breastcancer

“When The Excitement Slows Down”

/ Anne Dennish / Leave a comment

changing-your-life-post-1

Life is meant to be exciting, that is, if you want it to be. There will always be challenges that crop up now and again, yet it’s our choice to continue to find the excitement in even the worst of times and the most mundane of days. It’s our choice to embrace the day, no matter the sadness or stress, knowing that it won’t always be that way…just for the day. It’s your choice to weather the storm with grace and dignity, or allow it to overcome you with hopelessness and despair.

My life hasn’t always been the happiest. There have been many moments of fear, sadness, anger and hopelessness. I’ve learned lessons from all that life had to hand me, and because of that, I’m able to sit back in the worst of moments and try to find some excitement, or at best, find some joy and happiness. There’s always something in every day, big or small, to be grateful for. It may be as small that first cup of coffee in the morning that starts your day, to something big like an awe-inspiring sunset or that feeling of knowing you are loved.

So often life gets the best of us. It gets busy and throws a wrench in a life that was going along smoothly. It hands us a challenge we’re too tired to handle or ill-prepared to overcome; it hands us a life changing moment that we weren’t prepared for; it hands us an end to something that we thought was a beginning.

It’s at those times of uncertainty that we tend to lose our excitement.

And it’s at those times that we have to pay attention to what matters most…love and all the excitement it’s meant to bring, if we would just allow it.

I don’t like when life gets boring, but I love when it’s peaceful. I don’t like when life hands me a challenge, but I love learning the lesson and overcoming it. I don’t like when relationships get stagnant, but I love finding something new in something old. I don’t like feeling invisible, but I love finding my light.

Excitement can be exhausting when you’re already exhausted, yet it’s one of the most exhilarating feelings in the world. Excitement for love and your life can bring you happiness and joy, peace and contentment, and most importantly, a new perspective on it all. Excitement for even the smallest and biggest of things can alleviate the exhaustion and enhance the gratitude of the blessings in them all.

I don’t like when the excitement slows down and all the challenges speed up. It’s at that moment that I need to find my balance, and I’m one to always try and tip the scales to the excitement side, that side that holds the love, the joy, the happiness for life. The challenges will come and go, and if you’re not paying attention, so will the people you love. You have to make the choice of what’s more important, and for me, love wins out every time.

Love is what helps me to overcome the challenges; love is what gets me through the bad times; love is what gives me strength to do it all. Love is my excitement for the people I love and for the life that I live each day with them.

Don’t lose sight of what and who you love; don’t lose sight of the excitement they bring to you; and don’t ever take any of it for granted, because one day you could wake up and find it gone.

And when the excitement  seems to be slowing down, and the boring seems to be speeding up, then you know it’s time for a change. Switch it up and see what happens, and if you find that nothing you do works, perhaps your “excitement” is meant to be found elsewhere.

Life is always changing, and if you want something in your life to change, you need to remember that the change begins with you.

Wishing you love and light,

~Anne Dennish~

 

“What Now?”

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“Journey is over, the battle is won.A new chapter starting, a new day begun,

So what do I do now? Where do I start?

Do I take the road known or the one less travelled

Follow my heart.

 

Life is always changing,it’s time to turn the page,

Now the story continues

And 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?

 

What now with new beginnings

What now with the old life behind

What now that I’m starting over

With no clue, no reason, no rhyme.

 

Time to change my thinking

It’s time to lose the fear

The Universe is watching

That’s what brought me here

It’s all an adventure, my life is a song,

I know where I’ve been, not where I’m going

But I’m dancing along.”

I remember the day I wrote the story, which became these lyrics, in my book called “Waking Up.” It was my very last day of treatment for breast cancer, and as I said my good-bye’s to the nurses and staff, I felt a multitude of emotions.

I got in my car and started the long drive home. I felt happy, excited, relieved and a bit scared. All I kept thinking is “now what?” Now what do I do with my life? I had been on a breast cancer journey for over a year and a half, and suddenly it was over. The Cancer Institute had bid me farewell and sent me on my way. What now?

I thought “I know what the last year and a half with cancer was like, but what would it be like without it? Where do I begin to start over without it?”

And so I wrote the entry “What Now” in my breast cancer journal and a year later wrote these song lyrics.

But you know, this song isn’t just for my breast cancer journey; it’s a song for anyone starting over with a new beginning. It’s for anyone who is starting a new life. It’s for someone who has to learn to say “good-bye” to their past in order for the doors to the future to open.

It’s a song for you and a song for me…doors-to-past

It’s scary when something ends and is over, yet you need to find the excitement in the possibility of something even better coming into your life. I can promise you it always does when it’s meant to. Have faith in the Universe and have faith in yourself!

Embrace your day, embrace your new beginning, embrace this life that you are in control of.

