Win the Day.....Rise and Shout!
I live in duck land.
That is, I live in Eugene, OR.
For those of you who are not familiar with college football and the Oregon Ducks, it is kind of a big deal. (Even though this year they are reallynot playing well struggling). When I went to my first duck football game a few years ago I was astounded at the craziness of the duck fans. I thought cougar fans (BYU) were crazy. Not so much. Talk about noisy and animated.....and also a lot of them drunk (which doesn't ever happen at BYU -- remember that honor code thing? Ya, not so much people who are drunk at Lavell Edward Stadium)
Anyway, the ducks have this motto: WIN THE DAY!
Sorta like my BYU Cougars have RISE AND SHOUT!
We'll get back to the idea of Rising and Shouting (because I can't just leave my Alma Mater out of this altogether), but I have been thinking about the idea of winning......because I have people asking me all the time how the "battle against cancer" is going, and telling me I am doing great in my "fight against cancer" etc....
So what does it mean to win a fight with cancer?
Does it mean the cancer goes away and you are cancer free?
Does it mean you make a little bit of progress each day?
Does it mean the tumors shrink, even if they are still there?
I think it means something different for everyone actually.
I think that even if cancer is the end of my life here on earth I still win.
I think the fact that I am fighting this battle at all has to count for some sort of a win.
When I think of it from a long term perspective it is actually harder for me to wrap my head around winning. Most days it feels like a losing battle -- Usually on the days when I am feeling yucky, or my hands hurt or my hair falls out or I can't sleep or I have a headache that won't stop or my body just won't do what I want it to. And for sure on the days when I have to sit in a chemo chair or be hooked up to the pump. I have some hard days, just like everyone else, where winning is not what I feel like I am doing. at all.
A few days ago I was listening to some music performed by Hilary Weeks (she is a Christian musician) and a song came on called, ironically enough, "Win the Day" it made me start thinking about how I don't actually need to look at this from a long term perspective. What I need to do is look at it one day at a time.
Today I win because I took Tess to the indoor play area at the mall to burn some energy and I got to visit with friends while I was there.
Today I win because I planned with my old roommates (via text message about what the best french fries are) a trip that they are making to come visit in December.
Today I win because I got a new laptop (yep....I'm typing on it right now guys. It's beautiful.)
Today I win because I didn't yell at Natalie when she left her underwear, inside her pants underneath a wet towel on the bathroom floor. (there are only a few things I dislike more than dirty clothes left on the floor.....well and I also really dislike cupboard doors left open and counter tops that aren't washed off and I guess I am a little OCD).
Today I win because I ate a cake donut for breakfast, (or maybe 2) and they were delicious.
Today I win because I read my scriptures for like 8 whole minutes before Tess decided her nap was over.
Today I win because I played in the rain with Tess (who wore a raincoat 3 sizes too big) and took pictures to document it. I wish I could have recorded her saying "cmon mama, cmon mama" as she took off my shoes -- I guess if you are almost 2, it is a prerequisite to have your shoes off?!
Today I win because I helped Lauren with her upcoming play audition.
Today I win because I got dressed and showered, all before 7 am. The makeup and getting my hair finished happened later, but I was up, and showered and drove carpool for the first time in ever.
Today I win because I got to eat my favorite food, cottage cheese, for lunch and it was only a teeny tiny bit too cold to enjoy.
Today I win because I have a warm house even if it is pouring rain outside.
Today I win because I had the energy to clean out my stinky, milk is spilled somewhere mini van. (I bought some air fresheners.....hoping it helps, or else there is going to be a vomit smell to match the spilled milk smell).
Today I win because I wore my new pair of jeans that don't make me look like a holocaust camp survivor. (one time I lost weight when I was in college and one of my roommates told me I looked like a holocaust camp survivor.....and that same roommate who I sent this picture to, told me to keep the jeans that they looked good, so I'm counting it as a win).
Today I win because I am listening to my child laugh as she watches Frozen -- her new favorite "show"
I wish I could find the actual audio file so you could listen to Hilary Weeks new song, but for now, just read the lyrics. (Her whole new album is actually really good if you are into sometimes cheesy, feel good, Christian tunes sung by a beautiful person with a voice that is a gift)
*I could tell you what all my favorite lines are, but then you wouldn't be able to ponder on it yourself and figure out what the message is for you.....
That is, I live in Eugene, OR.
For those of you who are not familiar with college football and the Oregon Ducks, it is kind of a big deal. (Even though this year they are really
Anyway, the ducks have this motto: WIN THE DAY!
Sorta like my BYU Cougars have RISE AND SHOUT!
We'll get back to the idea of Rising and Shouting (because I can't just leave my Alma Mater out of this altogether), but I have been thinking about the idea of winning......because I have people asking me all the time how the "battle against cancer" is going, and telling me I am doing great in my "fight against cancer" etc....
Those words, battle and fight conjure up for me the thought of winning. If you are in a fight or battle don't you want to win? I do.
So what does it mean to win a fight with cancer?
Does it mean the cancer goes away and you are cancer free?
Does it mean you make a little bit of progress each day?
Does it mean the tumors shrink, even if they are still there?
I think it means something different for everyone actually.
