Adventures With Life and Breast Cancer

Finding Your “Inspiration”

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How do you get “inspired?”

Most people think “inspiration” is just for creative people, such as writers, musicians, or artists. Yet we all wake up in the morning knowing what we have to do that day, whether it’s going to work, taking care of your children, or getting your “to do” list accomplished.

And all those things take some “inspiration.” You need to get yourself in the mindset of doing what needs to be done, and while most people don’t see that as “inspiration,” I do. Some of you may be thinking “how do you get inspired to go to work, or get motivated to do all the things on your to do list?” You may be thinking “where’s the inspiration there?”

Well, I’m here to tell you it IS there…it’s all in your perspective. As a writer I need to be “inspired” to write and create, yet I also need that same inspiration to help me get my other responsibilities done.

“Inspiration” is calming and peaceful, and it’s also exciting; it’s our soul taking a passion and turning it into a reality; it’s our mind making something mundane seem rewarding; and it’s our heart learning to love all that we do.

As I sat under my “magic tree” this morning having my coffee, I was inspired to write this post; I was inspired to organize my day into one of getting things done; and I was inspired to let go of the things that no longer serve me, and focus on the things that do!

My wish for you is to find “inspiration” in every thing you do; to change your perspective on the mundane into one of accomplishment; and to love yourself enough to find your “inspiration.”

Wishing you love and light,

~Anne Dennish~

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“Making A Miracle For Matthew”

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It’s been awhile since I’ve written in my column,”Need for Speed” for Wall Stadium, yet life get’s busy and we find ourselves moving along in different directions. That holds true for bn1me. I’ve been promoting my new book, “Waking Up: Lessons Learned Through My Adventures With Life and Breast Cancer.” It’s filled with motivational stories of love and hope, stories of relationships and life changes, as well as my personal breast cancer journal.

But I didn’t stop at just publishing a book; it has turned into so much more than that, and my true desire of helping others has presented me with an incredible opportunity to do just that.

It wasn’t my intention to write song lyrics, yet it happened, along with meeting and joining eric brennnnnnnncreative forces with an extremely talented musician, Sutton Thomas. So on July 1st, our “Waking Up” CD of songs that I wrote the lyrics for, and he wrote and recorded the music for, will be launched and available to the public. But the journey doesn’t stop here…

Together, Sutton and I have become “The Collaboration of Hope Tour: A Journey of Music, Motivation and Miracles.” We share the same belief:

“that it’s time to make a difference, and we can make a difference together.”

And now is the time…

One of our Wall Stadium Family members needs our help, and they need it now. Eric ericBrennan, the announcer at the track, has reached out through friends and social media that his 2 year old nephew, Matthew, has been diagnosed with a rare liver cancer. This sweet baby has started a long road of chemotherapy and radiation, which I know from personal experience, can be difficult.

Eric and his family need our prayers and our support, and Sutton Thomas and I have stepped in to help.

On July 28th, Bar Anticipation in Lake Como,NJ, has allowed Sutton and I to perform from 5-9 pm, and along with our own performance, they have graciously allowed us the chance to have a fundraiser for Matthew. Tickets will be $20, and includes dinner and drink specials as well. I will be posting the specifics as we know more of them on my page, as well as in my column for Wall Stadium.

The Wall Stadium Family was there for me during my journey with breast cancer, and we need to be there for Eric and his family as Matthew begins his journey.

I believe that one person can make a difference, yet I know that all of us together can make a miracle.

“Let’s make a miracle for Matthew.”

Mark your calendars for July 28th from 5-9. Spend an evening with Sutton Thomas and I as we perform a night of music and motivation, and your support will be the “miracle.”

Tickets will be sold in advance on http://www.intervalmediagroup.com, where you can also visit the “Collaboration of Hope” store for my book, our newly released CD, and t-shirts.

