LIVING WITH CANCER
Cancer touches all of us ...
family members, friends, neighbours, strangers, medical professionals,
appeals through the media,
stories of people overcoming the odds,
stories of people living with cancer.
People hearing the diagnosis,
deciding on a course of treatment,
living through the changes to their lives.
We all have a role ...
what is yours?
family members, friends, neighbours, strangers, medical professionals,
appeals through the media,
stories of people overcoming the odds,
stories of people living with cancer.
People hearing the diagnosis,
deciding on a course of treatment,
living through the changes to their lives.
We all have a role ...
what is yours?
I was inspired by this advertisement in its shades of gray
to create a series of dolls, I tongue-in-cheek call "Shades of Gray".
(I have deliberately used the American spelling of gray to differentiate it from '50 Shades of Grey'.)
Each doll is made from gray polar fleece,
and is dressed in clothing created from gray fabrics.
Each doll is a tangible reminder of the presence of cancer in our world.
On each doll is a hint of yellow: a sign of hope, of new life, of promise.
Each doll carries a daffodil.
"Daffodils have meanings of faith, honesty, truth, forgiveness, and forthrightness.
They are ever vigilant in returning each spring,
and with their return we are reminded that their beauty
is capable of following on the
shirttails of even the harshest winters (or tribulations)."
to create a series of dolls, I tongue-in-cheek call "Shades of Gray".
(I have deliberately used the American spelling of gray to differentiate it from '50 Shades of Grey'.)
Each doll is made from gray polar fleece,
and is dressed in clothing created from gray fabrics.
Each doll is a tangible reminder of the presence of cancer in our world.
On each doll is a hint of yellow: a sign of hope, of new life, of promise.
Each doll carries a daffodil.
"Daffodils have meanings of faith, honesty, truth, forgiveness, and forthrightness.
They are ever vigilant in returning each spring,
and with their return we are reminded that their beauty
is capable of following on the
shirttails of even the harshest winters (or tribulations)."
MILDRED
Mildred is an English name meaning strength.
"We have only begun
to imagine the fullness of life.
How could we tire of hope?
So much is in the bud."
Denise Levertov in "Candles in Babylon"
"We have only begun
to imagine the fullness of life.
How could we tire of hope?
So much is in the bud."
Denise Levertov in "Candles in Babylon"
BRIANNA
Brianna is an Irish name meaning strength.
"Feel the aliveness within your body.
That anchors you in the Now,"
Eckhart Tolle in "Stillness Speaks"
"Feel the aliveness within your body.
That anchors you in the Now,"
Eckhart Tolle in "Stillness Speaks"
ASTRID
Astrid is a Swedish name meaning strength.
"When life mugs you,
robs you of what you hold most dear,
leaving you for dead,
how can you keep hope alive?
You can use your loss
to bless someone else
whose wound is fresher that yours."
R Wayne Willis in "Hope Notes"
"When life mugs you,
robs you of what you hold most dear,
leaving you for dead,
how can you keep hope alive?
You can use your loss
to bless someone else
whose wound is fresher that yours."
R Wayne Willis in "Hope Notes"
VALARIE
"When we live in a world that is full of
the kind of darkness we have now,
there's only hope,
and that is to go into it
and through it."
Helen M Luke in "Let In The Light" by Patricia H Livingston
DESIREE
"Hope is not the conviction
that something will turn out well,
but the certainty that something makes sense
regardless of how it turns out."
Kathy Coffey in "A Faith Worth Believing" by Tom Stella
ASHIKA
Ashika is an Indian name meaning hope.
"Each day has its own set of
thoughts, words and deeds.
Live in tune."
Rebbe Nachma of Breslov in "The Empty Chair"
FAITH
"Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life ...
It turns denial into acceptance,
chaos into order,
confusion into clarity ...
Gratitude makes sense of our past,
brings peace for today,
and creates a vision for tomorrow."
Melody Beattie in "Giving Thanks" by MJ Ryan
It turns denial into acceptance,
chaos into order,
confusion into clarity ...
Gratitude makes sense of our past,
brings peace for today,
and creates a vision for tomorrow."
Melody Beattie in "Giving Thanks" by MJ Ryan
ROSE
PEACE
It does not mean to be in a place
where there is no noise, trouble, or hard work.
It means to be in the midst of those things
and still
be calm in your heart.
Source unknown
MATTHANIAS
Matthanias is an Israeli name meaning hope.
"I am strong
because I know my weaknesses.
I am beautiful
because I am aware of my flaws.
I am fearless
because I learn to recognise illusion from real.
I am wise
because I learn from my mistakes.
I can laugh
because I have known sadness."
Anonymous
"I am strong
because I know my weaknesses.
I am beautiful
because I am aware of my flaws.
