Inspired, anyone can get inspired to start reading, writing, maybe exercise. What happens though when that initial burst of excitement wavers? Your not seeing the gains or loses right away from your workout routine. Thirty pages into the book and there it sits on your nightstand. The journal you started now gets maybe an entry a week. I know what happens, you start to feel down on yourself, maybe just give up. Life can be pretty easy a phone and TV equals instant gratification. That sugar high you’re looking for, guess what it doesn’t last forever. You’ll be bored and restless wondering what you did with time. The time you had to live. The only one you’ll ever have. For me at least that time is flying by. Here we are nearing the end of summer 2026. Where did it go?
More than Inspiration
I was at one time inspired to start this site and as you can see by the timeline between some of my posts it will only get you so far. My journal that I started to document my life after life changing surgery all but disappeared except for the odd entry when I thought I had time. I forgot how very important that was to me. Not only to keep my personal notes, feelings, day to day life events, but to also keep me accountable to myself. Grind out a daily entry, reminded me I now have to grind out my life. Not let fear and complacity overwhelm me. It was a small change in my life, but one that could snowball. If I could make one small change, fifteen minutes a day to write something down what other changes could I make? Could making some of these changes maybe lengthen my life? Who knows? But, a sense of purpose is key when you think ahead in life. No matter what point of it you’re at. Finding purpose when given a terminal diagnosis gives you reason to try and do better, take a chance, be uncomfortable in today’s world of complete comfort. Remember to live in the moment. Nothing is guaranteed, it starts with small change.
So a change for me, back to the journal. A daily entry now for about three weeks, doesn’t seem like much. But, it’s a bit of a grind to even jot down my daily feelings. Shit, Youtube is right in front of me and I can spend hours watching. Change, Steve, change even the smallest amount helps. It can bring out something in you. Naturally being a procrastinator this is a big step. Are we all that way? Only some of us have figured out that sitting around waiting for something to happen is a recipe for a failed existence. I slid back into the life of being content while building my life again and now we grind to find that greatness within. Knowing that life is good, no great, happiness at home is now fun and easy. Greatness is still out there, we don’t know what it is, but small changes aid in finding the way.
I have meant to get out more, back to the wilderness where the struggle equals a greater reward. Sometimes plans don’t work out, timing is off or injuries happen. I should be out on a seven day trip now, but woke up with my back completely wrecked Tuesday morning. Some at home therapy, along with a massage have seriously brought down the pain. While pissed off I can’t go video another one of my solo adventures, I realize in order to keep doing this and build a following I need to do some more grinding. In the form of a consistent workout routine, with a lot of stretching involved. I am by no means old, but for some of the adventures still left on my plate I need to focus on my physical fitness, now! Better mental health comes along with a fitter self, it’s a great way to clear the mind. Even a brisk walk around the block gets the blood flowing and leads to more productive thinking.
The Added Benefit
All these small new changes that then become habits without even thinking turn into something else. I’d call it Cancer fighters, it not only helps you sleep at night, instead of losing zzzz’s because you wonder if that weird pain is cancer related. It creates a much healthier body and mind. One that will not give in easy if the cancer decides to make a move, I have gotten ahead of it by creating my own defence. I have been in and out of shape during my time with this disease, but always, for the most part on the healthier side. Is this a part of the reason I’ve been stable for six years? There will never be any research to tell me this. Trying to live healthy and having purpose MATTERS! I’ve had off days for sure, but I’ll be damned if I give in and spend the rest of my time wondering, why bother?
Cancer Won't Run My Life 