The little things matter, but then sometimes they don't.

The little things matter, but sometimes they don’t. Let me explain. A hug from a loved one, a phone call from a friend, an afternoon power nap – those little things matter. The vacuuming that didn’t get done today, the laundry that still isn’t folded, that bed that didn’t get made – those little things don’t matter.

I’ve learned a few things along this journey, and I’ve also been given some good advice by others. Let me share some of this with you…

-- Go easy on yourself. Holding yourself to a high standard is great, most of the time. But know your limits. Know when you need to rest. And know that sometimes your best isn’t good enough, but that its ok.

--Other people’s option is just that, an opinion. Don’t let other people’s opinion decide your path. Do what’s right for you. If you make a mistake, it’s your mistake to handle not theirs. Own it, fix it, learn from it, and move on.

--Don’t let fear paralyze you, let it motivate you.

--Pray. No harm ever came from praying. Radiation treatments (for me) were 27 Hail Marys long, and boost treatments were 3 Hail Marys long. The drive from my house to my oncologist’s office is 2 rosaries long.

--Rest. Your body needs rest to heal. Sometimes doing “nothing” is actually doing everything your body needs.

--Stay hydrated! I struggle with this one daily, I always have, but I’m trying. Your body needs water to work properly, so give it what it needs and it will give you what you need.

--Be thankful for everyone and everything in your life. Let go of grudges, they don’t accomplish a thing and there’s no room in your life for the negativity anyway.

--Strive to be positive, even when it’s hard, and surround yourself with people that will show you the rainbow when you can’t see it though the storm clouds.