I am fearless
because I learn to recognise illusion from real.
I am wise
because I learn from my mistakes.
I can laugh
because I have known sadness."
Anonymous
NATIA
Natia is a Polish name meaning hope.
"Meet your fears with compassion,
not self-hatred or scorn.
Fear is a part of life.
It is in the face of fear
that you discover courage and resilience."
Stephanie Dowrick in "Every Day A New Beginning"
"Meet your fears with compassion,
not self-hatred or scorn.
Fear is a part of life.
It is in the face of fear
that you discover courage and resilience."
Stephanie Dowrick in "Every Day A New Beginning"
MAKAS
Makas is an Israeli name meaning hope.
"Value your instinct for beauty.
Take time
to look into whatever nourishes you.
Create small touches of beauty
wherever you are."
Stephanie Dowrick in "Every Day A New Beginning"
"Value your instinct for beauty.
Take time
to look into whatever nourishes you.
Create small touches of beauty
wherever you are."
Stephanie Dowrick in "Every Day A New Beginning"
NADYUISKA
Nadyuiska is a Slovakian name meaning hope.
"My Lord God,
I have no idea where I am going,
I do not see the road ahead of me.
I cannot know for certain where it will end.
Nor do I really know myself,
and the fact that I think I am following your will
does not mean that I am actually doing so.
But I believe that the desire to please you
does in fact please you.
And I hope that I have that desire in all that I am doing.
I hope that I will never do anything apart from that desire.
And I know that,
if I do this,
you will lead me by the right road,
though I may know nothing about it.
Therefore I will trust you always,
though I may seem to be lost
and in the shadow of death.
I will not fear,
for you are ever with me,
and you will never leave me to face my perils alone."
Thomas Merton in "Thoughts in Solitude"
"My Lord God,
I have no idea where I am going,
I do not see the road ahead of me.
I cannot know for certain where it will end.
Nor do I really know myself,
and the fact that I think I am following your will
does not mean that I am actually doing so.
But I believe that the desire to please you
does in fact please you.
And I hope that I have that desire in all that I am doing.
I hope that I will never do anything apart from that desire.
And I know that,
if I do this,
you will lead me by the right road,
though I may know nothing about it.
Therefore I will trust you always,
though I may seem to be lost
and in the shadow of death.
I will not fear,
for you are ever with me,
and you will never leave me to face my perils alone."
Thomas Merton in "Thoughts in Solitude"
HOPE
'Hope' is the Thing with Feathers
'Hope' is the thing with feathers -
That perches on the soul -
And sings the tune without the words -
And never stops - at all -
And sweetest - in the Gale - is heard -
And sore must be the storm -
That could abash the little Bird -
That kept so many warm -
I've heard it in the chilliest land -
And on the strangest Sea -
Yet, never, in Extremity,
It asked a crumb - of Me.
Emily Dickinson
'Hope' is the thing with feathers -
That perches on the soul -
And sings the tune without the words -
And never stops - at all -
And sweetest - in the Gale - is heard -
And sore must be the storm -
That could abash the little Bird -
That kept so many warm -
I've heard it in the chilliest land -
And on the strangest Sea -
Yet, never, in Extremity,
It asked a crumb - of Me.
Emily Dickinson
SPES
Spes is a Latin American name meaning hope.
New Every Morning
"Every day is a fresh beginning,
Listen my soul to the glad refrain.
And, spite of old sorrows
And older sinning,
Troubles forecasted
And possible pain,
Take heart with the day and begin again."
Susan Coolidge in "101 Poems To Keep You Sane"
New Every Morning
"Every day is a fresh beginning,
Listen my soul to the glad refrain.
And, spite of old sorrows
And older sinning,
Troubles forecasted
And possible pain,
Take heart with the day and begin again."
Susan Coolidge in "101 Poems To Keep You Sane"
SHPRESA
Shpresa is an Albanian name meaning hope.
"God help us
If our world should grow dark;
And there is no way of seeing or knowing.
Grant us courage and trust
To touch and be touched
To find our way onwards
By feeling.
Amen"
Michael Leunig in "The Prayer Tree"
"God help us
If our world should grow dark;
And there is no way of seeing or knowing.
Grant us courage and trust
To touch and be touched
To find our way onwards
By feeling.
Amen"
Michael Leunig in "The Prayer Tree"
ITXARO
Itxaro is a Spanish name meaning hope.
"Then it is only kindness that makes sense any more,
only kindness that ties your shoes
and sends you out into the day to mail letters
and purchase bread,
only kindness that raises its head
from the crown of the world to say,
"It is I you have been looking for,"
and then goes with you everywhere
like a shadow or a friend."
