Stress

I hope you learn from me. I was very stressed before my cancer diagnosis. 

I had an idea on how life should look like and I tried so hard to attain it. The terrible thing was, I thought I was still doing the right thing.

I would get frustrated when what was happening didn't match what I had in mind. 

I had specific visions of how my kids should be, and how family life and work should go. I even had very specific things in mind how my husband should be and do. And it caused A LOT of fights. I was forcing so many things to happen. I forgot that I already had great people around me, that I was already blessed with work, a home, and a wonderful family. I forgot to be more grateful than WISHING all the time. 

My thinking was, work on always improving. If there's still something that could be done to make things better, do it, and do it NOW! I put a lot of pressure on myself, and on the people around me, especially on my husband, and sadly, my kids. 

I ignored God's timing and His ways. I thought my ways were His ways because I confessed I was a Christian, but I still had a lot to learn. 

Check out this article concerning stress and how it affects our health, Causes And Effects Of Stress.

May I share something with you? Promise me you won't laugh. When I would get angry or worry, before  I found out about the cancer, I would feel a heavy throbbing on my chest. I thought I was starting to have a heart problem knowing that my father's side of the family was susceptible to heart diseases. When I was finally diagnosed, what was throbbing were the tumors on my right chest. It was exactly where I could feel the heavy beating. The tumors were reacting to my stress!

My husband and I believe, stress played a major part in the cancer growth in my body. 

That is why, now, it is easier for me to avoid it knowing how it affects my health, how it brings my immune system down. I have to surround myself with people, things, and situations that are relaxing for me. I have to constantly pursue a lifestyle of peace, and joy. 

The great thing is, this lifestyle change doesn't only affect me but also my family. I have more peace in my marriage, and I have more intimate conversations with my three daughters. We say "I love you" a lot, and we would talk about the wrong things we were doing in the past. We are on the lookout for worry and anger. They can't have any room in our present lives. 

BUT, there are still times that we give in to worry and anger. How can we not?! Having cancer in the family is supposedly even more stressful than when I didn't have it. But surprisingly, even though, we're in this situation now, it is EASIER to get rid of them; to choose to speak and act towards PEACE. It is easier because now, we are aware. 

We have to pray a lot. We need to be surrounded by God's word, and people who have faith and are encouraging. 

Some people still accept that being stressed is the normal way to live. They justify it, and sometimes even look for it. 

There was one time during my cancer treatment, because our family is working on being peaceful so much, that I felt so rested, relaxed and PEACEFUL. But I felt empty. I wasn't used to that way of life. I asked myself, "Is there something wrong that I'm so at peace right now? Am I missing something?" I was looking for stress and problems.

I get it. To those who are justifying their stressful way of living and are saying that I don't understand, I do! I also wanted what everyone is working hard for. I am also a wife, a mother, and in friendships and other relationships that are not exactly ideal. And now, I am sick. None of those should justify stress or a problematic life. Living in this world is hard for everyone. 

We all need God.

We all need to connect with Jesus. 

Exercise, good food, vacations, and money can help for a time, but Jesus is our Life! He is the source of everything. 

It is the blessing of the LORD that makes rich, And He adds no sorrow to it.

- New American Standard Version 

Matthew 11:28-28Living Bible (TLB)

28 Come to me and I will give you rest—all of you who work so hard beneath a heavy yoke. Wear my yoke—for it fits perfectly—and let me teach you; for I am gentle and humble, and you shall find rest for your souls; for I give you only light burdens.”

Psalm 23

2-3 He lets me rest in the meadow grass and leads me beside the quiet streams. He gives me new strength. He helps me do what honors him the most.

It is a waste of time and energy to insist on what we're used to. God's ways are the best. 

Cancer is a wake up call for me. Please please don't wait for something to happen to you to accept that being stressed and your way apart from God ISN'T the way. 

Choose your health. Choose peace. Choose simplicity. Choose people instead of things. Choose God's ways. Choose to know His Word. Choose Jesus.

Psalm 119

25 I am completely discouraged—I lie in the dust. Revive me by your Word. 26 I told you my plans and you replied. Now give me your instructions. 27 Make me understand what you want; for then I shall see your miracles.