You can also support the “Collaboration of Hope” tour by “liking” the following Facebook pages:

http://www.facebook.com/annedennish

http://www.facebook.com/collaborationofhope

Wishing you love and light,

~Anne Dennish~

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“Dear Children”

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If you want to see time pass quickly, become a parent. Nothing speeds up time more than watching your child grow into an adult, and suddenly, you’re left with a profound timeunderstanding of how precious time really is. And if you are a parent, you know exactly what I mean.

In my book, “Waking Up,” I wrote a story called “A Letter To My Children,” and together with Sutton Thomas, we wrote a song called “Dear Children.” Here’s just a small excerpt from the story:

“Life changed from that exact moment that you took your first breath, and with that breath, I held mine. I held my breath out of excitement of a new baby placed in my arms and out of fear as to all the responsibilities that were now a part of my life, from that day forward.

You, my children, were all my dreams come true, yet with each one of you came the nightmare of hoping that you’d always be okay, that you’d never get hurt, that your life would be without any feelings of low self-esteem, or anger, or sadness that I had ever felt. I could teach you how to protect yourselves, but I wouldn’t be able to stop the outside world from coming in.

The love of parent never dies, not with time, not with distance, not with death; the love of a parent grows stronger with each passing day; with each new milestone you reach and each heartache you encounter. Your mistakes and mine becomes lessons for us, and with each mistake, together we become better and stronger for it.

You, my child, are forever and always within and around my heart.”

Time and our children are precious…embrace them both.

Wishing you love and light,

~Anne Dennish~

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“A Broken Heart”

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“A broken heart is proof that it still works.” ~Anne Dennish~

Ah, the broken heart…we’ve all had one at one time or another in our life, and it’s never easy to get through.

But you can get through…if you choose to.

Life is what happens when we’re not paying attention, and what that means is that we’ve recite-1rs96tblost sight of the blessings in our life, and in some way, taken them for granted, always believing that if they’re there in the first place, they’ll never be taken away. And that’s how a broken heart happens: we weren’t paying attention.

Broken hearts are our greatest teachers, yet there’s a few things you have to understand to realize that.

Let’s be honest, broken hearts happen because of “love.” They happen when something suddenly rocks our world, and what we believed to be true suddenly looks very different….but maybe it isn’t different. Maybe it’s the same as it always was; we just didn’t take the time to see it.

We’re all human and we all make mistakes, but if you want to start to heal a broken heart you must throw away the “list of wrongs” and write the “list of rights.” Sure, when you’re heart is broken you feel betrayed, angry, hurt, even confrontational; all valid feelings yet negative emotions only bring negative reactions. So, when the the dust settles from these emotions, and you can put them aside, the real healing begins.

“Forgiving” is the hardest thing in the world to do; “loving” is the easiest. Yet, by forgiving, we release our anger and negativity; it doesn’t excuse someone’s behavior, but it allows us to move forward with clear eyes and an open heart.

My worst broken heart was my greatest teacher; I could sit here and go on and on that he treated me badly, hurt my feelings, disrespected me, and so on and so forth. And I used to wonder why someone could treat me badly, or break my heart; I didn’t feel like I deserved it. But here’s the truth:

I didn’t deserve it; I allowed it.

Hearts are broken from miscommunication, biting our tongue and not standing in our truth. I learned that the hard way; I should have used my voice, stood in my truth, and set clear boundaries of what I would allow and what I wouldn’t.

I know to do that now.

Time-to-change-myBroken hearts happen for many reasons, yet when you can put the hurt and blame aside, that’s when the reality comes in and the healing can start. When you take your own accountability in the brokenness, you heal, you become stronger, and you learn something about yourself…and with that, you’re given the gift of changing yourself.

I can promise you that your broken heart will mend; and it will mend stronger…but you have to do the work and LET IT!

“Broken hearts are the reality of what we lost sight of.” ~Anne Dennish~

Life as we know it can change with a broken heart, but why not let it change for the better? Look at the positive in a hurtful situation; something wasn’t working, the Universe whacked you with a 2×4 to wake you up, and now you’ve been given a chance to learn and change.

I believe that there’s always something good to be found in the storm; it will take time to see, but it’s there. The choice to see it is up to you. And sometimes, just sometimes, maybe it’s the “storm before the calm.”