Naomi Shihab Nye in " Words Under the Words"
"Then it is only kindness that makes sense any more,
only kindness that ties your shoes
and sends you out into the day to mail letters
and purchase bread,
only kindness that raises its head
from the crown of the world to say,
"It is I you have been looking for,"
and then goes with you everywhere
like a shadow or a friend."
Naomi Shihab Nye in " Words Under the Words"
SPERANZA
Speranza is an Italian name meaning hope.
"Enduring Love,
now is the time
for me to stand strong,
to remain vigilant,
to stay with the pain,
to continue to be present.
Giver of Strength,
firm up the wobbly legs
of my faltering faith,
reinforce my trust in you.
Intensify my ability
to not give up.
With your grace
I can remain faithful.
No matter how powerless
or hopeless I feel,
I can be a compassionate presence
as I stand beneath the cross."
Joyce Rupp in 'Your Sorrow is My Sorrow'
"Enduring Love,
now is the time
for me to stand strong,
to remain vigilant,
to stay with the pain,
to continue to be present.
Giver of Strength,
firm up the wobbly legs
of my faltering faith,
reinforce my trust in you.
Intensify my ability
to not give up.
With your grace
I can remain faithful.
No matter how powerless
or hopeless I feel,
I can be a compassionate presence
as I stand beneath the cross."
Joyce Rupp in 'Your Sorrow is My Sorrow'
UMAY
Umay is a Turkish name meaning hope.
"Kind and caring God,
my once secure life
now holds tremendous change.
Come into my turmoil
and quiet my anxiety.
Be there with the gifts
of your peace and guidance.
Let me not be overwhelmed
with fear of the unknown.
Grant me the ability
to face what awaits me.
Take my hand and assure me
that you will always be with me,
no matter what the future holds."
Joyce Rupp in "Your Sorrow is My Sorrow"
"Kind and caring God,
my once secure life
now holds tremendous change.
Come into my turmoil
and quiet my anxiety.
Be there with the gifts
of your peace and guidance.
Let me not be overwhelmed
with fear of the unknown.
Grant me the ability
to face what awaits me.
Take my hand and assure me
that you will always be with me,
no matter what the future holds."
Joyce Rupp in "Your Sorrow is My Sorrow"
XI-WANG
Xi-Wang is a Chinese name meaning hope.
"Faithful Shelter,
my life has suddenly changed.
I feel numb and unbelieving,
stunned and alarmed.
It does not seem possible that my life
could be so quickly turned upside-down.
Comfort me, Abiding Companion.
Wait with me while I try to grasp the truth.
Slowly reveal to me what I need to accept.
As the layers of the days ahead unfold
keep me safe in the shelter of your love.
Abide with me, abide with me."
Joyce Rupp in "Your Sorrow is My Sorrow."
"Faithful Shelter,
my life has suddenly changed.
I feel numb and unbelieving,
stunned and alarmed.
It does not seem possible that my life
could be so quickly turned upside-down.
Comfort me, Abiding Companion.
Wait with me while I try to grasp the truth.
Slowly reveal to me what I need to accept.
As the layers of the days ahead unfold
keep me safe in the shelter of your love.
Abide with me, abide with me."
Joyce Rupp in "Your Sorrow is My Sorrow."
ASHIA
Ashia is an Indian name meaning hope.
"I will approach each day
knowing that those who have gone before me
are watching,
and those who come after me
will reap what
I do with that day."
Joseph Marshall
"I will approach each day
knowing that those who have gone before me
are watching,
and those who come after me
will reap what
I do with that day."
Joseph Marshall
DAY
Day is an American name meaning hope.
"Companion of Suffering,
the touch of your embrace
comes to me in the gift
of those who stand with me.
How grateful I am
for the compassionate ones
who wrap me in their care,
and console me with their kindness.
Source of All Love,
what encouragement is mine
in those you have given to me.
Thank you for their thoughtfulness,
their patience, their empathy.
When they stand with me,
I know in a more certain way
that you have not abandoned me."
Joyce Rupp "Your Sorrow Is My Sorrow"
"Companion of Suffering,
the touch of your embrace
comes to me in the gift
of those who stand with me.
How grateful I am
for the compassionate ones
who wrap me in their care,
and console me with their kindness.
Source of All Love,
what encouragement is mine
in those you have given to me.
Thank you for their thoughtfulness,
their patience, their empathy.
When they stand with me,
I know in a more certain way
that you have not abandoned me."
Joyce Rupp "Your Sorrow Is My Sorrow"
ASHADEEP
Ashadeep is an Indian name meaning hope.
"Loving Gardener of Life,
turn my time of sorrow
toward a season of hope.
I long to return to joy.
I yearn to be free from sadness.
May the eyes of my faith
look beyond my loss
and see the promise of spring
that follows every winter.
Never-Ending Source of Hope,
may the power of the Resurrection
assure me of my future happiness.
