The tiny woodpecker must be doing major renovations. I fully expect when I open the door to find that his nonstop drilling will construct an entire new roof! The only result, however, is to awaken the sleepy neighborhood. He is comically committed while his little redhead does not even make a dent in the tile roofs. But he continues undeterred.

We have to admire his joyful noise. Why not? When do we permit ourselves to fully express our own excitement? Too often with life challenges, we retreat, overwhelmed, and sometimes defeated. But the world is eager for your own personal expressions. When the women run or walk the breast cancer marathon, they raise their arms with victory. They shout, they hug and they express themselves with such exuberance . When Doug arrived daily for his prostate treatment he was outfitted head to toe from ball cap, t shirt, shorts and clogs in Florida gator gear. It was his way to strike up conversations with other men in the waiting room about his grandson attending University of Florida. He was completely unapologetic in his bright orange and blue. As a former exotic dancer, Cheryl’s flamboyant personality was “revealed“ in shocking pink from hair, to lipstick to tiny clothes. She brought her own brand of excitement. We noticed the men congregating in the lobby.

Your own passions are revealed as you engage with others. You may be prideful with Pickleball wins or delight in sharing pictures of darling grandchildren. Your own exuberance, even during a trying time will surely inspire others. You are so much more than your diagnosis. Be assured that others will benefit when they witness your personal joy. As you lift everyone around you, your immune system will help battle the cancer with its boost of energy.

Giggling Cheryl returned a few years later holding hands with a smiling man undergoing prostate cancer treatment. They had actually met in the waiting room when he was bringing his mother for treatment during Cheryl’s therapy. The joy on their faces was evidence that no diagnosis was going to define them.

See how even the smallest event can leave a legacy? The tiny redhead woodpecker will not be ignored. He is now in our story about exuberance. Be assured that you are really making a difference and touching others when you live with expression and refuse to allow cancer to lessen your life or your enjoyment. Thank goodness, no head banging is required.