The choice is yours…

And I know you’ve got this!

Wishing you love and light,

~Anne Dennish~

Lyrics by Anne Dennish – Music and Vocals by Sutton Thomas Music copyright 2016

Happy Anniversary “Waking Up”

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Today I celebrate the one year anniversary publication date of my book, “Waking Up: Lessons Learned Through My Adventures With Life and Breast Cancer.”

I began writing it during my journey with breast cancer. It began as a book of my quotes, which eventually turned into short stories, the topics of which are many: love, family, children, addiction, sexuality, relationships and more. Each story was based on my own personal experience or that of someone close to me, and yes, they’re all true stories.

As I began to put the book together to send to the publisher, I had a last minute thought, which would prove to be the most helpful to some people: I included my breast cancer journal. It was an up-close, personal and very intimate look into my journey with breast cancer.

It took over two years to write “Waking Up,” and when writer’s block was slowing me my malibudown as I neared the end to finish it, a friend offered me the use of her Malibu beach house. I took advantage of the offer and went out there in October of 2015, spending a week writing the last few stories of the book. I had no distractions while there, unless you count my view of the ocean, which was sitting at the bottom of the steps of the house. It was a dream come true to be on the water, watching the waves, listening to the sounds, and being able to walk the beach under a beautiful sunlit sky everyday. I miss that house so much, yet the memories of that time there remain. The last story I wrote for my book was written on the deck of that house and it’s called “Voice of the Ocean.” I finished my book, packed my bags, wrote my name in the sand of that Malibu beach and flew home.anne dennish

The cancer journey ended, but the book hadn’t. It took another year to complete it, and while I was frustrated over the time it was taking, I knew that there was a reason why. I’d find out that reason in February of 2015 when I met the love of my life. He has been my inspiration and my muse ever since, and many of the stories are born out of our love for one another and all that I’ve learned since I met him. You can see why I believe so strongly that “everything happens as it should, when it should, and how it should.”

“Waking Up” was published one year ago today, and of all the things I’ve written over the years, this was truly my most valued piece. What started as a book of quotes turned into something different, yet my intention was always the same: to make a difference in someone’s life. And judging by responses I’ve received during the last year, I’d say that I did.

Thank you to all of you who have supported “Waking Up” throughout the last year! It means the world to me and I couldn’t have done it without you!

Reach for the stars, catch your dreams, and live your life to the fullest!

Dreams really do come true…and that I can promise you!

Wishing you love and light,

~Anne Dennish~

Copies of “Waking Up: Lessons Learned Through My Adventures With Life and Breast Cancer” can be purchased online at BarnesandNoble.com, Amazon.com and in most Barnes & Noble stores.

“Make Each Day Count”

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gratitude

Each day you wake up in the morning is a gift that should never be taken for granted. Live your life to the fullest and always remember to “make each day count!”

Wishing you love and light,

~Anne Dennish~

Photo by Anne Dennish @2017

“When Life Happens”

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Life has a way of sneaking up on us with no warning, and we’re left standing there wondering where it all came from. Well, I’ve had that kind of week. I was the lucky recipient of “life” and all its’ glory! And it’s once again taught me a lesson or two and strengthened my belief on how precious a life really is; how precarious and uncertain life can be; and how the drama caused by toxic people holds no place in this beautiful life I’m blessed to have.

It’s made me want to hold my loved ones’ a bit closer and much tighter; it’s made me see that changes need to be made for my Highest Good; and it’s made me realize that not only each day, but each minute, each second, each moment are a gift to be cherished and be grateful for.

I’ve been doing a lot of thinking this past week, contemplating what is and what isn’t, wondering what the next move is and making decisions to change things a bit. It’s a process, I’ll admit, yet with faith and prayer, it’s all coming together; my mind is clear and I’m able to hear the answers to my questions; and I’m understanding that all that happens is a gift from another lesson learned.

Hold your loved ones a bit tighter and take a good look at all that you’re blessed with in your life. Breathe in all the love that surrounds you and be grateful for it all.

“Life isn’t meant to be taken for granted; it’s meant to be taken with gratitude.”

Wishing you love and light,

~Anne Dennish~

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Photo by Anne Dennish @2017

“Keep Dancing Along”

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I believe that you should make your life an exciting adventure, no matter what it hands you. The past is the past, and the future can be as bright as you want it to be. It’s true that there are “endings” in your life, yet they are always followed by “beautiful new beginnings.”

You may not know what the day or future holds, but you always hold the knowledge of where you’ve been and the lessons that it taught you. Embrace each new day with excitement, let go of the past, and “dance along” through your life.

After all, there is no dancing in the dark; there’s only dancing in the light.