I hold out my downcast spirit to you
and offer you my trusting heart.
I await the healing I need,
confident that your grace
will restore my inner peace."
Joyce Rupp in "Your Sorrow Is My Sorrow"
"Loving Gardener of Life,
turn my time of sorrow
toward a season of hope.
I long to return to joy.
I yearn to be free from sadness.
May the eyes of my faith
look beyond my loss
and see the promise of spring
that follows every winter.
Never-Ending Source of Hope,
may the power of the Resurrection
assure me of my future happiness.
I hold out my downcast spirit to you
and offer you my trusting heart.
I await the healing I need,
confident that your grace
will restore my inner peace."
Joyce Rupp in "Your Sorrow Is My Sorrow"
NOZOMI
Nozomi is a Japanese name meaning hope.
"I fill myself
with the beauty and peace of nature.
I have the courage
to focus on beauty
even in the midst of pain."
Sue Patton Thoele in "The Woman's Book of Courage"
"I fill myself
with the beauty and peace of nature.
I have the courage
to focus on beauty
even in the midst of pain."
Sue Patton Thoele in "The Woman's Book of Courage"
RIZPAH
Rizpah is an Indian name meaning hope.
"When you are in doubt,
be still and wait.
When doubt no longer exists for you,
then go forward with courage.
So long as mists envelop you,
be still,
until the sunlight pours through and dispels the mists -
as it surely will.
Then act with courage."
White Eagle
"When you are in doubt,
be still and wait.
When doubt no longer exists for you,
then go forward with courage.
So long as mists envelop you,
be still,
until the sunlight pours through and dispels the mists -
as it surely will.
Then act with courage."
White Eagle
RAJA
Raja is an Indian name meaning hope.
"I reach out to others
in empathy and understanding.
I have the courage to find meaning
even in my deepest pain.
I see myself as a vessel for divine energy
and find joy in serving others."
Sue Patton Thoele in "The Woman's Book of Courage"
"I reach out to others
in empathy and understanding.
I have the courage to find meaning
even in my deepest pain.
I see myself as a vessel for divine energy
and find joy in serving others."
Sue Patton Thoele in "The Woman's Book of Courage"
TIKVA
Tikva is a Hebrew name meaning hope.
"If you have learned to walk
A little more sure-footedly than I,
Be patient with my stumbling then
And know that only as I do my best and try
May I attain the goal
For which we both are striving.
If through experience, your soul
Has gained heights which I
As yet in dim-lit vision see,
Hold out your hand and point the way,
Lest from the straightness should I stray,
And walk a mile with me."
Anonymous
"If you have learned to walk
A little more sure-footedly than I,
Be patient with my stumbling then
And know that only as I do my best and try
May I attain the goal
For which we both are striving.
If through experience, your soul
Has gained heights which I
As yet in dim-lit vision see,
Hold out your hand and point the way,
Lest from the straightness should I stray,
And walk a mile with me."
Anonymous
WILONA
Wilona is an English name meaning hope.
"In the dark times,
the eyes begin to see.
The dark times in life are not our enemy.
Dark times empty the world of things that would otherwise distract us
from seeing the important things.
Enter the darkness with confidence."
Theodore Roethke
"In the dark times,
the eyes begin to see.
The dark times in life are not our enemy.
Dark times empty the world of things that would otherwise distract us
from seeing the important things.
Enter the darkness with confidence."
Theodore Roethke
ZITA
Zita is a Spanish name meaning hope.
"Too many of us panic in the dark.
We don't understand that it is a holy dark
and that the idea is to surrender to it,
and the journey,
through to real light."
Sue Monk Kidd
"Too many of us panic in the dark.
We don't understand that it is a holy dark
and that the idea is to surrender to it,
and the journey,
through to real light."
Sue Monk Kidd
NATSUKI
Natsuki is a Japanese name meaning hope.
"Courage does not always roar.
Sometimes courage is the quiet voice
at the end of the day saying,
"I will try again tomorrow."
Mary Anne Radmacher
"Courage does not always roar.
Sometimes courage is the quiet voice
at the end of the day saying,
"I will try again tomorrow."
Mary Anne Radmacher
DAISY
Daisy is an English name meaning hope.
"Not till we are lost,
in other words,
not till we have lost the world,
do we begin to find ourselves,
and realise where we are
and the infinite extent of our relations."
Henry David Thoreau in "Walden"
"Not till we are lost,
in other words,
not till we have lost the world,
do we begin to find ourselves,
and realise where we are
and the infinite extent of our relations."
Henry David Thoreau in "Walden"
NADENKA
Nadenka is a Russian name meaning hope.
"Faith in the future is not dead in our hearts.
Better still,
it is this hope,
deepened and purified,
which seems bound to save us."
