As most of you may well know, I was recently diagnosed with breast cancer in the month of July. As such, I decided to take some time off to focus on myself. However, I am glad to say that
Inside Conversations
with Dwania
is now back up and running.
Sigh. Isn’t it strange how life has a way of getting your attention just like that? Throwing you completely off balance until you’re left wondering -
“
Why me? Why now?”
I mean we all go through the highs and lows, the good, bad and the ugly, all while trying to figure out this thing called life. And then just like that, in the blink of an eye, your entire life can change unexpectedly, putting everything you've worked so hard to attain, on pause.
Pausing. A practice that we aren’t all accustomed to. The truth is, we are all just trying our best to get ahead in life, that we unintentionally forget to pause. Those important emails that need immediate responses, the never-ending meetings that have to be penciled in, the second job you desperately need in order to make ends meet, the running around for your children, making sure they’re getting their homework and projects in on time, being there for every soccer game, ballet lesson, piano class, packing freshly made lunches everyday, having dinner cooked and set on the table in time, laundry on the hour - every hour, and oh, did I forget to mention that date you’re running late for, the events you need to attend, that family member that’s stressing the living day-lights out of you, the boss that just won’t let up, the marriage that’s falling apart, the messy break-up or divorce that’s tearing you to pieces, the numerous trips to the fertility clinic that always results in tears, the credit bureau that won’t stop calling, the unpaid bills that continue to pile up in the corner, the loss of that loved one, the dread of getting out of bed to face yet another depressing day. Wash. Rinse. Repeat.
Phew!
You ask -
“When will the cycle ever end? When will I ever find the time to take care of myself? To put me first?”
Well, the truth of the matter is that this is life and if you don’t make time out for yourself, you could end up losing yourself in the midst of it all.
Self-care isn’t all about eating healthy or looking and feeling great on the inside or out. It’s also about doing what makes you genuinely happy and about finding true peace within. So yes, do drink that litre of water that you’ve been totally avoiding, all whilst attempting to mind your own business. Get in the recommended amount of steps for the day. Eat right, sleep well and hit the gym as much as you possibly can.
But most importantly, look out for you. Reschedule that meeting if it means giving yourself more time to prep for it. Don’t answer that call if you know it will result in an argument. Cancel that date if it will suck the energy out of you. Don’t respond to that email as soon as the notification pops up. And why not ditch that party if it means getting more sleep or take a week to yourself without feeling guilty about it.
As for now, I have definitely slowed down a bit but I continue to remain in great spirits. I still have some projects that I'm focused on and I am writing a book that will take everyone on this journey with me. It has been therapeutic to say the least. I am also focusing on what makes me happy and have been keeping my stress level on a low. This year, I’ll be participating in the
CIBC Run For The Cure
that’s happening on Sunday October 6. As all the proceeds go towards Canadian Cancer Society, I’d hope for you to
join me for the run, or better still, to donate to the cause.
To conclude, I want you to remember that it’s more than OK to press the “pause” button at any time, to take care of yourself, without having to explain why. Because you’re worth it.
