How Cancer Taught Us That All Work And No Play Is Not Living

Embrace loved ones; you only live once.

“We need to introduce a little balance into your life. Part of this balance means not missing out on some of the marvels of life around you, the fun, some excitement, or other challenges in life.”

– Catherine Pulsifer

We put cancer in its place in Twenty-twenty. First, I was diagnosed with breast cancer and three months later, my husband was diagnosed with lymphoma.

It put life into perspective for us. We struggle to remain positive when we hear people complain and worry extensively about stupid things. Life is too short.

My husband lost his job the month before he found out he had cancer. No, I’m not kidding. I don’t even want you to think I’m having a pity party either. I’m finally over it. However, with the current pandemic, getting a job after Lymphoma has been challenging to say the least.

Still, life keeps racing ahead like the above fire truck to its next fire. However, this truck runs to another person fighting breast cancer. We have learned to be content while trying not to become complacent. We want to move on from this unemployment stage.

All work and no play isn’t the way to live, but unemployment isn’t either. Therefore, I can’t say we have a blast every day. Not knowing what the future holds can be one of the scariest things in life if we let it take over our minds.

As I share my story, I know that many of you might think, wow, that’s a lot to go through but then there are others who have been through even more.

No matter our circumstances we must add more play into our days because before we know it, they too like our troubles will come to an end. We must stop wasting time with worry.

I’m not saying to throw your arms up like you don’t care and not take the appropriate actions to change things but some things are out of our control.

Balance is the golden ticket in life. We must start working our days accordingly. All work and no play isn’t the way, and either is unemployment. Both can cause extreme stress and worry.

What is worry?

Worry is when we allow our minds too much space while dwelling on our difficulties, challenges, or troubles. This overthinking causes, anxiety or anger to rear its ugly head.

Giving up worry is like going on a diet and cutting out junk food. We need food to survive just like we need thoughts throughout our days, or we would be brain dead.

How can you start to eliminate those thoughts that don’t serve you well? It is no different than saying no to a warm, cinnamon roll with a thick ooey-gooey frosting when you’re on a diet.

Of course, I know from experience that it will be hard to capture those negative thoughts when it comes to worrying. Yet, it’s no different than always having your guard up when on a diet.

How to put out the fire in worry

It won’t be fun at first to put these thoughts where they belong just like those first weeks on a diet are the hardest. We must start with one thought at a time.

I have journaled for 23 years, so of course, I highly recommend it, but I also realize it’s not for everyone. Regardless, getting those negative thoughts of the worry out of your headspace is so essential.

My journal is also my prayer book. I love to write my prayers as letters to the Lord. I have found that writing helps me stay focused.

I struggled in my thirties with praying because I suddenly shared my grocery list and many other random thoughts. Even though I feel God wants to know every detail of our lives, I’m sure He would rather have an intelligent intentional conversation with us than a random rambling one. Writing your prayers down can be helpful.

So, if you find yourself worrying because our ego feeds off of our emotions, please release your prayers or thoughts to a higher place.

Whenever I can resist the urge to dive into the worry that appears as a cinnamon roll tempting me, my mind is in a much better place.

How to add more play

Unwinding for some people can be tricky. So, no matter where you find yourself, if more play is something you are craving, then you must take some action steps.

Even if this week you only try one new thing for fun, it’s a start. What is something you have wanted to do? Or perhaps you have wanted to go somewhere. Could you take a day or overnight trip?

You could always start with a mini trip in your head to your happy place. I talk about this in my article about balancing work and play. I’d love to hear what you think. It was a strategy I used during my cancer and will continue to use it.

Where do we go from here?

There is one thing for sure, and that is the present moment. All the worry in the world isn’t going to change things. So why bother any longer?

We must put out the fire of worry in our heads. If left untamed, they will continue to engulf even our most positive thoughts and leave us consumed in anxiety and anger.

None of us have time to live a life of worry. Asking if this will matter tomorrow, next week, next month, or even a year from now can help put things into perspective.

Let’s put one fire out at a time and celebrate along the way. We shall remain content while praying for a job. However, that doesn’t mean we should wait to have FUN. We are celebrating the job that’s on the way. What do you need to celebrate?

I’m writing this as a thank you note to Pink Heals Organization, Hawk Auto, and Holy Family Church and School, where I used to work before my breast cancer. They collaborated a day with substantial donations and a surprise visit with plenty of hugs, tears, and much love.

I’m also grateful for Trista Signe Ainsworth for her considerate and caring Publication, Thank You Notes.