Pierre Teilhard de Chardin
"Faith in the future is not dead in our hearts.
Better still,
it is this hope,
deepened and purified,
which seems bound to save us."
Pierre Teilhard de Chardin
McKENZIE-RAE
McKenzie-Rae is a name meaning hope.
"Compassion for me is just what the word says it is:
it is 'suffering with'.
It is an immediate participation
in the suffering of another to such a degree
that you forget yourself
and your own safety
and act spontaneously."
Joseph Campbell
"Compassion for me is just what the word says it is:
it is 'suffering with'.
It is an immediate participation
in the suffering of another to such a degree
that you forget yourself
and your own safety
and act spontaneously."
Joseph Campbell
HACHILAH
Hachilah is a Hebrew name meaning hope.
Cancer is so limited ..
It cannot cripple love.
It cannot shatter hope.
It cannot corrode faith.
It cannot destroy peace.
It cannot kill friendship.
It cannot suppress memories.
It cannot silence courage.
It cannot invade the soul.
It cannot steal eternal life.
It cannot conquer the spirit.
Cancer is so limited ..
It cannot cripple love.
It cannot shatter hope.
It cannot corrode faith.
It cannot destroy peace.
It cannot kill friendship.
It cannot suppress memories.
It cannot silence courage.
It cannot invade the soul.
It cannot steal eternal life.
It cannot conquer the spirit.
ELPIDA
Elpida is a Greek name meaning hope.
"I believe in the power of hope,
because I have seen
people survive in ways that astound me."
Joyce Rupp
"I believe in the power of hope,
because I have seen
people survive in ways that astound me."
Joyce Rupp
MAHAZ
Mahaz is a Hebrew name meaning hope.
"When something enters your life that is so big
and as non-negotiable as catastrophic illness,
you either go in denial for a while ...
or ultimately you accept it
and you make space for it.
And in making space for it,
you illuminate a lot of things
that you don't normally have room for ...
you simply just look at the world differently."
Michael J. Fox
"When something enters your life that is so big
and as non-negotiable as catastrophic illness,
you either go in denial for a while ...
or ultimately you accept it
and you make space for it.
And in making space for it,
you illuminate a lot of things
that you don't normally have room for ...
you simply just look at the world differently."
Michael J. Fox
MADZEIJA
Madzeija is a Polish name meaning hope.
"When two people come together,
an ancient circle closes between them.
They also come to each other not with empty hands,
but with hands full of gifts for each other.
Often these gifts are wounded gifts;
this awakens the dimension of healing within love."
John O'Donohue
"When two people come together,
an ancient circle closes between them.
They also come to each other not with empty hands,
but with hands full of gifts for each other.
Often these gifts are wounded gifts;
this awakens the dimension of healing within love."
John O'Donohue
KAZUKI
Kazuki is a Japanese name meaning hope.
How shall I pray?
Are tears prayers, Lord?
Are screams prayers,
or groans
or sighs
or curses?
Can trembling hands be lifted to you,
or clenched fists
or the cold sweat that trickles down my back
or the cramps that knot my stomach?
Will you accept my prayers, Lord,
my real prayers,
rooted in the muck and mud and rock of my life,
and not just the poetry, cut-flower, gracefully
arranged bouquet of words?
Will you accept me,
Lord,
as I really am,
messed up mixture of glory and grime?
How shall I pray?
Are tears prayers, Lord?
Are screams prayers,
or groans
or sighs
or curses?
Can trembling hands be lifted to you,
or clenched fists
or the cold sweat that trickles down my back
or the cramps that knot my stomach?
Will you accept my prayers, Lord,
my real prayers,
rooted in the muck and mud and rock of my life,
and not just the poetry, cut-flower, gracefully
arranged bouquet of words?
Will you accept me,
Lord,
as I really am,
messed up mixture of glory and grime?
ESPERANZA
Esperanza is a Spanish name meaning hope.
"Become a possibilitarian.
No matter how dark things seem to be
or actually are,
raise your sights and see possibilities -
always see them,
for they're always there."
Norman Vincent Peale
"Become a possibilitarian.
No matter how dark things seem to be
or actually are,
raise your sights and see possibilities -
always see them,
for they're always there."
Norman Vincent Peale
CHARITY
Charity is a French name meaning hope.
“It is not the mountain we conquer but ourselves.“
Edmund Hillary
“It is not the mountain we conquer but ourselves.“
Edmund Hillary
IJABO
Ijabo is an Arabic name meaning hope.
Summer Field" Meditation
Take a deep breath in through the nose and out through the mouth.
Allow your body to just let go.
Become aware of any tension in your body
and just breathe into that area for a moment.....
Now as you take in each breath say to
yourself "I am.." and as you breathe out say to yourself "relaxed", in "I
am"....out "relaxed", "I am....relaxed".
