John has been very interested in the military lately, which is what made this one stand out. I'm not as into it as him, but I'll admit, some days I feel like I need to be a warrior.
***************************
The basic difference between an ordinary man and a warrior is that a warrior takes everything as a challenge while an ordinary man takes everything either as a blessing or a curse. ~ Carlos Casteneda ~
You can begin today to transform yourself into a warrior. No, you don't have to go on any training runs or scale 8- foot obstacles or crawl through the mud with bullets flying around your head (although if you're currently in treatment, you may feel like you've done all those things at the ends of some days!).
Begin by thinking about the brave young men and women who defend our country and put their lives on the line every day for total strangers around the world and how they go about preparing for war. We can take our lessons from them.
The first thing warriors do is study the enemy. They learn all that they can about the enemy, especially his weaknesses. They know that knowledge is power, and they arm themselves with as much intelligence as can be gathered.
General Patton studied the battle strategies of Napoleon. Warriors study known and proven tactics. Those basic tactics and strategies always provide the foundation of the battle plans, even though many improvements and additions have been made in the years since their development.
Warriors gather the best weapons available to them, then sharpen, clean and oil those weapons. A soldier knows that his weapon is his best friend.
A warrior trains constantly, both physically and mentally. He focuses on good nutrition and staying hydrated at all times.
A warrior maintains a positive attitude and focus at all times. He keeps his eyes on the victory to come.
Warriors gather a coalition of allies. They surround themselves with the strongest, bravest, most intelligent comrades-in-arms, and they bond tightly to one another.
And when they have done all that they can humanly do to prepare for battle, warriors seek divine guidance. They pray for protection, safety, leadership, victory and miracles.
As survivors and caregivers facing cancer, how can we do any less? Each of us must develop a warrior mentality.
Study the enemy. Learn about your disease and what its weaknesses are, and learn about the known and proven tactics (treatments) that have stopped its advance, brought it under control or defeated it in the past.
Gather your weapons and make sure they are sharp and clean. Line up and schedule whatever tests and treatments your treatment team has recommended, and then show up for them; ask about clinical trials and insist on the best, most cutting-edge treatments available; travel if necessary.
Train physically and mentally every day. You may not be able to run or do sit- ups, but you can move around your house or even your bedroom or even just in your bed! Do whatever you can to stretch your muscles, get your blood circulating -- power up! Eat only the finest, freshest foods available (eat a mostly plant-based diet, organic whenever possible). Drink water until your urine runs clear. Then meditate, practice deep breathing, calm yourself with soft music, recorded nature sounds, meditation tapes or CDs. Close your eyes and visualize victory. Do this as many times a day as you possibly can. Fall asleep each night with your "victory vision" clearly in mind.
Maintain a positive focus at all times. There will be days when this seems impossible, but be a warrior! Bring your focus back to where it's supposed to be. Keep your eyes on the prize. See only victory.
Gather a coalition of allies. Put your treatment in the hands of medical professionals you trust, and then trust them! Surround yourself with friends and family members who will help you maintain your positive focus. Have one family member or friend who can "run interference" for you by asking anyone who can't be positive around you not to call or visit for the time being. Place yourself in the middle of a circle of healers and loved ones. Close your eyes often and visualize yourself in the middle of this powerful, protective circle.
And when you have done all that you can humanly do to prepare for battle, seek divine guidance. Pray for protection and safety, pray for strength and courage, pray for victory and pray for miracles.
The Cancer Warrior's Prayer (based on The Marine Prayer)
Almighty Father, whose command is over all and whose love never fails, make me aware of Thy presence and obedient to Thy will. Keep me true to my best self, guarding and helping me to live so that I can face myself, my loved ones and Thee without self-pity or fear. Give me the will to do the healing work of a cancer warrior and to accept my treatments with confidence and resolve. Grant me the courage to accept the challenges of each day. If I am inclined to doubt, steady my faith; if I am tempted to give up, make me strong to resist. Guide me with the light of truth and grant me wisdom by which I may understand the answer to my prayer.~Amen~
No comments:
Post a Comment