Quote of the Day: “For we must share, if we would keep, that blessing from above; Ceasing to give, we cease to have; such is the law of love.” Richard C. Trench
As I reflect on this past week, I am reminded how gratefuI I am for good health. It’s a funny thing, when you feel rotten, you can hardly remember what it felt like to feel good. And, I like to feel good. This flu has gone on and on. Some would say that my resistance is low, what with chemo, surgeries and all but really I think it was just a wicked flu. This tangle with the flu was as bad as a chemo session except that I didn’t have to deal with all the scary mental aspects of cancer. For the first time in my life, I got so weak from lack of food and even too tired to try to get some nourishment. I didn’t even appreciate that I dropped 5 pounds. I felt out of control even trying to keep my body functioning. But I am on the mend. This morning, I attempted to run with Kathy English and Denise Landvatter and I felt pretty good. Then I played tennis and took care of Maggie and Kate so it’s been a good kick back into life. My 29th marathon is but 3 short weeks away, so I will attempt to run a 20 miler on Wednesday. I’m hoping that my body can handle it. I hate to stand at another marathon start line and feel utterly unprepared but I am learning that you can rarely predict what life has in store for you!
Joe e-mailed me an article by Minda Zetlin entitled Listening to Complainers is Bad for Your Brain. Apparently, listening to complaining is bad for your brain in many ways. “The brain works more like a muscle than we thought”, Blake says “So if you’re pinned in a corner for too long listening to someone being negative, you’re more likely to behave that way as well.” Even worse, being exposed to too much complaining can actually make you dumb. Research shows that exposure to 30 minutes or more of negativity– including viewing such material on TV– actually peels away neurons in the brains’s hippocampus. “That’s the part of your brain you need for problem solving, he says. Basically, it turns your brain to mush.”
I find this particularly interesting because I remember well when I started running and one girl that came with us was extremely negative. It was taking a toll on my mood during the rest of the day when I would start the day with her. She always had something negative to say about others, or was criticizing some aspect of life. I had resolved to tell Susie Beaudoin that I wouldn’t be able to run with them anymore and I found it troubling because I loved running with Susie. I knew the complaining was bad for the soul but had no idea it was bad for the brain, too. But, long story short, this girl became injured and stopped running with us so I didn’t need to take a stand. Then it was just Susie and I enjoying our morning runs, gradually training our bodies to take on the marathon distance. How I long for that body now. Not every day was easy but there were many more of the “zone” days, back then.
It has been amazing to have Taylor back home. He is so enthusiastic about life, he appreciates everything. He treats each day like a new adventure. He says “Hello” to everyone he meets even though people in the US aren’t quite as friendly as the Guatemalans. I hope he never loses his zest for life!
Love to you sweet Joanie aka Allison! Love reading your blog and how you are progressing with your life! How wonderful that your sweet son is back with you again.
My ct scan was clear, found that out last week. My oncologist and I hugged each other 3 times! I had my port removed today, which was rather weird after it being a part of my body for almost 2+ years.
I think of you often & have spoken to your sweet mother, Janet. I too miss sweet Lynne everyday, she truly was a sister to me and also a cherished friend
PS
long distance hugs to you!
Oh Joanie Girl… I remember those days of running with you every day and the ease and speed with which we could run! We were animals and didn’t even know it. I would give anything to relive one of those awesome mornings with you!!