Just allow your mind and body to be peaceful,
if thoughts come just let them pass and go back to focussing on your breath,
as it now gently flows in through your nose notice the coolness of the
air just as it enters your nostrils.............
"I am relaxed".......
Now picture yourself in a beautiful meadow,
surrounded by wildflowers, you can hear birds a little way off
and you know that you are completely safe.
You can feel the warmth of the sun on your face and body.
As you gently lay down on the soft grass and feel supported
by the earth and warmed by the sun
You know that you have everything you need.
Your mind, body and spirit are happy healthy and relaxed......
Just lie here for a moment and enjoy this wonderful place of peace and calm.
Now when you are ready just breathe a little more deeply,
feel the vital flow of energy through your body as you gently come back to the room
and continue on with your day refreshed and energised,
knowing that you can return to your special place of calm anytime
you want just by recalling it.
From A Place for the Heart
Summer Field" Meditation
Take a deep breath in through the nose and out through the mouth.
Allow your body to just let go.
Become aware of any tension in your body
and just breathe into that area for a moment.....
Now as you take in each breath say to
yourself "I am.." and as you breathe out say to yourself "relaxed", in "I
am"....out "relaxed", "I am....relaxed".
Just allow your mind and body to be peaceful,
if thoughts come just let them pass and go back to focussing on your breath,
as it now gently flows in through your nose notice the coolness of the
air just as it enters your nostrils.............
"I am relaxed".......
Now picture yourself in a beautiful meadow,
surrounded by wildflowers, you can hear birds a little way off
and you know that you are completely safe.
You can feel the warmth of the sun on your face and body.
As you gently lay down on the soft grass and feel supported
by the earth and warmed by the sun
You know that you have everything you need.
Your mind, body and spirit are happy healthy and relaxed......
Just lie here for a moment and enjoy this wonderful place of peace and calm.
Now when you are ready just breathe a little more deeply,
feel the vital flow of energy through your body as you gently come back to the room
and continue on with your day refreshed and energised,
knowing that you can return to your special place of calm anytime
you want just by recalling it.
From A Place for the Heart
KIT
Kit is a Greek name meaning hope.
"When the Japanese mend broken objects,
they aggrandize the damage by filling the cracks with gold.
They believe that when something's suffered damage,
and has a history,
it becomes more beautiful."
Barbara Bloom
"When the Japanese mend broken objects,
they aggrandize the damage by filling the cracks with gold.
They believe that when something's suffered damage,
and has a history,
it becomes more beautiful."
Barbara Bloom
EFTHEMIA
Efthemia is a Greek name meaning hope.
"Love wants to reach out and manhandle us,
Break all our teacup talk of God.
If you had the courage and
Could give the Beloved His choice, some nights,
He would just drag you around the room
By your hair,
Ripping from your grip all those toys in the world
That bring you no joy.
Love sometimes gets tired of speaking sweetly
And wants to rip to shreds
All your erroneous notions of truth . . .
The Beloved sometimes wants
To do us a great favour:
Hold us upside down
And shake all the nonsense out."
Hafiz
"Love wants to reach out and manhandle us,
Break all our teacup talk of God.
If you had the courage and
Could give the Beloved His choice, some nights,
He would just drag you around the room
By your hair,
Ripping from your grip all those toys in the world
That bring you no joy.
Love sometimes gets tired of speaking sweetly
And wants to rip to shreds
All your erroneous notions of truth . . .
The Beloved sometimes wants
To do us a great favour:
Hold us upside down
And shake all the nonsense out."
Hafiz
LAELYNN
Laelynn is a Canadian name meaning hope.
"Be patient toward all that is unsolved in your heart
and try to love the questions themselves,
like locked rooms and like books that are now written in a very foreign tongue.
Do not now seek the answers,
which cannot be given you
because you would not be able to live them.
And the point is,
to live everything.
Live the questions now.
Perhaps you will then gradually, without noticing it,
live along some distant day into the answer.”
Rainer Maria Rilke
"Be patient toward all that is unsolved in your heart
and try to love the questions themselves,
like locked rooms and like books that are now written in a very foreign tongue.
Do not now seek the answers,
which cannot be given you
because you would not be able to live them.
And the point is,
to live everything.
Live the questions now.
Perhaps you will then gradually, without noticing it,
live along some distant day into the answer.”
Rainer Maria Rilke
CHARISE
Charise is a French name meaning hope.
When things go wrong, as they sometimes will,
When the road you're trudging seems all up hill,
When the funds are low and the debts are high,
And you want to smile, but you have to sigh,
When care is pressing you down a bit,
Rest, if you must - but don't you quit.
