Reflection ~ FD 2014

I have reached a level of BLISS:  perfect happiness; great joy.

Though this is a wonderful feeling, it’s scary to think that it can’t get much better than this.  But, it does . . . maybe not in the same way, but in its’ own way, it always does.

 I recently wrapped up my 2014 First Descents experience for the summer with 3 amazing camps ~ each one of them so unique and beautiful.

Here are 10 important life lessons I was reminded of during FD:

1.              Tenacity.  Don’t give up!  Chemo?  Bruises from swimming?  Kayak going in circles?  No problem!  The FD participants reminded me of the importance of never giving up.  When situations get uncomfortable, sometimes I revert to finding excuses to 'even the table'.  I was reminded to get after it and if life keeps spinning in circles; if I fail, get knocked around and get a few bruises; or, if I’m just tired . . . don’t give up, as challenges are just part of the process.

2.              Share yourself with others.  When times get tough, reach out for support.  No matter what the reason, many cancer survivors keep their cancer a “secret” when diagnosed and through treatment.  However, when they look back at the emotional, physical and mental effects, they all said they would encourage everyone diagnosed with cancer to find support.  The best thing about finding a support group is that everyone in your group ‘understands’ what you’re going through. 

Listening to their stories has taught me to seek out support from loved ones when things get challenging.  Asking for support, seeking out friends and loved ones IS NOT a sign of weakness, but a sign of ‘being real’.  We all need support and love.

3.              Laugh.  Keep laughter in your life, always.  Never lose the desire to be ‘young at heart’.

Huddles cheering on the kayakers.

4.              Love.  We have no idea what someone has gone through in their past.  Walking into the household day #1 of First Descents, we have around 20 “strangers” from all over the US; different personalities; different beliefs; different backgrounds; and different struggles . . . one thing in common, cancer.  In 5 days, these ‘strangers’ become family because they support, encourage, love and laugh together all week. 

Show love . . . always!  We don’t know the struggle of the person next to us . . . and if you really want to know, reach out and ask them!

 

5.              Out living it.  Do something that scares you every day . . . yes, everyday!

6.              Eat well.  Eat well . . . feel well.  The health of our body starts from the inside . . . feed your body good things.  (FD cookbooks available . . . yum, yum)

7.              Arm wrestle.  A little fundraiser fun during our FD camps on the Rogue.  Sometimes you just have to take on the challenge for a good cause.

"Lox" and I arm wrestling for an FD fundraiser

The "bets" for Mrs. R (me) and Lox

8.              Be yourself.  When you’re happy with yourself, you can BE yourself.  And . . . being yourself is good enough!

9.              Confidence.  Confidence comes from trying things you didn’t think you could do.  You always come out learning something new about yourself.  To improve your confidence, go back to #5.  

10.          Share the FD experience with others.  All these points are pretty much wrapped up in one experience ~ the FD experience.  Help get the word out about this opportunity, because it “CHANGES LIVES”.  

 “It is better to have lived one day as a lion than a thousand years as a sheep.”   

Charles M. Schultz

BE KIND ~  KIND is a proud supporter of First Descents and a recent support to the work that I do.

**  Photos courtesy of First Descents.