Last week a study was published about cancer survivors and stress (I wish I had the exact link, but I can’t seem to track it down). The study was done in Europe and it was to see if survivors have less stress in their daily lives because the battle was so intense and stressful already. There were about 200 post cancer patients included and monitored through quiestionnaires. What was interesting was the conclusion stated that cancer survivors actually have less stress regarding different life events and daily happenings but stress more from people and relationships. Hmmm. After thinking about it awhile, it’s true. If I miss an appointment, if I’m in the ‘wrong’ line at the grocery store, if I’m in unexpected traffic, oh well, there are many things in life we can’t control so I don’t stress about that stuff much anymore. What stresses me out more now are people; people at work who will do anything to get recognized and move ahead, people who complain non-stop, people who are rude just because, people who pass judgement before they know you, people who expect the world from everyone else but won’t lift a finger themselves, people who feel entitled, the list goes on. I stress because I just want to shake them and tell them all that in the end, it really doesn’t matter. We have today, we have each other and that’s all. I’m exhausted thinking about it but I do realize that we are all flawed and no one is perfect. What is it that everyone truly wants in life? Fame? Recognition? No, people want to be loved and validated, to know they matter. For me, I think I stress less if I can dig deeper into their story, understand where they’re coming from and realize it’s not my job to change them, it’s just my job to love them for who they are. Love God , love others. Treat your neighbor the way you want to be treated. Sounds simple enough….
On another note, this week has been a long week for me already. What’s today? Wednesday? Well, it’s been busy and I’m exhausted. I can’t seem to sleep because my brain is in overdrive. Not about anything in particular, just a million random thoughts and questions. I would love it if you could leave some comments or answers to some of these questions so I could get better sleep so here goes:
* Is there any time when a mom doesn’t feel like a taxi driver for her kids?
* Is it harder to have needy teens or needy infants? I’m going with teens
* Is there really a dream job out there for everyone, not just a career but a calling with pay?
* Why is Jennifer Lopez’s skin so flawless and luminous on American Idol when I am her age, hormonal, and am struggling with both oily and dry patches? Oh yeah, and her hair? Just sayin…
* Will there ever be a day when I don’t think that my cough, sore throat, headache, or whatever ailment I have at the time is cancer coming back?
* Do moms ever get a good night’s sleep?
* Why is there Twitter, how does it really work, what am I missing? I have almost 500 followers and don’t know what I’m supposed to be tweeting…sorry
* Why can’t kids live without electronics anymore?
* How long must a friendship go on before you both can get ‘real’?
* How can I cut back on sugar when I’m a chocoholic requiring a little something sweet after every meal?
* How much coffee is ‘safe’ to drink every day and what causes cancer?
Well, there’s your sneak peak into my brain, seriously, it won’t stop and I have many more questions in there. I’d appreciate any insight you may have. Today’s lipstick is Buxom Big and Healthy Lip Cream Lip Polish in Creamsicle. It was one of my faves as a child. I chose it because it feels like spring in Michigan right now and wasn’t life easier when you were a kid?
Anna's Lipstick Journey 
Oh Sweet Girl. You will stop feeling like a taxi when the first one gets a license and then you will worry non-stop every second he/she is on the road running what used to be your errands.
You will get a good night’s sleep when you decide to stop thinking about all of this and just hand it to God. He can handle it.
You will NEVER have a time when you stop worrying about every ache, pain or cough being cancer because that’s how cancer always wins even when you beat it. If you could let it go, you win. I don’t know anyone who has figured out how to accomplish that one. I hope you do it.
And the sugar thing, no clue, I love my deserts. I would suggest dark chocolate, it has health benefits AND sugar. win-win in my book!
Oh and I really hope you get a good sleep soon, it’s a nice feeling and the days look so much brighter after enjoying one.
♥ u
Thank you Jo for helping me refocus! I’ll try the dark chocolate…
You are strong and amazing!!! I hope you get some rest soon.
Thank you Jenn!
Jo’s response, plus …
Yes, there is a dream job. Dad has one and he’s 83. I have to believe I’ll earn one. The same group of people that stress you out, annoy me, so I stay as far away from them as I can. Survive your teens, then irritate the hell out of them by embarrassing them in front of their potential mates and spoil their offspring. Life is good, embrace it.
Love it Kelly…earn the dream job, stay away from draining people, and survive the teens…THANK YOU!!
First of all, I love all of your questions and will answer a few. I loved your post about things that matter and I feel guilty about feeling very crabby when I get in the wrong check out line, because I am a magnet to them.
I am a taxi driver to my kids. I call my Yukon XL “the bus.” I’ll even say…”Next stop! (and name the location).” lol
Teens…I’m on my 4th one. I have three at the moment. I try to be patient and listen more than give advice. Sometimes when they talk to me, I’m thinking about the advice they need and don’t want, but instead I kind of repeat what they told me and they’re instantly validated. I’m thrilled when they do ask for advice, and I do offer it from time to time. I’ve learned that my 13 yr. old daughter is very sensitive to “words” right now, so I try to be aware of the way my words might sound to her.
So what, Jennifer Lopez has beautiful skin and a hot body. She can’t stay married! lol
Guess what! I use Twitter and don’t know how it works, so I understand completely. I’m thinking of buying “Twitter for Dummies.”
Take care and best of health to you. 🙂
Very inspiring post.
Linda, THANK YOU! I LOVE your answers! The J Lo comment made me laugh out loud! I guess I should be happy to be the bus, at least I know where they’re going and who they’re with!
This was a heck of a read before having a glass of wine at the end of a long day. If you figure out the true purpose of talking to the masses in 140 characters or less, and if it truly adds value to a person’s life, I will buy you a new lipstick color, maybe three. My favorite question was the one about friendship. I am not a collector of people, rather I have a few people I would classify as ‘walk over hot coals’ for… there are not many. Good post as ever.
Karma, I just read your letter to Tink…loved it!