Over the past several months, I've received infinite amounts of information and helpful suggestions on how to recover. Honestly, "information overload" is how I would describe it. There is so much information (conflicting as well), and so many people with their own personal and unique stories. Every cancer "journey" (I hate to say this word because it reminds me of watching the bachelor, and they basically murder the word because they say it so often), is different. Here are a few things that I am really enjoying, and some new habits that I've formed over the past little while.
Relaxing music at bedtime (or anytime): My TCMP (Laura, who I mentioned in one of my first posts), sent me a playlist of super relaxing and soothing music that she plays in clinic. I also just type in "healing music" into Spotify search and a bunch of soothing music comes up.
Bio-energy and alternative healing: This is something that I know is helping me tremendously. From positive thinking, to physical and mental healing, it is something that I can't live without (now that I've experienced it). I also credit TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine) and acupuncture provided by Laura, and Reiki (provided remotely by my cousin Dominic and my aunt Linda in Quebec). All of these alternative healing methods combined, are my best discoveries yet. Happy to share Laura’s and/my bio-energy healers contacts - just get in touch with me by going to the “about the blog” tab and scrolling down (there is a contact form).
Filtered water: One of the changes I made over the past few months, after a lot of research, was switching from tap water to filtered or spring water. We now have huge jugs of pure spring water (from a trusted and tested source), delivered every few weeks. We don't have a water cooler just yet, but we use a manual pump to get the water out for now. After thinking about how people take so much medication these days, and how our tap water can't possibly filter out all of these tiny medicine particles, it made me nervous that I could possibly be consuming these medicines too. Filtered water isn't for everyone, but it was a lifestyle "tweak" that we made.
Roasted vegetables: now I know you're thinking WTF, this is a discovery for you? Well, in all honesty, I don't really like vegetables. Now that I'm not eating much these days, I've had to suck it up and eat things I don't like. Enter, roasted vegetables. Carrots, sweet potato, asparagus...roasted..count me in! Maybe it's because I’m not eating a lot, but damn these roasted veggies are fucking delicious. I'm going to make this a lifestyle "tweak" going forward.
Ho'oponopono: did I lose you yet? This sounds nuts, but it's something that you say to yourself over and over (mantra), and I find it helps with anxiety. Translation (in any order): "I love you, please forgive me, I'm sorry, thank you". My bio-energy healer introduced it to me the other week, and I find this mantra calming when I'm having anxiety. Google it to find out more. Like I said, this stuff isn't for everyone, but it's helping me.
Mineral (physical) sunscreen and being mindful about what I'm putting on my skin: with so many "clean" brands out there, the choices can be overwhelming. I am going to focus on putting less chemicals on my skin, and using more simple ingredients. I am starting with sun care and body lotion. I am going to wear mineral/physical sunscreen, instead of chemical sunscreen, and I am looking at organic and chemical free body lotions. These products don't have to be expensive, but I am looking closely at ingredients and country of manufacture going forward (there are different laws and regulations in other countries, so just keep that in mind). * I also want to mention that I have switched all of my beauty products to cruelty free (which is extremely important to me).
Rick Simpson Oil: I've done a lot of research on this, but I haven't been able to start quite yet (I'm still on morphine). I have the product and I'm ready to go (once I'm able to). One thing that I discovered, is that you have to get this from a reputable source. There are a lot of people selling RSO, and you don't know what you're getting. Sometimes there can be pollutants or allergens in there, so you have to do your research and make sure you know what you're getting. I can't wait to start!
Air purifier: when I was first diagnosed, our family gifted me an air purifier (amazing gift by the way!). It's now living in our bedroom, and I think it was definitely needed! I think it's helping to remove the dust and allergens, and giving us better sleeps. I feel much better having this in our room, especially while sleeping.
Writing things out: this blog has not only helped relieve my anxiety, but it's given me a purpose. I have something to occupy my mind, and writing things out, is so therapeutic. Whether it's journalling, writing a letter to family or friends, or blogging, I think this is something that can really help many people.
Well, that's all I have for now. Just a summary of all of the little changes that I've made in my life over the past few months. Again, these are things that have helped me so far. I do think others can really benefit from some of these things in general (p.s. you don't have to be sick!).
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