Share Your Joy
I’ve been given a challenge to make a video of all the people, places, things and activities that bring me joy. The process of thinking about this and making a list of all I want to include has been rewarding in itself. Then evaluating how much time I devote to those and re-focusing to include more of those in my life is the continuing challenge and reward. This cancer journey is a rough road, there is no arguing that, but you can find much joy along the way. Being purposeful about including joy in your life adds “life” to living. So I’d like to challenge you to do this same project, at least consider what brings you joy, make the list, evalute and live joyfully. If you like, share your experience here; we’d love to hear it.
Joyfully, Pattie Noel
Things that bring me joy: family, Bible reading & study, worship music, prayer, supporting & encouraging other survivors, playing with grandkids, playing Scrabble with my husband, walking and being with my dogs(8ball & Joker), exercising, walking & enjoying nature & my home, sharing the hope of Christ, spending time with friends, talking to my mom, sisters, brother & family living far away, getting a massage, receiving emails & cards, journaling, and relaxing & meditating. How blessed I am to have all this in my life! A joyful and grateful attitude is also very healthy for our bodies. So make sure you experience some joy today
Fortunately, I inherited a tendency for finding JOY from my sweet mom. I just celebrated my FIVE YEARS survivorship, which is a major thing of joy! I have a family who love me, make me laugh, make me proud, and who I would pick to be with above anybody else. But my cancer friends are a close second – those with PRG, those with our Women of Hope group, and those I meet every week at The Christ Hospital Cancer center where I volunteer. My quilting brings me joy, as does quiet time by the fireplace knitting another pair of funky socks. My life verse sums it up … Romans 12:12… be JOYFUL IN HOPE, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.
My daughter Chrissy, husband Mike and time we spend as a family. An impromptu hug from Chrissy makes my day. Writing my book and doing my blog brings me joy too. Nature, time with friends, babies, dogs, cats and the birds singing. Feeling God’s love and knowing I’m healed and protected. Being by the ocean or traveling to some other place.
What brings me JOY: My son, my wonderful husband, and our time together. My wonderful support system — my family, friends and co-workers. I know that the last 6 months would have been a lot more difficult had it not been for their support, prayers, and helping hands. Thank you so much all you have done and continue to do for us.
I also find joy in being able to do things that I have not been able to do for the past few months. It saddens me to think I much I took for granted before the cancer. Cherish every moment!!
My wonderful husband, my two six-yr old daughters, the way that those girls giggle when Ray is tickling when they have decided to “team up” together and attack Pappa. My kittens, and my big ol’ fat cat… they all bring me joy. Helping others brings me joy, especially helping others defeat breast cancer, and helping keep these rather eccentric scientists focused on the real goal at hand… finding a cure, or maybe kinder gentler treatments for young women across the world like me.