“The greatest victory is that which requires no battle.” ―Sun Tzu, The Art of War
Day 30
It’s day 30 of my squat and blog challenge for Stand Up to Cancer. That’s 30 days of consistently squatting 100 squats a day, 3,000 squats in total. 30 days of writing I don’t know how many words but a lot.
What have I learned from this challenge;
That you can do anything you set your mind to you just have to make yourself accountable
I can make simple body weight exercises a part of my daily routine even when time is limited, it can be broken down into sections.
I can write consistently although it can drain my energy and then I feel tired
Ste says I take too long to write a blog. My excuse is because I like to put my heart and soul into my writing to make it worthwhile for people to read.
I have built up strength in my weak glute from this challenge.
I can now crack a nut with my arse cheeks which will come in handy over Christmas (I made this one up)
If you write with honesty and positivity people will support you.
To all my family and friends taken too soon. To all my friends who have fought their battles and ones still on their journeys. Whether you share it with others or fight in silence. My words are for you and I will continue to share and live in HOPE for us all.
This is just the beginning
This is not the end, we’ve only just begun
There’s so many battles we still have to overcome
To make sure our suffering, fear and pain
And clinical trails are not all in vain
We need to come together with our knowledge and what we have learnt
So that future generations don’t have to feel the same hurt
Different types of regiments together as one
Joining forces showing how powerful we become
Using our pain and our scars
To fight the same war
And eradicate cancer for once and for all
by Rachel Cummings 30/11/23
Just a quick note……
To everyone that has read one of my blogs (or maybe all) over the past 30 days. To those that have left words of encouragement on my Facebook page or shared them. Thank-you. It has honestly kept me going as I felt a sense of obligation that I didn’t want to let you or myself down. Ste has done his 100 sit ups a day. The kids well I can’t honestly say they have!
If you have a spare quid or two and would like to sponsor me for this challenge I would be extremely grateful. My just giving page is here;
‘Make new friends, but keep the old. Those are silver, these are gold. New-made friendships, like new wine, age will mellow and refine. Friendships that have stood the test. Time and change are surely best. Brow may wrinkle, hair grow gray. Friendship never knows decay’ – Joseph Parry
Day 28
I’s day 28 of the 100 squat a day challenge for November. I’ve done my 100 for today.
Say ‘yes’ to more things
Today was a day spent well. I went to the Christmas markets during the day with two of my oldest friends (not in age but in friendship terms!). I contemplated on saying ‘no’ as I was tired the night before and to be honest, I was anxious how busy they would be, how would I manage and then if I was struggling would I have to get the train back on my own.
I went and actually had a great time. The markets were pretty quiet as it was during the week there wasn’t too many crowds. We walked around looked at some different stalls bought a couple of mulled ciders, wines, (hot Vimto for me) and just generally had a good time. I even got the kids some chocolate slabs that were overpriced but I brought them back for the kids not that they’ve noticed them yet so I might just keep quiet for a bit!
I am tired after all the walking about. But today was just what I needed spending time with good friends. Doing things, I wouldn’t have even contemplated this time last year. And to have friends who are willing to do that with me knowing I might struggle and it might cause an issue well they are very precious indeed. I have a few friends that always are checking up on me or checking in. These are worth their weight in gold and sometimes I like to check in on them too because we all have stuff going on in our lives. Sometimes the ones that ‘give’ the most need looking after too. It doesn’t take much to send a text or message or to have a brew or go for a walk but to some and to me that can mean a lot. It can be the difference between feeling lonely and loved.
So, if there’s someone you’ve been meaning to check in on and haven’t, please do it tonight. Make a date for a catch up or a brew. Don’t say ‘no’ or put it off say ‘yes’ it might take a bit of effort especially at this time of year when people are busy. But like all friendships and relationships it takes effort on both sides but it can start with just a simple ‘Hi, how are you doing?’
Lessons learnt on saying Yes
Sometimes you put mental barriers in your own mind to stop doing the things you could have enjoyed
Friendships and relationships take effort put in the work if you want them to work
By saying ‘yes’ I have literally looked at a milestone today and honestly quite emotional at how far I have come over the past year. I have put in the hard work and it is paying off!
‘Some people think that to be strong is to never feel pain. In reality, the strongest people are the ones who feel it, understand it, and accept it.’ – Unknown
‘Pain is inevitable, suffering is optional’ – Buddhist Proverb
Today it’s day 22 of the 100 squat a day challenge for November. This morning on the way to the hospital for an appointment we got a phone call to say that my appointment was cancelled. That miffed me off. I think I get more frustrated as I am aware that people often have to go out of their way to get me to these appointments especially my parents and Ste. My mum was taking me on this occasion so I felt bad for her. She had gone out of her way to take me and probably will do for my next rearranged appointment. The joys of not being able to drive do add a complexity and element of stress into our lives so I need to stay on my best behaviour and hope that I will get my licence back some time in the not-too-distant future.
