Today is Halloween!! I know, it comes around so quickly, every year, like a mammogram (see what I did there?!) I’d say I am taken by surprise but the candy on the counter tells the truth. The time change adds to the mysterious backdrop for the season. We’ve been watching the morning sunrise creep later until we are almost discombobulated. To re-tool my mind set, I just give in and enjoy the bright stars and constellations as consolation. The world is always providing, even in space, and as two almost sparkling “starry eyes” peer down, a cloud moves to expose the crescent sly smile of the moon. It was comical and comforting at the same time. Wouldn’t a charming smile in your mind be a great addition to the day? No spookiness, just delight.
As the sky finally lightens over the ocean, dark, threatening clouds are shielding the rising sun. You could just make out the light behind the fierceness, knowing there was brightness and relief just beyond. The hidden sun was glowing on the fringes, outlining and enhancing. I am reminded how the child’s mask hides the sweetness and impish trick or treat grin, only hidden for a brief moment, never giving in completely to the scary.
The season and spookiness is fun for only a short while. We crave normalcy, warmth, calm and peace. It’s hard to stay focused on the positive when darkness threatens. How can we navigate a new scary reality that creeps into our lives? Don’t ask me. Ask those for whom these developments are no longer new. Those who have managed, unmasked the fear, become fierce themselves in the battle.
Witnessing the bravery over the years, allow me to borrow their costume of courage for you. They have taught us…. do not allow cancer to be all consuming. It is an event. It is an insult. It is a pain and a problem, but it is not your life. It is something to manage not define and you are most capable. Cancer is inconvenient and causes doubt but you are fearless. In the days ahead, the new darkness will envelop us, but the sky will twinkle, reminding us that this is a normal transition- through your own life, through the seasons and through the unknown.
Wear your own cape of super powers. Believe that light will come again. Stand on the shoulders of those guiding your care and allow them to rescue. Smile in your mind and your heart, aware of the goodness shining around the edges. Use this Halloween to unmask your own sweet smile. You can do the amazing. Have faith in yourself. Oh, and face those tricksters with humor and courage and of course… be sure to allow yourself a little treat too!. Have a great weekend!
Pearl: Enjoy the new season! Mounting evidence that season of diagnosis and start of treatment influence prognosis. Summer and Autumn best and may be due to increased levels of vitamin D: for colorectal, prostate, lung, breast and melanoma. So get some sun and take that D3! ( pmc.ncbi.nih.gov)