These (Ann’s) finger tips have been quiet at the keyboard for months. When life’s challenges and questions raise their red flags of battle, my personal M.O. is silence. This silence fuels discernment. The saying “When it rains, it pours,” sure stands true. I’d like to reply to this saying, however, that when it rains and it pours — one can still ‘step outside.’ Life can and should still happen, and fully. I’ve been working on doing just that.
Although many of our recent struggles have past — my own recovery from surgery, a move, and a few more significant obstacles I’ll leave out — our biggest concern remains: the health of a loved one. That nasty “c”-word has a way of slowing life down. Cancer as a battle and even as an option on the table sheds light on what is most important in life. I imagine life raises questions to each of us in our own unique circumstances. Life presents challenges to everyone; it’s how we respond to adversity that determines us. It’s not the other way around.
In addition to our backbone, a strong belief system, our adventurous spirit has helped our family transform a summer of h-e-double hockey sticks into a summer of smiles, love and laughter. Choosing to live today – with what I know today – and what I can tackle today – leaves no room for unwarranted anxiety about tomorrow’s unknowns. Fielding one day and one obstacle at a time leaves room for fun, and fishing, and park days, and joy. Getting outside as a family continues to offer peace, and now a wonderful distraction! We’re not perfect in how we handle all of our stressors – but we’ve learned a few tricks along the way to help our team come out on the other side with a smile:
Faith. We choose to see through the hopeful lense of faith. We acknowledge all of our many gifts instead of dwelling on the somber possibilies life may bring. Life isn’t always roses and dark chocolate, but no matter what we face we have the confidence that life bears meaning.
Laughter. Laughter really is the best medicine. I need that reminder, and often!
The Present Moment. We choose to focus on today. We don’t forget yesterday, but we don’t spend our today dwelling upon it. Nor do we spend our days needlessly worrying about tomorrow. Live today, and live it well!
Keep on. Keep on ______ (fill in the blank!). We keep playing outside as a family. We keep watching the various science projects we have around the house. We keep riding bikes and digging for worms and making cookies and enjoying our morning coffee. Keep on.
Today I’m able respond to life with a flag of my own – and it’s not one of defeat. My flag bears the wear of a fight, but it waves with confidence; with the wind of faith at my back and the spirit of adventure across my face, I will continue to say, “I’ve got this.”
My presence on Tales of a Mountain Mama will continue as life permits, and as the writing inspiration flows with ease, I will contribute guest posts. I’ve missed you, friends.
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Wow Ann, your ability to be mindful and live in the moment in the midst of everything is inspiring. You and your family will be in my prayers.
Thank you for your support and prayers, Becca! It means a lot!
Thank you for such an uplifting post. I’m terribly sorry to hear about the troubles in your life right now, but I hope you know that your words are so encouraging for everyone who reads them. This sentence in particular really resonated with me – “Choosing to live today – with what I know today – and what I can tackle today – leaves no room for unwarranted anxiety about tomorrow’s unknowns.” I hope things get better for you soon.
Keira, thank you for your kind response! Words of support are a blessing 🙂