Five Minutes or Less to a New Beginning

Recently, rather than choosing what I would teach the cancer patients in my workshop, I started by asking them what they needed. Surprisingly, a common theme emerged. Whether battling cancer, moving into recovery or facing death; and living with the physical, financial, and emotional challenges of their situations; what they wanted most was to feel hopeful and happy again. They wanted to bring happiness into the chaotic world fate handed them.

I marveled at their hunger for this universal, most basic human need. They weren't asking for false hope, or miraculous cures. They wanted to accept the terms life harshly dished out, and to move beyond the negative. They wanted a new beginning.

I was brought low by their hope and courage. And inspired to dig deeper into the details of what would bring happiness to each of them.

"Imagine you're watching the movie of your life - a made-for-you movie featuring all of your happiest moments," I prompted them. "Highlighting the memories you treasure most. Showcasing the things you're proudest of. A history of the things that make you smile, laugh, and feel good. Your brightest moments of gratitude and appreciation. As you keep breathing, becoming part of the scenery, connecting the cast of characters, notice the highlights - the scenes that are best of the best."

"Which scenes brought you the most happiness and joy?" I asked.

I saw each of their faces light up as they shared. "Watching my grandchildren play together." "Nurturing the flowers in my garden." "Gathering the courage to travel by myself." "Laughing till my sides hurt with my sister." "Learning to speak French." "Eating chocolate." and "Playing with my dog."

"How much time do you spend doing those things?"

"I'd forgotten how much I love playing with my dog. But I don't do it anymore," was one's response. "I just don't have time to garden anymore," sighed another.

"Picture yourself making time for these things," I challenged them. "How do you feel?"

"Happy," said one. "Peaceful," chimed in another. "It feels good," someone else said enthusiastically.

When the group ended I was amazed at the difference in the participants' attitude. They had come in unable to imagine a life of happiness. They left connected willing to make it a priority.

Making a commitment to include simple pleasures in their day-to-day lives renewed their hope and happiness.

Many of us have lost our awareness of the little, simple pleasures in life that make us happy. Our feelings of enjoying our lives have vanished. We want a new beginning.

This group of people facing so much reminded me that everyday is a new beginning. Is it time for a new beginning for you?

I challenge you to take five minutes to do this simple movie visualization. To notice what truly makes YOU happy. Then choose to embrace what makes you smile, brings you joy, and fills you with gratitude every single day. These are the guideposts for the new beginning your heart is seeking.

Visit www.WhatsNextForMyLife.com for more tips, information, and videos on how to live based on what matters most to you.

Hear Paula's Hope for the Journey Radio interview with Yvonne Ortega on 1/26/11 here.

Visit the What's Next For My Life? Blog and share your thoughts.

If you don't know what to say to someone who has cancer, give them the What's Next For My Life? Companion Journal for Cancer Patients.

It says everything that needs to be said.