Wishing you love and light,

~Anne Dennish~

whatPhoto by Anne Dennish 2017

“Relationships Are Like The Ocean”

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the sea

Every relationship we’re in is like the ocean; some days rough, some days angry, some days gentle and smooth. It doesn’t matter whether it’s a friendship, marriage, life partner or even a job. What matters is that we have to understand that these relationships are similar to the waves in the ocean, and we must choose to weather the storm or jump ship.

My love always says that every wave carries a story, and I believe every relationship does as well. We are ALL a story that’s always changing, just like the ocean. Yet as humans, when the seas get rough we’re ready to get out of the water and back onto the safety of the shore. And why is this? Why do we feel the need to leave a relationship when it gets rough?

Yes, there are some relationships that aren’t meant to last, and when we learn the lesson from it it’s best to wish it love and light and then drop it. And no, that doesn’t mean we jumped ship, it means we’ve moved onto another part of the ocean.

Then there are the relationships worth weathering the storm; the ones’ with a sharedstorm history or a love like we’ve never known before. These are the ones that you have to grab a life preserver and hang on until the sea get’s calm. With each “angry” wave there’s a lesson and a story, and when we understand it and learn from it, the “gentle” waves begin, and the relationship strengthens.

And that’s why I believe that our relationships in life are like the ocean: always changing, always different, yet always constantly in motion.

Yes, I’m a true Jersey girl, and the ocean has always been my place of peace and serenity. Every wave I sit and watch carries a story and message I need to hear, and I can tell you it has never disappointed me yet.

Close your eyes and listen to the voice of the sea; hear the stories and messages it needs to tell you. And when you open your eyes, the world will look and feel different, because YOU do.

Life isn’t meant to be “smooth sailing” all the time; it’s those rough seas that allow us to see who we truly are and just how strong we are, and when you can do that, you’ll know which relationships are worth “weathering the storm.”

Wishing you love and light,

~Anne Dennish~

“Don’t Die Before You Try”

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It hurts me to hear people talk negatively about their lives and about just “giving up.” It’s as if the situation that life has handed them just isn’t worth the fight, the struggle, or the time to learn the lesson.

Sadly, I’ve heard a lot of this lately and it makes me a bit angry as well. We all have things to go through, and what makes one person’s journey any less than someone else’s? As my uncle used to say: I never say “why me,” I always say “why not me?” And I guess that’s where my way of thinking comes in.

I’ve gone through many, many difficult situations in my life, as well as breast cancer, and truth be told, I never thought “why me.” I knew that it was a situation life chose to hand me to learn from, and with those lessons I decided to share them with others.

In my author bio on my book, “Waking Up,” I say: “I don’t mind what life hands me as long as I learn something from it and can help to make a difference to someone else.” And that’s how I live each day of my life.

It’s not always easy to stay positive, yet it’s a gift of “choice” we’re given to choose to be don't die before you trythat way.

It frustrates me to see people who give up so easily, whether it’s a life situation or cancer… it’s as if they’ve “died before they tried.”

Live each day of your life to the fullest, no matter what difficult situation life hands you. Embrace your challenges with grace and dignity…have faith and believe that you are stronger than the difficulties of the challenges you face.

And when you feel as if you can’t find the strength, let the strength find you. Trust me… it always does!

Wishing you love and light,

~Anne Dennish~

“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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“Finding Your Balance”

/ Anne Dennish / 3 Comments

Life is about balance, and the truth is, balance can sometimes be hard to find, yet it’s not impossible. You can find your balance in life if you pay attention to the signs that you’re NOT in balance.

I, too, find myself wondering why I’m feeling exhausted and unable to get anything on my “to do” list done; I wonder why things aren’t going as I had hoped or why my goals are taking too long to achieve.

I wonder why I’m feeling as though I’m in a fog, or why my mind keeps racing to places it shouldn’t go. And I wonder why all of this is happening…that is, until I stop, sit in silence outside, and meditate. I still my mind, hard as that may be sometimes, and take deep breaths.

And then I realize why I’m wondering and feeling all these “not so good” feelings: I’m out of balance.

I’m not getting enough sleep, I’m trying to do everything for everyone but myself, and I’m forgetting to love myself the way I love everyone else. Those are just a few reasons we find ourselves out of balance.

One of my favorite quotes from “Eat, Pray, Love” is this: “Balance, my darling, is not letting anybody love you less than you love yourself.” And that’s how we fall out of balance: we’re loving ourselves less.

So, what next? Get back on track, say “no” to situations or people that do not serve your Highest Good, make time for yourself, and most importantly: LOVE YOURSELF! Take a few moments each day and focus on yourself; envision a white light of love and joy surrounding you; and remember that just as you are kind and loving to others, you need to be that way with yourself.

You’ll find your balance when you find yourself.

Wishing you love and light,

~Anne Dennish~

balance eat pray love