Life is queer with it's twists and turns,
As every one of us sometimes learns,
And many a failure turns about,
When he might have won had he stuck it out,
Don't give up, though the pace seems slow ...
You might succeed with another blow.
Often the goal is nearer than
It seems to a faint and faltering man.
Often the struggler has given up,
When he might have captured the victor's cup,
And her learned too late, when the night slipped down,
How close he was to the golden crown.
Success is failure turned inside out.
The silver tint to the clouds of doubt -
And you can never tell how close you are,
It may appear when it seems afar;
So stick to the fight when you're hardest hit -
It when things seem worst that you mustn't quit!
Anonymous
When things go wrong, as they sometimes will,
When the road you're trudging seems all up hill,
When the funds are low and the debts are high,
And you want to smile, but you have to sigh,
When care is pressing you down a bit,
Rest, if you must - but don't you quit.
Life is queer with it's twists and turns,
As every one of us sometimes learns,
And many a failure turns about,
When he might have won had he stuck it out,
Don't give up, though the pace seems slow ...
You might succeed with another blow.
Often the goal is nearer than
It seems to a faint and faltering man.
Often the struggler has given up,
When he might have captured the victor's cup,
And her learned too late, when the night slipped down,
How close he was to the golden crown.
Success is failure turned inside out.
The silver tint to the clouds of doubt -
And you can never tell how close you are,
It may appear when it seems afar;
So stick to the fight when you're hardest hit -
It when things seem worst that you mustn't quit!
Anonymous
BRAYLEIGH
Brayleigh is an American name meaning hope.
"It is not what we get
but who we become,
what we contribute ...
that gives meaning to our lives."
Tony Robbins
Every little we contribute -
financially, personally, creatively,
is important to those living with cancer.
"It is not what we get
but who we become,
what we contribute ...
that gives meaning to our lives."
Tony Robbins
Every little we contribute -
financially, personally, creatively,
is important to those living with cancer.
TIKVAH
Tikvah is a Hebrew name meaning hope.
"The most basic and powerful way
to connect to another person is to listen.
Just listen.
Perhaps the most important thing we ever give each other is our attention ....
A loving silence often has far more power
to heal and to connect than the most well-intentioned words."
Rachel Naomi Remen
"The most basic and powerful way
to connect to another person is to listen.
Just listen.
Perhaps the most important thing we ever give each other is our attention ....
A loving silence often has far more power
to heal and to connect than the most well-intentioned words."
Rachel Naomi Remen
NADINE
Nadine is a French name meaning hope.
"Just for Today" are wonderful words of advice for caregivers
to take time today, not worry about tomorrow and do a deed to feel
good about yourself. It involves taking time for yourself.
Just for today ...
I will live through the next 12 hours
and not try to tackle all of life's problems at once.
Just for today ...
I will improve my mind. I will learn something useful.
I will read something that requires thought and concentration.
Just for today ...
I will be agreeable. I will look my best,
speak in a well-modulated voice, be courteous and considerate.
Just for today ...
I will not find fault with friend, relative or colleague.
I will not try to change or improve anyone but myself.
Just for today ...
I will do a good deed and keep it a secret. If anyone finds out, it won't count.
Just for today ...
I will have a program. I might not follow it exactly, but I will have it.
I will save myself from two enemies: hurry & indecision.
Just for today ...
I will do two things I don't want to do, just because I need the discipline.
Just for today ...
I will believe in myself.
I will give my best to the world and feel confident
that the world will give it's best to me.
Anonymous
"Just for Today" are wonderful words of advice for caregivers
to take time today, not worry about tomorrow and do a deed to feel
good about yourself. It involves taking time for yourself.
Just for today ...
I will live through the next 12 hours
and not try to tackle all of life's problems at once.
Just for today ...
I will improve my mind. I will learn something useful.
I will read something that requires thought and concentration.
Just for today ...
I will be agreeable. I will look my best,
speak in a well-modulated voice, be courteous and considerate.
Just for today ...
I will not find fault with friend, relative or colleague.
I will not try to change or improve anyone but myself.
Just for today ...
I will do a good deed and keep it a secret. If anyone finds out, it won't count.
Just for today ...
I will have a program. I might not follow it exactly, but I will have it.
I will save myself from two enemies: hurry & indecision.
Just for today ...
I will do two things I don't want to do, just because I need the discipline.
Just for today ...
I will believe in myself.
I will give my best to the world and feel confident
that the world will give it's best to me.
