A Dose of Gratitude to fight Cancer

Enough about exercise let’s move on, or rather back, to my second resolution:

2. Before getting out of bed, give thanks for five things.


If you have read my first book, Cancer Journey: A Caregiver’s View from the Passenger Seat, you may remember that one of the first lessons I learned when confronted with cancer was that I was to respond to my situation with thanksgiving—not for the cancer, of course, but for the good that God could bring from it.

It should be easier to give thanks when all is well in life, but after a long period of adversity, often we are lulled into thinking that we have earned our blessings. Not wanting to fall into that trap, during this welcome time of Jim’s remission, I decided to make a conscious effort to thank God for the blessings of the day—morning and night.

The Bible gives clear instructions about giving thanks. "At all times and for everything giving thanks in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to God the Father" (Ephesians 5: 20). Like many commands in the Bible, to give thanks in all situations seems not only difficult but counterintuitive. However, life experience has shown me that all of God’s laws were designed for our own good that we might have joyful abundant lives. This one is no exception.

Gratitude has lately become a buzz word among health experts. A recent article in the Wall Street Journal reported that people who maintain an “attitude of gratitude” tend to be happier and healthier than those who don’t.

Robert Emmons, a scientific expert on gratitude and the editor-in-chief of The Journal of Positive Psychology has done research indicating that gratitude not only can increase happiness but can even help people with chronic health problems.



If gratitude goes against your grain, don't worry. Change your behavior, and the attitude will follow.

1. Follow my lead and start and end the day with thanksgiving. If you can't find five reasons to be grateful, start with one. Even if you don't "feel" thankful, do it anyway.

2. You might also keep a gratitude journal, recording daily the blessings you have received.

3. Make it a point to thank those who perform a service for you.

4. Write a note or send a card to someone whom you appreciate.


Start today. After a few weeks you should see a change in the way you feel.


And, Thanks for following my blog.

A Caregiver's New Year Resolutions

Although New Years Eve is my least favorite holiday, I love the onset of the New Year. A New Year signifies a new beginning, a fresh start, a chance to look at where we’ve been and where we are going.


I, like most people, make resolutions but seldom keep them all. Rather than berate myself for my lack of follow-through, I recognize the value of making the resolutions in the first place. I view them as goals which if practiced long enough might become habits. At the very least, I am headed in the right direction.


A caregiver’s goals should not add stress to an already stressful existence. They should be attainable and designed to improve well-being, both in mind and body.
Here are ten goals I have set for 2012. Remember, my husband is in remission; I have more time than when he is in treatment. My goals might be too ambitious for you or not ambitious enough.


A Caregivers New Year Resolutions

1. Set alarm fifteen minutes earlier.

2. Before getting out of bed, give thanks for five things.

3. Read Bible and daily devotional.

4. Exercise at least four days per week. (mixing Pilates, Barre Tone, walking)

5. Spend average of 30 minutes per day writing. (newsletter, blog, new book) No FB or email until writing is finished.

6. Blog. Blog. Blog.

7. Drink one vegetable smoothie or fresh juice drink five days per week.

8. Read and respond to emails twice daily—only.

9. Limit FB, Pinterest, and on line shopping to 20 min per day.

10. When I hit the bed, give thanks for five things.


On day three, my resolve is holding. In upcoming posts, I will elaborate on my resolutions AND let you know how I am doing.