Where there is pain can there be pleasure?
I’ve got really bad back ache today so I’m missing out on my walking netball as a result which I’m also miffed off about but know that I should just rest for 1 day (well maybe). Unfortunately, when I’m in pain I think I take it out on others especially those closest to me. I don’t mean to but I have very little patience. I have been told I have quite a high pain threshold on a couple of occasions but that doesn’t mean I don’t feel pain. I think I show it in other ways like staying silent or just show it in my face. Someone once told me before I was due to have my first child that pain is only temporary. I think this was one of the best pieces of advice anyone has given me for coping. In moments of agony, I have often used this thought to get me through. I think this can also apply for emotional as well as physical pain.
We can’t always see the pain someone is suffering on the inside. I really feel for those suffering from the pain of depression or mental illness or chronic illnesses, dealing with it on a daily basis must be extremely difficult. I am lucky that I’m pretty much pain free most days. I think I would be even more moody than Ste thinks I am already if I was!!
So, from today where is my pleasure?
I got my 100 squats done early (albeit through gritted teeth and holding my back)
My mum took me to town and I bought some pain killers and some bubble bath so that should help
I got to spend time with my mum and bought her a coffee which was better than going to the hospital.
I messaged my instructor and he has given me some exercises to do which I will do later on
I’ve had chance to write this blog
Oh, and a brucei bonus I’m sat at home with the house to myself so that’s definitely something to be grateful for and smile about!!
Hope you all have a pain free day. If not hopefully tomorrow.
You’ve done it before and you can do it now. See the positive possibilities. Redirect the substantial energy for your frustration and turn it into positive, effective, unstoppable determination.’ -Ralph Marston
I don’t think I could have found a more suitable quote for me. Sometimes when life seems to give us more than our fair share of sh1t. We need to use that energy and frustration and turn it into something positive.
Day 10 50 squats done if I do the other that will be 1,000 squats. Had to get the massage gun out today though to alleviate some muscle I didn’t know I had!!
Here’s a poem to my younger self;
A message to my self
If I could take a step back in time.
Talk to the young girl whom would live the woman’s decline
I’d tell her there are treasures more precious than gold
And she is so privileged she already holds
She is amongst Queens when it comes to her health
For amongst the sick and the poor she has the wealth
But for some reason she doesn’t see the beauty inside
See wants to fit in and no longer hide
She’s going away, doesn’t want to go red
So stupidly she goes on the sunbed instead
Blissfully unaware of the damage she’s caused
And the future body she’s already scarred
For her moment of vain
In years to come, she would feel the pain
Years will go by and in a twist of fate
A holiday in the white isles she finds her mate
Then along come the children a girl and a boy
To fill her heart with so much joy
A few years go by not without a few highs and lows
But from these times she learns and each time she grows
Then the day does come which most people fear
She holds it together but not without a tear
Deep down she knows this isn’t the end
For positivity and determination happen to be close friends
The treatment will feel like she can’t carry on
But despite the pain she does until it is gone
The mistakes that she’s made she puts on show
By writing about the tales of her woes
But unfortunately, this wasn’t the happy ending she sought
A few years from now there’s another battle to be fought
This time it’s far harder than the last
And she would need the same grit and determination she had in the past
But she’s done it before and will do it again
For future, past and present she won’t let cancer win
Lessons Learnt
Don’t ever over expose yourself in the sun (especially not naked you could get arrested in some countries). Factor 50 is your friend. It’s great for wrinkles too. Please don’t ever use a sunbed it’s 2023 these things should be banned.
Look after your health it really is the most valuable asset you have in your power.
If you’ve had your fair share of pain you’ve survived until today you can survive tomorrow.
‘If your actions create a legacy that inspires others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, then you are an excellent leader.’ – Dolly Parton
Inspire others
Day 9 of the squat challenge and today I’m feeling really tired. I think a combination of a late night, the mental draining from writing each day and just generally feeling physically sore is kicking in today. I can tell I’m tired because unfortunately I don’t have the patience for the kids when I’m like this. Normally around this time I’m due to take some medication and I can’t deal with constant questions of ‘why’. It’s a bit like being really hangry and tired at the same time but not always feeling hungry. One of my kids in particular is very inquisitive shall I say and this can be a real struggle on days like this. Don’t worry after my tea (not dinner we’re northern) I’ll make sure I sit down and have a chat, that’s if I’m allowed in their room! (the joys of teenagers). Usually the questions (battle) are life threatening events such as going out somewhere, wi-fi, phones or what’s for tea. I think that pretty much sums up everything.
