If this is your first day to join the LOVE party let me welcome you. Over here on Yankee Doodle Paddy everyday is all about the love! But in February while the world is in high gear selling flowers, cards and chocolates I thought I would be nice to delve a bit deeper into the subject. I am inviting folks to share my little corner of the internet to give their perspective of love and what it means. The response has been astounding. Not just from the authors who are baring their souls, but from the readers giving supportive comment, likes and shares.  So from the bottom of my heart, THANK YOU!

Speaking of thankfulness I am delighted to have today’s author, Mikaela from the U.K, as a guest blogger. She is a most amazing woman I met through Snapchat (her username is @mikaelaetodd) . I’ve so enjoyed getting to know her especially during the month of November when she participated in the #30daysofgratitude challenge. Yet it was only recently when she joined in on #tellthetruththursday did I get to learn more about her story. And without further ado, let your heart be touched….

Love therapy

I was 46 when I was diagnosed two years ago with terminal cancer. My primary tumour is in my left lung and I’m what they call a “never-smoker” (didn’t even know that term existed until it became part of what defines me now). I was given an estimate of between one and two years to live, as an idea. But, errrr, I’m still here and doing well so far! Now how can this morbid subject be an article about love? Well I truly believe that part of what’s kept me going is just that. LOVE.

You see, I have cancer, but I am NOT cancer. It doesn’t define me or own me, and frankly, it has to put up with as much fun, laughter and happiness as I can cram into my life! I am very fortunate in that I am surrounded by a constant magical wave of love. From my total best friends (my mum and my hubby), from my family and from friends near and far, new and old. Every single day contains love and I very gladly allow that love to wash over me, lift my heart and raise my spirits.

I started my cancer journey with love already in my life. But as it’s gone on and I’ve ventured forth along this tricky path, that love has deepened and widened. And every day’s dose of love therapy has helped my fight.

There seems to be growing evidence that a positive attitude can affect and improve a cancer patient’s prognosis, as well as their day-to-day stresses and worries. Where do they find that attitude? For me, it starts with love. Not just romantic love, or even from physical friendships. But my own love for the sun shining in a morning or for the joy of watching waves lap against a gorgeous beach and glancing down at the familiar hand in mine. My delight in breathing in each new day’s air. Every time I see my oncologist, her greeting isn’t a handshake, it’s a hug. All of this matters greatly, colours my moods and gets woven into the fabric of my days.

Last June, 17 months after diagnosis, I married the man I’ve lived with and loved for years. We met 31 years ago, so it wasn’t exactly a rush job!  But it was just wonderful to gather so many friends and family in one room, to celebrate our happiness and not to dwell on sadness.  Not a formal, fancy day, but a blissfully happy, fun day. One that we’ll always remember as the happiest of our lives. And one that so many of the guests enjoyed just as much as we did! We both loved that we were able to give them that.

Now, the truth is that I take medicine every day; I have regular scans, blood tests and injections. Some of it’s scary. A lot of it’s daunting. I’m never without the constant reminders. But I’m also never without this hugely important love that buoys me up on tough days, supports me on tired days and makes my soul soar on happy days. I’m proof that it works. And so I’m a firm advocate for LOVE THERAPY.

Well my friends, I hope you have started to feel some movements in your heart through this Guest Blogger series by now.  With me sharing love on here daily and after nine of the most poignant guest posts, we are only just getting warmed up around here!  Stay tuned as the daily beautiful bombardment continues. Because the world could always do with some more LOVE don’t you agree?

Thank you Mikaela for being a wonderful friend. It is truly an honor to know you and I pray to meet you one day in person. Until then, LOVE, being the universal language that it is, keeps our conversations going. You are such an inspiration to me and I adore you and your love story!  I believe that it really is therapy for the heart and soul!

Therapeutic LOVE,

YDP

P.S. If you’d like to contribute to this conversation and share your love story, please get in touch. You can leave a comment or email me at: [email protected]