Anonymous
TARAJA
Taraja is an African name meaning hope.
i carry your heart
by ee cummings
i carry your heart with me
(i carry it in my heart)
i am never without it (anywhere i go you go, my dear;
and whatever is done by only me is your doing, my darling)
i fear no fate (for you are my fate, my sweet)
i want no world
(for beautiful you are my world, my true)
and it's you are whatever a moon has always meant
and whatever a sun will always sing is you
here is the deepest secret nobody knows
(here is the root of the root and the bud of the bud
and the sky of the sky of a tree called life;
which grows higher than the soul can hope or mind can hide)
and this is the wonder that's keeping the stars apart
i carry your heart(i carry it in my heart)
i carry your heart
by ee cummings
i carry your heart with me
(i carry it in my heart)
i am never without it (anywhere i go you go, my dear;
and whatever is done by only me is your doing, my darling)
i fear no fate (for you are my fate, my sweet)
i want no world
(for beautiful you are my world, my true)
and it's you are whatever a moon has always meant
and whatever a sun will always sing is you
here is the deepest secret nobody knows
(here is the root of the root and the bud of the bud
and the sky of the sky of a tree called life;
which grows higher than the soul can hope or mind can hide)
and this is the wonder that's keeping the stars apart
i carry your heart(i carry it in my heart)
NADIA
Nadia is a Slavic name meaning hope.
A Gift
I was given a gift, wrapped shabbily,
it was non-returnable, non-refundable!
Reluctantly I accepted it.
In it I found courage I never knew existed
and a patience far beyond anything ever experienced.
I was given the ability to trust a stranger with that most dear to me,
and an endurance for the unknown.
I was given unconditional love of family and friends,
always there, never stopping, never faltering.
I was given many prayers from far and wide,
and the warmth of knowing I am truly cared about.
I was given a fond farewell of my modesty and vanity,
and the acceptance and love of an imperfect body.
I was given a strong shoulder to lean on when that shoulder
had once grown distant,
and laughter and good times, more special than ever before.
I was given many new friends,
wonderful, courageous women I am so very proud to know.
I was given warm sunshine and beautiful green grass,
blue skies, and sparkling city lights.
I was given things to see,
that once before were ignored.
I was given the chance to wake up,
instead of sleepwalking through life.
I was given every glorious day to enjoy,
every month to savour, every year to rejoice.
I was given the gift of life,
I was given breast cancer.
© Copyright Linda Nielsen
A Gift
I was given a gift, wrapped shabbily,
it was non-returnable, non-refundable!
Reluctantly I accepted it.
In it I found courage I never knew existed
and a patience far beyond anything ever experienced.
I was given the ability to trust a stranger with that most dear to me,
and an endurance for the unknown.
I was given unconditional love of family and friends,
always there, never stopping, never faltering.
I was given many prayers from far and wide,
and the warmth of knowing I am truly cared about.
I was given a fond farewell of my modesty and vanity,
and the acceptance and love of an imperfect body.
I was given a strong shoulder to lean on when that shoulder
had once grown distant,
and laughter and good times, more special than ever before.
I was given many new friends,
wonderful, courageous women I am so very proud to know.
I was given warm sunshine and beautiful green grass,
blue skies, and sparkling city lights.
I was given things to see,
that once before were ignored.
I was given the chance to wake up,
instead of sleepwalking through life.
I was given every glorious day to enjoy,
every month to savour, every year to rejoice.
I was given the gift of life,
I was given breast cancer.
© Copyright Linda Nielsen
ASHA
Asha is Sanskrit for 'hope'.
Dear Jesus, Divine Physician, Healer of the Sick.
We call upon you and ask your help for our loved ones
who are suffering from cancer.
We entrust them to your loving care.
They are your children and they are in pain.
Give them the ability to know in their hearts
that you are with them in this difficult time.
Give them strength and healing.
Comfort them in their fears,
soothe their anxiety,
and let them rest securely in your arms.
Help those who care for them.
Give insight to researchers that they may discover cures.
Give patience and energy to doctors and nurses so that
they will care for them with grace and love.
For us, their families, their friends and their community,
we need your courage and strength,
to be with them and help them bear their burdens.
Give us joy, peace and confidence in you
so that like Mary, your mother,
we may stand with them in faith and trust,
witnessing to your healing love.
For you are blessed, for ever and ever.
Amen.
Dear Jesus, Divine Physician, Healer of the Sick.
We call upon you and ask your help for our loved ones
who are suffering from cancer.
We entrust them to your loving care.
They are your children and they are in pain.
Give them the ability to know in their hearts
that you are with them in this difficult time.
Give them strength and healing.
Comfort them in their fears,
soothe their anxiety,
and let them rest securely in your arms.
Help those who care for them.
Give insight to researchers that they may discover cures.
Give patience and energy to doctors and nurses so that
they will care for them with grace and love.
For us, their families, their friends and their community,
we need your courage and strength,
to be with them and help them bear their burdens.
Give us joy, peace and confidence in you
so that like Mary, your mother,
we may stand with them in faith and trust,
witnessing to your healing love.
For you are blessed, for ever and ever.
Amen.