Life’s an adventure with ups and downs; how you handle it and move forward is your gift of choice…choose wisely!

Wishing you love and light,

~Anne Dennish~

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“Standing In Your Truth”

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“Standing in your truth…” it’s not for the weak of heart.

I learn more and more ever day that standing in my truth isn’t always the easiest thing to do. Sometimes you gain friends and sometimes you lose them, yet the Universe will always see that things happen as they should.

“Standing in your truth” requires you to be honest with yourself; to know who you are, say what you feel, and accept all that you are. We’re all a “work in progress,” learning lessons through experiences and situations, and it’s all those lessons that teach us to be a better person; to understand why we react as we do; to allow us the vision to see where change may be needed.

Your “voice” is the most powerful tool you’ve been gifted when “standing in your truth.” It’s your voice that holds the words of your truth; that expresses the tone of your feelings; and it’s that voice that can change the world.

Truth isn’t negative or mean, hurtful or vindictive; truth is the loyalty of honesty to yourself and others.

Yes, there are times that your truth can hurt another person, but in the end, the truth is who you are, and their truth reveals who they are as well.

This is how we learn about people and ourselves. This is how we know when it’s time to let someone go. This is how we see the true colors of people and situations…and a concept as simple as “truth” is our gift, our teacher.

We’ve all been hurt by someone at times throughout our life, yet that pain taught us valuable lessons that made us a better and stronger person. I would much rather be hurt with the truth than deceived by a lie.

The Universe has taught me a few tough lessons in the last two days, and while I’m still a bit upset by them, I feel a peace at knowing that this new change is for my Highest Good, and I have to believe that it is for the other person involved. My choice is to learn from it; their choice is to learn or live in anger.

I’ve never seen anything good happen with negative emotions or behaviors. We attract what we put out there.

“Stand in your truth” with strength, kindness and compassion, because anything less will bring nothing more to you.

Wishing you love and light,

~Anne Dennish~

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The Strength of Knowing “Who” You Are

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There’s a story in my book, “Waking Up” entitled “Beautiful Boy.” It’s about my son who chose to tell me on the night of his high school graduation that he was bisexual. I wasn’t upset, I wasn’t shocked, and I wasn’t judgmental…I was proud of him for knowing “who” is at such a young age. I know people that are in their 40’s and 50’s that still don’t know who they are…they only know “what” they are, and there’s a big difference between the two.

Yes, my son is bisexual, and I know many people who are gay, and you know what? I don’t noah graduationsee that as a “what,” like so many others do…I don’t see it as anything more than that’s “who” they are.

What happened in Orlando was a tragedy, and what almost happened in California is a tragedy as well. It breaks my heart that anyone could be that hateful to another human being…and it worries me for my son.

He’s a young man with the kindest soul, the biggest heart, and the intelligence to be concerned and proactive toward saving the environment and animals. Anyone that knows him tells me that they’ve never met such a sweet kid, and I’m blessed to call him my son.

So why a hatred so deep that the only answer is to hurt them? Well, my belief is that it’s someone’s fear of the unknown…the unknown of knowing this community, and perhaps the unknown of not knowing “who” they are. Perhaps the fear is of the strength of these men and women who know “who” they are, that stand proud of it, and that embrace their lives with passion.

My son once told me that being bisexual isn’t a choice; it’s “who” he is. The “choice” wasmothersday when to tell me, and the “choice” was who he would tell. No truer words were ever spoken.

It’s not our job to judge anyone for anything; we either accept people for “who” they are, or we walk away from them. That’s the gift of choice.

Pray for the lives that were lost due to ignorance; pray for the ignorant to become less judgmental and fearful, and remember:

“It’s time to make a difference, and we can make a difference together.”

And that time is now!

Wishing you love and light,

~Anne Dennish~

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“Just Believe”

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It’s been quite a week for my love and I! So many amazing things happening, and as I sit here this morning thinking about it, I’m filled with gratitude at what the Universe has brought into my life… into all our lives! I love those “waking up” moments!
 