I did go to a personal trainer this morning. I thought bout cancelling but I didn’t and despite me feeling tired I just got something done. Sometimes we feel like that and sometimes just doing a bit is better than nothing. I’ve been going for a couple of weeks now (just once a week) because although I am quite dedicated when it comes to exercising, I definitely need tips on exercises and technique and some times a little push when I otherwise wouldn’t. The rest of the afternoon I’ve literally slept and looking outside now it’s pitch black. The dark nights have set in now which I know makes it a lot harder for those of you who are planning on exercising tonight rather than get in your comfy pyjamas and sit in front of the fire. It’s like our bodies want to go into hibernation mode, sometimes we have to fight that off and do it. So, if you do, do that I promise I’ll get the rest of my squats done and take the dog for a walk in the dark, cold and rain how’s that for a deal?
The reason why I put the above quote up today was that as I was getting out of my mum’s car after the gym, she told me that she too has started doing 50 push ups off the kitchen top (not stood on the kitchen top I hope). She said she breaks it up into manageable 25 sets and is working towards doing 100. How amazing is that! I think inspiring others to do more and learn more is a precious gift and does feel warm and fuzzy inside. There are so many people that inspire me in a variety of aspects of my life, battling cancer, facing challenges, being a better person. No-one knows everything we can all learn a do more if we are open to listen to others. We might not always agree with their opinions but you never know you might just learn something new.
I often ponder on why and our purpose in life and I think ultimately to inspire others what an achievement that would be. Listening to Steve Back shall last night he was very passionate about inspiring the net generation to ultimately save the oceans, rare species and the planet. I think looking around the room there will definitely be a young generation that care about our planet and hopefully take action inspired by him and many others Sir David Attenborough being one.
So, whatever your passion is in life as long as its for the greater good please continue to inspire others.
You’re never too old to learn something new. I learnt this last night when I didn’t have a clue what half the oceans habitat are called.
‘None of us, including me ever do great things. But we can all do small things, with great love, and together we can do something wonderful’ – Mother Teresa
The Three Amigos decide to Stand Up to Cancer
Now if you have previously read some of my blogs you may have come across a couple of tales about the three amigos, Brain, Body and Bottom. These three friends are connected to a slightly vertically challenged (now middle-aged woman). For the purpose of these stories, we will call her Miss Determination (even though now she’s a Mrs and maybe not so much determined but more stubborn (as her husband likes to remind her most days!)
Anyway, the three amigo’s Brain, Bottom and Body had watched Stand Up to Cancer last Friday evening and as much as they enjoyed the programme it really upset them. All of all the stories of people affected by cancer. In particular one young girl who was just 11 and sadly died of cancer after also losing her mum to cancer.
As the three friends sat there together tissues in hand wiping away the tears Bottom said ‘It’s so sad, we need to do something to help these people’.
Body who was shaking from the crying said ‘I agree we need to fight back’.
Brain said ‘I have an idea I have seen these 100 squats a day challenge, why don’t we give it a go and raise some money for research?’
To which Bottom replied ‘Squit challenge won’t that be messy?’
No said Brain ‘SQUATS’. ‘You know where you bend your knees and then lift up. It’s supposed to be really good to get a firm bottom, Bottom.’
‘I’m not sure I can do the squats you know Brain I’ve got a sore leg from playing football,’ said Body.
‘Don’t worry ‘said Brain ‘we can think of something similar to do. What about sit ups maybe?’
‘Yes, I can do them no problem!’ said Body.
‘Great!’ said Brain. ‘To be honest I think I will struggle counting. It’s not my strong point at the moment my head get all fuzzy and I lose concentration.’
‘Don’t worry,’ said Body. ‘I have a clicker counter from my old days on the doors we can use that’.
Bottom was looking rather sheepish then said ‘you know what I’m really nervous if I squat too much what if I trump and have an accident? I haven’t got a spare pair of undies since I blew a hole in my other ones.’
‘Don’t you worry,’ said Body. ‘I have got a new pair of special Lycra ones you can borrow not only do the tuck your tummy in the well keep you trumps in too’.
Bottom looked down at his tummy then looked at the other two and they all laughed.
‘Right then’ said Brain ‘we need to set a schedule and pick a time we can do it together. I’ve developed a timetable and marked each day for the whole month on the calendar’. To which the other two smiled and rolled their eyes back. Secretly they know if they ever needed a robust plan to stick too Brain was the girl for the job.