I think that even if cancer is the end of my life here on earth I still win.
I think the fact that I am fighting this battle at all has to count for some sort of a win.
When I think of it from a long term perspective it is actually harder for me to wrap my head around winning. Most days it feels like a losing battle -- Usually on the days when I am feeling yucky, or my hands hurt or my hair falls out or I can't sleep or I have a headache that won't stop or my body just won't do what I want it to. And for sure on the days when I have to sit in a chemo chair or be hooked up to the pump. I have some hard days, just like everyone else, where winning is not what I feel like I am doing. at all.
A few days ago I was listening to some music performed by Hilary Weeks (she is a Christian musician) and a song came on called, ironically enough, "Win the Day" it made me start thinking about how I don't actually need to look at this from a long term perspective. What I need to do is look at it one day at a time.
It is the small wins that actually matter.
I can win each day.
I can win the day.
Today I win because I took Tess to the indoor play area at the mall to burn some energy and I got to visit with friends while I was there.
Today I win because I planned with my old roommates (via text message about what the best french fries are) a trip that they are making to come visit in December.
Today I win because I got a new laptop (yep....I'm typing on it right now guys. It's beautiful.)
Today I win because I didn't yell at Natalie when she left her underwear, inside her pants underneath a wet towel on the bathroom floor. (there are only a few things I dislike more than dirty clothes left on the floor.....well and I also really dislike cupboard doors left open and counter tops that aren't washed off and I guess I am a little OCD).
Today I win because I ate a cake donut for breakfast, (or maybe 2) and they were delicious.
Today I win because I read my scriptures for like 8 whole minutes before Tess decided her nap was over.
Today I win because I played in the rain with Tess (who wore a raincoat 3 sizes too big) and took pictures to document it. I wish I could have recorded her saying "cmon mama, cmon mama" as she took off my shoes -- I guess if you are almost 2, it is a prerequisite to have your shoes off?!
Today I win because I got dressed and showered, all before 7 am. The makeup and getting my hair finished happened later, but I was up, and showered and drove carpool for the first time in ever.
Today I win because I got to eat my favorite food, cottage cheese, for lunch and it was only a teeny tiny bit too cold to enjoy.
Today I win because I have a warm house even if it is pouring rain outside.
Today I win because I had the energy to clean out my stinky, milk is spilled somewhere mini van. (I bought some air fresheners.....hoping it helps, or else there is going to be a vomit smell to match the spilled milk smell).
Today I win because I wore my new pair of jeans that don't make me look like a holocaust camp survivor. (one time I lost weight when I was in college and one of my roommates told me I looked like a holocaust camp survivor.....and that same roommate who I sent this picture to, told me to keep the jeans that they looked good, so I'm counting it as a win).
Today I win because I am listening to my child laugh as she watches Frozen -- her new favorite "show"
Today I win because I have today.
I win the day today.
I win the day today.
I wish I could find the actual audio file so you could listen to Hilary Weeks new song, but for now, just read the lyrics. (Her whole new album is actually really good if you are into sometimes cheesy, feel good, Christian tunes sung by a beautiful person with a voice that is a gift)
Win the Day
It's a new day
It's a clean slate
It can be what you want it to be
When the dawn comes
There's a sun
Waiting to shine on your dreams
Don't let it slip away
Cause the moment's waiting
Hold on never hold back
Let your faith be bigger than your fears and
Take a chance, let your heart lead the way
Stay strong, never give up
Run after what you love no matter what it takes
Win the day
There's a voice
Though the noise
Telling you to keep pushing on
So you climb
And you fight
Cause what you believe will always be enough
Don't let yourself forget
No don't you ever forget
That your moment's waiting
Hold on never hold back
Let your faith be bigger than your fears and
Take a chance, let your heart lead the way
Stay strong, never give up
Run after what you love no matter what it takes
Win the day
Don't let it slip away
Don't let the moment slip away
Cause your whole life's waiting
Hold on never hold back
Let your faith be bigger than your fears and
Take a chance, let your heart lead the way
Stay strong, never give up
Run after what you love no matter what it takes
Win the day
*I could tell you what all my favorite lines are, but then you wouldn't be able to ponder on it yourself and figure out what the message is for you.....
Now, just to be clear, I don't always "Win the Day"
sometimes I have more of a "Rise and Shout" attitude if you know what I mean, but I am trying and right now that is enough.
I am going to count trying as a win.
Your strength, your faith, your determination, your positive attitude... you definitely have ALL the traits of a winner...and you're definitely a winner in our eyes. You inspire us ALL, Amber; thank you for sharing YOU and your trials and your successes.
ReplyDeleteSo inspiring. I love you Amber <3
ReplyDeleteSo inspiring. I love you Amber <3
ReplyDeleteLove you! You are winning each day. You inspire me to win the day too! :)
ReplyDeleteOh Amber! I just love you. So inspiring! I love that thought - win the day! I'm posting it here in my cubicle at work. Love you!
ReplyDeleteLove the way you write and love the way you win.
ReplyDeleteWIN THE DAY!!! You inspire us all. I'm going to listen to the Hilary Weeks song right now!!! I think her music and lyrics are among the best!!! Kenneth Cope is also at the top of my list. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDelete