Accept And Adapt

[Sleeping Dragon]

I'm re-learning what gave me relief so many years ago in Quang Nam Provence, South Vietnam. In order to keep my sanity, and make it through miserable day after miserable day I had to accept my situation and adapt. Yes I could be killed at any moment. Yes I was wet, tired and scared shitless.......................

Could I change any of that? NO

So, what's the answer??? ACCEPT AND ADAPT

I just finished a five month battle with cancer and cellulitus. Each day I struggled with the pain, anxiety and depression, and did it one moment at I time. I wouldn't allow myself to look back or froward because it took all I had to deal with the now.

I came away both stronger and wiser because I'm all about the now. There's nothing else for me to work on. Stay in the now my Brothers and Sisters. That's the only place you have a chance at relief and happiness.

SD

 

[Sarg]

Yeah, SD. Same last year to about six months ago. Pretty hairy lung cancer. Yaaaaaaa! Cured. And as I was celebrated super human, was told last week I have a tumor on my neck.

Are there any rest stops on this highway?

Sarg

 

[Maveric]

That is sound advice. I can't seem to stay in the moment for too long, it seems that I get dragged back. Anyone else get this feeling?

I would like to truly say: Congrats and good luck with your treatments!

 

[Deleted member 43454]

Thanks for the knowledge as always much appreciated.
Some super brain power going on there. Helps us who are
just starting out down this highway for sure. I was wondering
where the Nam' vets were at, glad to hear you both beat cancer.

Shitty about the tumor Sarg, hopefully they can just cut it off.

 

[CyclePath]

Clearly some sage advice, Sleeping Dragon. In fact I have been reading a lot of the great thinkers lately, in particular Epictetus. Some of his advice is, “There is only one way to happiness and that is to cease worrying about things which are beyond the power or our will.” & “Caretake this moment. Immerse yourself in its particulars. Respond to this person, this challenge, this deed. Quit evasions. Stop giving yourself needless trouble. It is time to really live; to fully inhabit the situation you happen to be in now.” Just my opinion, but I think that we might all gain a lot of goodness from reading/studying Epictetus. Congrats with beating the cancer.

Sarg - That sucks Brother. Hopefully you can take charge and make some good decisions. I had a scare with cancer myself for the last two weeks. I had an upper GI endoscopy and the Doc's found a bunch of mucous nodules in my lower esophagus, stomach, and into my intestinal tract. Biopsied all of them and I have been playing the waiting game. Just found out a few minutes ago that all were clear and that they are all related to GERD and my hiatal hernia. Its time for me to put some hard thought into my diet and get the acid reflux under control or I'm in for some trouble in the future....

 

[Grizzly]

It is great advice SD. Sorry Sarg, I hope that it's an easy fix.

What you said @CyclePath is it. It's difficult to practice, but on those days when your shot group is tight...well that's a good day.

You can't change the past. You can only influence the future. But you have total control now! I constantly tell myself that. I often have trouble, as I'm trying to outwit myself on my next step. But hey...Just like range day it all good practice.

 

[CyclePath]

Grizzly - I am by no means capable of practicing true stoicism. If I were...

 

[BaMuoiBa]

Yeah SD, the shit does not stop flowing. Just got back from the hospital this afternoon having a *ream and clean* on my esophagus - again! Had 3 years clean of annual checkups up until March. Doc says I'm back on the 6 month merry-go round until further notice.

You ol' f*cking jarheads pounded that *Improvise Adapt and Overcome* into this ol swab-jockeys gray matter over 50 years ago. Over the years it has got me through a whole bunch of tough spots including this unforgiving Agent Orange curse. Us old Nam-Shits know a thing or two about acceptance and it was a tough lesson. The beast and I awaken every morning and await the next cancer to rear it ugly head. Will it be the Prostate, or maybe the skin cancer will be next? Just about the time you think you find a place in the shade the AO cuts down the tree.

I get weary of it but in the end as I don't have the stamina anymore to fight it. Over the years I have spent a lot of time making each lemon thrown in my direction into lemonade. I'm getting not to like lemonade but it's the only thing on the menu - Semper Fi!

Ba

 

[Sleeping Dragon]

Ain't no rest stops my Brothers and Sisters. There's only the road we travel. Don't focus on the ruts and bumps. Keep your eye on the blue sky and sunsets.

Weary is a blessing to me. It forces me to admit that fighting the Dragon is a waste of time.

SD