Kat22 9 days ago

Edited by Kat22 9 days ago

Hello Yvonne1, what a simple but lovely sign of compassion (ginger nut biscuits the best by the way haha). I believe if we show compassion, then we'll receive it back but if we don't, that's not the important thing. The fact it might have had an impact on someone which then makes them carry out a compassionate gesture to the next person they meet because it made them think, then that's a wonderful thing. When you are good in health and juggling your everyday life, we can get bogged down and not see those that are important to us for weeks, or even fail to acknowledge each other at all, we are all so consumed and in a rush. Cancer changes all that. Everything you didn't notice or realise before because you were "just too busy and didnt have time" or was even oblivious to comes to the forefront. We should attempt to show compassion to everyone and every creature on this earth because they are looking after us too. Regards, Joanne x

Paulette 5 days ago

Yvonne1, Kat22 and Daffodil,

Hearing about your compassion stories and experiences has been a joy to read and really lets us know that people and humanity can and does provide those moments and gestures which have a lasting affect with us.  Yvonne1 - I imagine that must be touching and insightful to have the opportunity to speak first hand with people recieving care.  Kat 22 - I love your comments and people being busy and not noticing because of the rush we sometimes find ourselves in. I feel simply being present can remind us, perhaps, to slow down. Spending time, Daffodil - as you found, will never be forgotten. 

Does anyone have a take on 'self compassion'?  Maybe we even practice it without really knowing?  The odd treat maybe; a face mask, a favorite walk, journaling? I love choosing coloured pens and a mindful colouring book - for me there is something grounding about that.  

Kat22 5 days ago

Edited by Kat22 5 days ago

Hello Paulette, self compassion......I have struggled with that. Its always been about everyone else. I have got better with it since being diagnosed though. Complimenting myself, buying that special thing I've had my eye on, even not answering the door or a replying to a text if I haven't felt like it - taking care of me. I love your comment about the colouring books. During my last, long stay in hospital, my youngest Daughter bought two colouring books in when she visited. We would sit there and simply be colouring in, no need for any words. Comforting and focusing xx

Daffodil 5 days ago

Edited by Daffodil 5 days ago

Hello Paulette,

Thank you very much for asking about 'self compassion'. Like Joanne (Kat22), I find it hard, if from a different perspective: as someone who is both a carer and volunteering here, I find it easier to see others' needs than my own. Joanne, thank you for sharing your experience of spending time with your youngest daughter while both of you are colouring in. It makes me realise that it is not a matter of one person being looked after or the other: there is a possibility for two people to pause and look after themselves as well as each other, isn't there?

Paulette, you have put your finger on it when talking about walks. I actually took up running about a year ago - something I never thought I'd do decades after leaving school and the horrible memories of school sports behind - and having that time to myself, in nature, while seeing progress, has made me feel like myself again. Who knows - maybe I will run to raise funds for Marie Curie sometime?

Sending all best wishes,

Anke

Kat22 5 days ago

Hello, thank you for welcoming me into the trail and all your posts/replies. Warming and thought provoking. Joanne xx