We spent the day with family on Sunday which is always a treat. My sister Bryony was working with her beautiful daughter Amelie on her communication skills (she is almost two!!) “use your words Amelie” she was saying in a gentle encouraging way, it was really lovely to witness that connection between them and I just know that soon (in what will seem like a millisecond) there will be no stopping her and everyone will know exactly what she wants ?
The thing is, even when you’re 45 you can’t always think of the right words or find the right way to get a thought out there without coming across in a way that you did not intend, which could leave your audience confused or even worse offended.
Where I am right now, some of my thoughts offend me let alone anyone else!
Liz, my counsellor found an article written by a lady in a very similar position to me. Click here to read the words of Martha Carlson. The most poignant line for me is “These are not the words our friends want to hear, and often they are not the words we, ourselves, want to say.”
I agree with the phrase ‘some things are better left unsaid’ and we have a running joke in the family ‘think before you speak, is this comment going to enhance our relationship?’ However, I am also aware that keeping too much bottled up inside can be destructive. We have to work to find a balance somewhere between the two.
I can’t ignore my cancer however I don’t feel that cancer has taken my life away from me, it has actually given me a chance to get it back. It has afforded me the opportunity to step back from the hustle and bustle and spend more time focusing on what’s really important to me and those around me. When you’ve already been hit by the proverbial bus, every day, actually every interaction is that much more precious and there is so much more urgency to do the right thing because there may not be as many opportunities to get it right next time.
Talk to you soon
Lots of love Mand xxx
What a thought provoking blog. The way you have coped with the blows life has dealt you over the past nineteen months is amazing. We should all learn from your example.
Keep avoiding that bus lane!
Love you, Mum xxx
That is a lesson to all of us Mand, not to wait for something like cancer to wake us up to appreciating what we have in our lives! We never know what is coming tomorrow, so make the most of every second, be kind and show love ?