And I wondered: “How did I get here?”
 
Then I remembered: “I believed, kept the faith, and let go of trying to control things.” And then amazing things began happening!
 
My life has been one grand adventure after another, whether it be meeting new people, or finding myself being gifted with opportunities I would never have imagined. I believe that everything happens for a reason: “it happens when it should, how it should, and as it should,” and that belief hasn’t let me down yet!
 
Stress, worry and fear are the biggest obstacles in our life, and only you can change that. Once those words are out of your vocabulary, you will be amazed at what the Universe will bring to you! Those words keep the door shut to good things coming into your life, and who wants that?
 
Open the door to the life you deserve with words such as “belief, faith, and love” and you will soon be sitting in gratitude at what comes through it!
Wishing you love and light,
~Anne Dennish~
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“Life Is Always Changing…”

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“Life is always changing, time to turn the page,
The story continues, it’s mine to create.
So what do I do now? Where do I go?
Do I let my mind lead me backwards in time
Or move ahead slow?”

lyrics from “What Now” by Anne Dennish & Sutton Thomas

It’s true, life is always changing, and while change can sometimes be difficult, it’s certainly proof that we’re still breathing! Life is an adventure, and lessons for our Highest Good are everywhere, just waiting for us to see them and learn from them.

We’re always having “waking up” moments; that moment when you suddenly become aware of something you never saw before; never realized before; or never knew before.

Yet again, maybe those “somethings” were there all along; it was YOU that changed! You cleared your mind; you listened to your intuition; or perhaps you learned something new about yourself that allowed you the clear sight to see something in a different light.

It’s called “change.” And while life is always changing, so are we. We’re changing for our Highest Good; changing to live the life we always wanted and so deserve; changing to pursue our dreams.

So why are some so scared of change? It’s because we don’t always know where the change will take us…so we will “let our mind lead us backwards in time.” Yet when you embrace the change of the lessons you learned, it’s time to “move ahead slow.”

During our time here on earth, we move into many different lives. We grow, we mature, and we learn as we go, so why go back in time? Go, if only to remember for a moment while you left it in the first place, but jump back quickly into the present; it’s the present that will help build your future.

Let life change you; embrace the lessons your are gifted; release the past with love and light, because what once served you has done its’ time, and something “new” is waiting for you…it always is.

Wishing you love and light and a grand adventure,

~Anne Dennish~

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“The Truth Seeker”

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“Reasons and Excuses”

There’s a distinct difference between the two, or so I believe.

“Excuses” are what we use when we don’t stand in our own truth. Rather than tell someone how we feel, and why we feel a particular way, we’re “sugar-coating” our truth, and in my opinion, I’d much rather stand in my truth.

Lies and truths may hurt, yet in the end, there’s a respect with the truth, and none with a lie. It’s not always easy to tell someone how you’re feeling, and it’s those times we trip over our words, tell them “our truth” in a roundabout way, or simply withhold it. And you know what I’ve learned? That way of thinking is not for your Highest Good, and will, in time, eat you alive and make you angry at yourself for not saying what you needed to say.dr seuss

“Reasons” are the truth of our feelings, of who we are, what we want, what we need, and what we don’t. They are our way of loving and respecting ourselves enough to know what is in our best interest and what’s not. No one can fault you with your truth, and if they do, you’ve learned a lesson and seen their true colors.

“Excuses” don’t give someone the full picture; “reasons” do. Lies don’t allow someone to make a decision for their Highest Good; truth does. “Insecurity” is born from lies; “trust” is born from truth.

And I would much rather be hurt with the truth than deceived by a lie; some lies will truly alter important decisions you need to make in your life. Yes, the truth can hurt, yet in the end, the truth does set you free; free to be who you are; free to stand in your own truth!

I want to surround myself with those who stand strong in their own truth, not those that hide behind “excuses” and a version of their truth. The”truth seekers” are the ones who are loyal, who have your back, who don’t judge YOUR truth, but embrace it!

Be a “truth seeker” and surround yourself with other “truth seekers;” it’s a circle of trust you build around yourself, and those you love. Don’t fear your truth or anyone else’s truth; embrace it!

