Regret

You all are coming into this journey at an awkward time, but those that want to know the story from the get go, check out my sister's blog on caringbridge.com ( https://www.caringbridge.org/signin. Please continue to follow her for updates on big stuff. She writes a whole lot different than I do, and it's incredibly kind. ) This is my fault, because I didn't want attention, I didn't want to write, or read, or do much of anything when I first got diagnosed. Granted, I was hit pretty hard with some nasty treatment at the time. But truth is, even though the beast found its grimy way into other parts of my body, I feel a whole lot different. The sun is a whole lot brighter, time with my friends and family are filled with a lot more laughter (often times at the expense of myself- maybe the way my hair decided to fall out with this round of chemo?!? I believe this round had a way of making my hair resemble Wooly Willy)! You have to laugh...And I've stopped caring about dumb things that truly are dumb, like my POS car or making "to-do" lists for every damn thing. It has helped. 

I've had set-backs. Haven't we all? The hardest part for me now (after a brutal five day stint in the hospital) is accepting that I shouldn't work right now. Really. Next time you wake up and think your job is the most miserable thing you could possibly do that day, remember there is far worse. I promise. 

I know there is a lot of rambling, but I had to preface today's lesson with a bit of background and some random feelings of today. Have I mentioned, it is a good day?

Lesson: I received a text from a childhood/high school friend this morning. Let me add, I've received the most incredible outreach from friends and family, past and present. Her words: " I have been looking through old pics and everyday at some point memories pop into my head and so does my regret for not keeping the friendship up with the girls."

No regrets, my friends. This is life. Anything you regret was simply a lesson. Some harder than others, but we do not grow, we do not learn without making mistakes. Regrets restrain your mind and ultimately cripple your ability to move on and forgive yourself. Instead of regretting "things," change your next move; hold on tight to the friendships you have now; embrace new ones; love deeper; live on and stop looking at yesterday. 

Photo credit: This is my best friend. With my dogs. She gives me a reason to smile every day.