The Why Behind My Way

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In my sixty-six years of life which included many challenges disguised as adventures, I have realized that in many ways I am different, maybe even odd in comparison to many of my fellow humans.

I have always gotten pushback from others that I must be avoiding “being with” problems, or that I bury my emotions and keep my head buried in the sand or that I’m a Pollyanna that always sees the bright side of things so I can avoid reality.

I realize that these judgments say more about the personal fears of those that doubt my authenticity than it does about what is true about me. There was a time in my life I worked hard to convince the negative naysayers that I was legit, but that actually robbed me of my joy in any given moment, so now I simply accept I may not be understood by some and that’s okay.

The truth about me is I have consciously developed a spiritual muscle of mindfulness in dealing with the variety of hits, misses, disappointments and even disasters that can occur in life, without a lot of suffering and drama. My current diagnosis of breast cancer is one of those hits.

If you know me personally, have heard me speak or read my co-authored books, Facebook posts or tweets, you probably already have a sense of why I respond to life as I do, or in other words, “The Why Behind My Way”.

Since I prefer to live an uncomplicated life that is easy to roll along day to day, from event to event, from year to year, my secret to doing so without giving away my joy and living in a state of peace is simply the art of acceptance.

For me, acceptance is a choice that I make rather than resisting whatever it is I cannot change. If there is nothing I can do to change what is on my plate of life, I slip into a state of peaceful acceptance. Since my strongest desire is to not fall victim to fears, my gift of being able to accept “what is” keeps me feeling at my best. It also helps me to avoid a lot of unnecessary drama.

Although I cannot fully predict how I will tolerate chemo, losing my hair, and potentially suffering from other side effects, there is an inner knowing that I will meet whatever appears with strength, humor and hopefully grace. Since I know I am not the first person to survive this experience, I trust if it can be done, then I can do it too.

Another tool in my toolbox is to simply do and be my best and I accept that will be enough.

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35 Comments »

  1. This sentence is so inspiring – “there is an inner knowing that I will meet whatever appears with strength, humor and hopefully grace.” I also believe that with the right mindset we can face any difficulty that comes our way. Thank you for sharing.

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  4. You are such a wonderful person with such a positive attitude and an amazing way with expressing yourself. I love reading your posts. Your attitude and words are so aspiring.

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  5. Kate, the ripple effect of your Joy, every day is an inspiration. You REmind me that Acceptance is an everyday practice is self love. Dear Kate, you are and always have been a gift! Love ReRe

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    • I am delighted if you feel any ripples from me and that you get the connection between self love and acceptance. It is all really quite simple, isn’t it? ❤

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  6. A great statement! I think humor is a great way to deal with things….I can see you saying “we just ha e to clean up this whole cancer mess, not step over or around it!” Love and prayers!

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  8. I have seen so many individuals overcome medical, mental, and other issues in their lives who beat the odds with both medical interventions and just as important positive attitudes that I truly believe the power of the mind/positive thinking made all the difference in the recovery process. Saying that Kate, you got this and you have and will continue to be a light at the end of the tunnel.

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    • Thanks, Don. Yes, I agree, my well tuned attitude is my strongest asset, plus it feels so much better to be in a state of love than it is to be in fear. 🙂

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  9. Kate – I am asking some of my friends to be in a circle of prayer network for you. We will quietly talk to our Father about our friend Kate. Perfect love casts out fear because fear has to do with punishment. Also, I am learning so much about vulnerability which helps us to be courageous. And you my friend are being very vulnerable! Much love to you!

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    • Thank you, Sara….Yes, I agree living in fear is the opposite of living in a state of perfect love. Living in a state of love allows for joy to be present as well. Thank you for your prayer circle’s prayers and for all the love. I am open and receiving! ❤

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  10. You are a role model to me and many others. Best wishes Tuesday- I’ll be sending you thoughts of healing and peace. Love you, my friend! xxoo

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  11. Living an uncomplicated life – I love this thought. Here is a thought that I came across this morning and I’m sharing it with you – Always settle for more laughter, more grace, more joy, more faith, more wings unfolding in a sky of possibility.

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  12. My Dearest Kate,
    You are the strongest woman I know. My prayers are with you daily. I will be thinking about you on Tuesday and praying for love and peace. I love you my friend. BIG HUG❤️

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    • Thanks so much for checking in with your support, love and prayers! I am feeling pretty powerful right now with such a full joy tank. ❤

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  15. I am proud to see you as Pollyanna, because you are the ‘real deal’, and show us what is possible, instead of settling for drama and complaining. I know your light and joy are genuine, because I spend a lot of time with you, and I know you do not put up with negativity for more than a moment or two, because it interferes with your joy. It’s OK that you choose joy over misery. 🙂 Thanks for showing us the way!

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  16. Hey Kate! They say acceptance is the first step, so you’re on the right track! 😉
    And I love how the title of your blog future paces your triumph.
    You’re a beacon of light and you’re gonna come out of this even stronger.

    Sending you love and hugs,
    Anna

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    • Thanks, for the love, hugs, and encouragement, Anna! Yes, I will triumph, for sure. No matter what, I will come out of this a better and wiser human than I am now. Onward! ❤

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