So, every day for the whole of the month the three friends would get together as planned and do their squats and sit ups. Brain would get the counter and click every time they did a rep. Bottom would laugh every time, she made a noise but was thankful for the stretchy pants. Body was also glad that she could join in despite being injured.
Some days the three friends would have to break up the squats into smaller sections just because they were short on time. The main thing is they got them done. 100 squats/sit ups a day for 30 days.
Bottom could definitely feel her cheeks getting firmer. Body could feel her stomach getter tighter and Brain could manage to count each rep more than she thought she could have.
The End of the Challenge
It was day 30, the last day of the challenge. The three friends had religiously stuck to the challenge. At times they thought about stopping especially as it hurt so much but then they each thought of the little girl in the programme and carried on through gritted teeth and clenched cheeks!
‘That’s it’ said Brain ‘we’re done, how fantastic it that’. Body looked up and smirked which suggested she didn’t agree.
‘What’s the matter Body?’ asked Brain.
‘I feel like I’ve not fully done the challenge,’ said Body.
‘Don’t be stupid’ said Brain, ‘you adapted it because there was something you couldn’t do. You stuck to the challenge showing other people they too can adapt to suit their physical needs’.
‘I guess you’re right’ said Body sticking her chest in a proud sort of way.
Brain looked at their donation page. She turned to the others slightly disappointed and said ‘unfortunately we haven’t met our donation target’
Bottom looked at the two friends and said ‘that doesn’t matter at all. Remember that little girl, we did it for her and for people like her. Together we stood up for cancer to inspire others to do the same and give people hope, that’s what matters.’
‘You’re always so right,’ said Brain.
Then the three amigos gave each other a big hug. They all felt really proud of themselves and deservedly so.
‘Right then who’s getting in the bath first?’ asked Body clutching her stomach.
Day 8 100 squats done!
Sorry it’s a bit late for today but I got it done in the end, keep going everyone and thank you for reading
‘If you are always trying to be normal you will never know how amazing you can be’ – Maya Angelou
‘If you do what you’ve always done, you’ll get what you’ve always gotten’ – Tony Robbins
Go your own Way(oh)
Sometimes in life we have to make decisions that feel out of our comfort zone. That can often make us wonder whether we’re making the right choices at all. In fact, so many of us seek for confirmation from others (including myself) as to whether we are making the right choices. It could be a new career, ending or beginning a relationship, moving to a different place, starting a new business or just starting a new hobby or deciding to change something in your life with the hope of making it a better one.
I can’t guarantee that all your choices will end up with the results you wanted. What I can guarantee is that if you make these choices purely on your own then you should be comfortable in the outcome. Noone else is to blame for the choices we make in life and what happens to us. We all make mistakes, but it’s how we learn from them that truly make us better versions of ourselves.
We will always get the same result constantly doing the same thing we have to put a bit more effort in if we really want to change something. After my operation and SRS therapy my physical strength was at an all-time low. I literally struggle to walk some days, getting out the bath unaided was a total challenge. I was tired all the time and on a lot of steroids, I totally struggled with my speech so would often avoid saying what I thought because I knew it would be a struggle (trust me for a woman that likes to chat that was difficult).
I was fortunate that I had the time to prioritise my health and that is exactly what I have been doing. I don’t know exactly what date I started this but I’m so glad I put in the effort. Over the past year or so my fitness has improved massively. I go to the gym, I’m doing walking netball, I go for walks and even doing a fitness programme (which I will talk about in another blog). With all these other elements of my life have also improved, I’ve lost weight (although this has never been a focus which I’m sure anyone with cancer will relate to). Sometimes your weight can fluctuate due to steroids or tablets. It’s awful especially when you have gerbil shaped face already but it’s there to help you get better and that’s what it did. That and a bit of effort on my side. As well as my fitness my noise sensitivity and speech are also improving. I love it when I see someone and they comment on how much my speech has improved as that is the thing, I am most conscious of. Prioritising my health hasn’t always been easy it’s taken a lot of consistency. Some days are struggle and you feel like your back to square one. Most days I still need a nanna nap to get me through but I do. Ultimately, I want to change and I’m not prepared to go back to where I was not when I’ve come so far.
Those around you who love and care for you, doctors and nurses maybe. These people can help you on your journey but ultimately you have to take responsibility for yourself. No one is going to save you. You need to save yourself.
I’m not prepared to be ‘normal’ whatever that is anyway and neither should you so what ever it is you want to do go for it (starting today)
Day 7 100 squats done I split them up today in blocks of 20
Sorry it’s a bit late for today but I got it done in the end
