A humbling experience (lesson learned)

Lavender said what I was going to say. It amazes me how the universe has a way of putting ourselves in our place. I have had many humbling experiences.....too many times that you think I would learn! :) (I sometimes joke, in some situations, that God would be subtler if he just threw a brick at my head.)

But as much as you feel humbled, I think its good that "someone" is looking out for us so much that we are humbled because its being humbled that allows us to see in order to do good things. And you have such a big heart that encompasses more people than you realize.

((((((((((((((hugs and prayers)))))))))))))))))

Shell...there is a difference in whining and sharing. The people you met today were sharing and you're compassion for them shows the true nature of your heart. The nurse is right! You would be an excellent support group leader. You keep positive through any situation and you never let things get the best of you. There aren't too many of us with that kind of strength. Oh sure sometimes the universe needs to send a little wake up call....but point is, you get it. A person could learn alot from you. I know I have.

You would be a great support group leader. You make people feel comfortable to talk to you and you listen. I hope that if I ever have a serious condition I can be as strong as you.

Now go read my post about Leann!!

Projecting positivity returns it, as does projecting negativity. Our physical bodies and minds are fragile pieces of equipment and though some chose to treat what they are given better than others, we are often reminded of our fragility in circumstances such as those folks who learn how much time remains of their shelf-life. It's almost unfortunate that we can conceive of time, because I think without it, many of us would think more like you do Michelle. Without it, we might be tempted to think about what we can do in the here and now, and not the what-is-to-come or what-hasn't-been. Life flows like a river and though it is good to try and steer away from the rocks, and to learn from the past, it is best to live now, in a time and place where we can most affect ourselves and others.

I had a friend once who worked in the Oncology Unit of a major children's hospital in Toronto. You want sad? I cried every time I went there to visit. But you know what affected me most about those visits? The children cancer patients tended to be the ones with the greatest attitudes towards life. Many of them would not survive and yet they found ways to project purpose and positivity towards those of us who would survive for many years longer. Life doesn't have to be long to have purpose, nor does in have to be easy. We can chose to complain or we can chose to struggle and not worry about the haves and the have-nots... in all senses of the word.

And with regards to praying. Well from what I know, it says right in the bible to never test God. So for those who feel their prayers have never been answered, well... we're not really supposed to expect them to be. I thought people were supposed to pray for forgiveness, and for thanks... humble human thanks. "Thank you god for providing me with these experiences, they are tough ones God, however I have learned great things from them." God, doesn't want requests, he wants to see his Children grow, you know, work for their allowance instead of just giving to them. He's trying to teach us to fish, so don't be surprised when he just doesn't hand you a fish because you prayed for one.

Anyways, I'm not religious, I don't pray in the traditional sense. Organized Religion and I don't get along at all. BUT, I do believe in a higher power and I think we are all connected to each other by this life, this love we have for each other. Many of us have forgotten that we are so very closely connected, but you haven't Michelle.

Anyways, sorry to go on so much, it's just this is what I've been saying to you all along. You have something many do not: empathy. And so I also believe you would handle the role of support group leader exceptionally well. The very fact that you can go beyond your own circumstance with such grace is a clue to that. Being humble and being open to other's feelings of frustration and pain is called is important in that role and yes, again, you have it... empathy. That is a crucial beginning. I think if I knew you as a personal real-world friend I would be purposefully overstepping my bounds to urge you to try it out. Maybe with just a few people over coffee somewhere. You are a lovely, spirited, person and it would only benefit other people, and even yourself.

love, Mich.

I always view life as a roller coaster, you ride it up and you ride it down, and you ride it right through to the end. Whenever I have been faced with a serious health issue, I also think, it has to be someone, why not me? We just deal with whatever the best you can. Being stoic helps obviously!

You should start that group - you have a lot to give others, and they obviously open up to you as well. Things don't happen without a reason you know!

wow, what a powerful experience.

Girl I think that nurse is On to something..you are inspiring people everyday. When you're done being sick :-) we need to get to work on the Shellakers Foundation I love Michelle My Gal (eerie music)