This week’s kick arse question is inspired by a project undertaken by Lance at the Jungle of Life and Joanna at Fitness and Spice (I recently posted about it) called Blog-4-Cause. These 
two amazing bloggers set about compiling an ebook by calling for bloggers to submit their favourite articles to contribute.
Their goal was to support research into breast cancer by donating 100% of the ebook’s proceeds to the Susan G. Komen Foundation.
Well, word spread and they were inundated with over 150 articles from bloggers all over the world. The topics ranged from funny anecdotes to inspiring stories to favourite recipes and much more.
It’s been a crazy month for Lance and Joanna but the finished product is now available. To get your hands on a kick arse ebook and to support finding a cure for breast cancer at the same time, head to Blog-4-Cause. Just to sweeten the deal, you’ll also receive a bonus ebook by author, Tim Brownson called, “Don’t Ask Stupid Questions?”
Let me just say, the ebooks rock!
Now on to this week’s question;
What is the biggest crisis you’ve experienced and what helped you survive it?
It’s probably no surprise to those of you who’ve been part of this community for a while, that the biggest crisis I’ve experienced is the D word. It’s not in the same league as breast cancer but still, it was about as much fun as eating a cactus.
My family, and a few select friends who might as well be family, were my saving grace. I consider their unconditional love, complete support and free tissues as THE biggest reason I came out the other end relatively unscathed. In a very dark time for me, they stepped up in ways I could never have imagined.
On top of that, the following also helped me survive;
- The stress relief of meditation.
- The other stress relief of exercise.
- Dad saying, “The only revenge is to live well.”
- Getting to the anger phase (this helped lift me out of the doldrums and back into the world).
- Vegemite toast.
- Daily entries in a gratitude journal (my sister gave me the journal).
- Starting a new life in Canada.
- Crying…a lot (Kleenex made a fortune!).
- Sleep (responsible use of sleeping tablets helped massively with this).
How about you? What’s been your biggest crisis and how did you survive it?
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I was visited by cancer in 2001 and I would have to say that was my biggest crisis. Thankfully, I am out the other side now, feeling just wonderful, and grateful that I was able to beat the little blighter!!
Family and friends were my saving grace. The knowledge that I was truly loved gave me the strength to give living its best shot. My family gave me full permission to make my chemotherapy time (and beyond) a ‘time for me’. I dedicated that period to ensuring that I was stress free through meditation, to living a gentle lifestyle and to doing mild exercise on a daily basis. I ate well, ensuring that I was saturated with anti-oxidents, as I have the belief that our immune system plays a very real part in combating these nasty little devils.
Each chemo week my blessed children presented me with little momentos of themselves! I cannot tell you how precious this was for me as it was a token of their love and support. My husband and sister spent countless hours doing research on appropriate food types for me and my friends kept in close contact throughout. So, you see, I was constantly reminded of the love of my family and friends.
I am not saying I would like to revisit that time again but I will say I was reminded again and again that I was valued and that is a lovely lesson to learn.
Hi Sami,
That’s awesome that you’re shouting out Lance & Joanna’s ebook. It’s really quite good; I got my grubby hands on that one as soon as I could.
Well, about your question…that’s a tough one. I think about all the natural disasters I’ve either witnessed or been a part of (hurricanes, World Series earthquake of ’89, tornadoes, hail storms, etc.) and it seems to me that they bring communities together more so than tearing them apart. I find that to be remarkable and, actually, quite beautiful once the families recover from their losses and any tragedy they’ve suffered.
I think any crisis I’ve experienced has seemed surmountable when I consider situations such as the atrocities of the Nazi death camps or or wars which have been imposed on innocent people.
Any crisis I’ve experienced pales in comparison, so I try to thank my lucky stars that what I have to deal with won’t kill me (most likely) and I’m surrounded by friends and family who love me, which makes all the difference.
And, it really helps getting inspiration from your blog, too, Sami. Truly, it does. You are an angel.
~xo
P.S. Great question!
You forgot to mention one other element that helped you survive….you are naturally one mighty strong chickie Sami.
@Mum
Hey Mum. Your comment brought a tear to my eye. I know where I get my strength from!
@Lori
So true Lori. There is always someone in the world experiencing something worse than whatever crisis you’re going through. And as they say, “that which doesn’t kill you, only makes you stronger”!
Thanks Chicka – very much appreciate it.
@Kiley
Aww, thanks Kiles. Still couldn’t have done it without you guys! xxx
For me it would have been when my family decided to turn their back on me when I made it clear I wanted to be with my now husband.
Unfortunately the age difference was too big an issue for my Mum who couldn’t deal with it and “disowned” me. There is a ton of hurt, pain and anger that has been felt and dealt with over the last 11 years, but now I have realised that this is one situation that I don’t have control over.
I have attempted reconciliation without success and now acknowledge that it might just be the way it is. Ironically my husband and I have been together 11 years and married for almost 8 of them. We have a gorgeous 10 year old (my parents only grandchild) who is compassionate and intelligent.
My husband has been ever so supportive despite the personal shun and my aunty and uncle have been wonderful and caring throughout the years. Many tears have been shed, many sleepless nights too, but deep down my gut tells me I did the right thing.
I can’t wait to go and have a look at the e-book, thanks for letting us know it is ready!
Best wishes, K
Sami,
You know…I find this to be a really difficult question to answer. My life feels like it’s been mostly crisis-free. One that comes to mind is losing my daughter in a huge state forest. For about an hour, it was the scariest time of my life – looking around at all the trails and how they just went off in all directions. Luckily it only lasted a little while. During that time, we had friends with us who not only helped to look for her, but were also a source of comfort during very trying moments. The key I guess, really was having other people for us to have with us during this time – which made a world of difference.
And, Sami, thanks so much for all your support of the Blog-4-Cause e-book. You are a sweetheart and a super awesome friend!!
@Kirsty
Kirsty, the way you’ve handled this situation shows courage, grace and strength. It takes a whole lot of wisdom to 1. Understand that some situations are outside our control and 2. To let those situations go. Sometimes it is necessary to go outside your immediate family to find support and acceptance, which is exactly what you did. Well done girl, I’m in admiration. Thanks for sharing your story.
@Lance
At the kite festival we went to that I recently mentioned in a post, a mother had lost her little boy and was in a real state of panic. Organisers and volunteers mounted a search and finally someone from the public brought him to an information tent and he was reunited with his Mum. We saw it all unfold and were very much relieved there was a happy ending. I can’t even imagine how you (or the Mum in my example) must have felt when you realised your daughter was missing. It’s the stuff of nightmares.
I’m seeing a theme with how people survive a crisis – the support of people around us. Definitely the case in your story too.
Re the ebook, you’re very welcome. Always happy to support a great cause!