Stop making “excuses;” stand in your own truth, and let your strength of “reason” shine through! Those that matter to you won’t mind a bit!

And that I can promise you!

Wishing you love and light,

~Anne Dennish~

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“Help… I Need Somebody!”

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In the midst of barbeques and time spent with friends this past weekend, my love and I were able to find some down time to watch movies from the comfort of our serenity cave. One movie in particular stuck with me: “28 Days” with Sandra Bullock, who plays a writer that had to go to rehab. The theme of the story wasn’t what intrigued me; it was the messages throughout the movie. One in particular stood out to me. Her character, Gwen, had broken the rules, to which her therapist made her wear a sign around her neck that said: “Confront me if I don’t ask for help.” As usual, it got me to thinking and wondering:

How often do WE ask others for help?28days

Most of us, including myself, will answer: not very often. The answer should be: not enough! I realized as I watched this movie that rehab isn’t just for addictions; it’s for changing a life that wasn’t working and learning how to speak your own truth, and be comfortable with it. And isn’t that how life should be for all of us?

I’m willing to help anyone and everyone, as are most of the people in my circle. I feel good helping someone else, no matter what help is needed. Yet when we need help with something, we don’t ask. We don’t want to burden another, or worse yet, we don’t want to believe we need the help. In society today we seem to be so programmed to believe that “we can do it all with no help from anyone!” It’s as if we’re trained to believe that this is what makes us strong and self-sufficient. That’s all well and good, yet when we don’t ask for help we become tired, run-down, emotionally spent, and worse yet, we get sick.

The flip side of this is that while we feel like a wonderful human being by helping someone else who asks for help, we don’t ask them and don’t allow them the rights to the same good feelings we get by helping out. It’s kind of ironic, isn’t it? Then again, maybe it’s selfish on our part. Why do we want to feel good yet not allow someone else the same right? A little “food for thought” here!

I’m guilty of this and it’s something I’m working on changing. I’ve spent a lifetime doing everything myself, rarely asking for help when I knew deep down inside I needed it. I didn’t like appearing weak, or needy. When someone asked me for a favor, I jumped at the chance, whether I had the time or not.It didn’t matter that I was exhausted, or had to change my schedule to help them, I just did it. I’m not saying that’s wrong, but I am saying that it’s okay to say “no” sometimes. We need to take care of ourselves first in order to truly help someone else.

Every day I work on saying “no” if  it’s not for my Highest Good, and am trying hard to ask for help when I need it. I’m willing to allow someone else the chance to feel needed, to help a friend out and know that they made a difference in my day and in my life. My mantra for my book, “Waking Up” is: “It’s time to make a difference, and we can make a difference together.” Well, that is yet another “waking up” moment in my life: to admit that I’m not weak if I need help, that in fact, asking for help shows a sign of strength; that my “making a difference” in life and the world also includes allowing other’s to be part of that journey with me; and more importantly, that I’m a work in progress, learning more about myself every day on this journey of life, and that’s okay.

The Universe throws so many “signs” at us, and we’ll see them if we just pay attention. Watching an old movie brought to light many signs I had been missing, and asking for help was just one of them. Owning “our truth” isn’t always easy, especially if it involves a quality in ourselves that we don’t care for, yet when you own your “truth,” you own your right to change it. It’s your lesson to learn, and your choice on how to handle it.

Today I work on asking for help if I need it, whether it’s simply a much needed phone call with a friend, or a strong arm to hold me at the end of the day. Today I incorporate the “Serenity Prayer” in my lifeand know that I been gifted ” the courage to change the things I can,” and asking for help, finding my balance in this crazy world, and loving myself are all things I can change for my Highest Good.serenity

“Confront me if I don’t ask for help.”

Remember that as you go throughout your day and each day to come; let someone else feel the peace and joy you feel by helping them, because in the end:

“It’s time to make a difference, and we can make a difference together.”

And today I’m remembering that!

Wishing you love and light,

~Anne Dennish~

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