and stress are harmful to our health by weakening our cancer-fighting immune system.

Remember, thriving isn’t a destination, it isn’t a five year mark in the journey, and it isn’t a declaration from a doctor. The energy of thriving is a source that we can gently connect to and cultivate from within in any moment we choose to tap in.

Underneath our despair and our depression lies our joy — it is there ready to spring forth when it can find an opening just like the wild flowers that we see blooming through the cracks of concrete.

Joy matters! The energy of joy is good medicine. Let the spirit of joy touch your life in some way and to help you cope.

By Beverly Vote

One Response