Challenges Make Us Stronger

by Adelina G.
(McAllen, TX, U.S.)

For some strange reason, when I think about happiness, a certain gloomy rainy day in June 2005 comes to mind – the day when everything around me came crashing down. My recently conducted biopsy results had come through. The results knocked me down. Yes, the big C had indeed invaded my body. This unwelcome guest had made itself at home in my body...

All I wanted was to leave, as if escaping from the doctor's office I would escape from the terrible diagnosis. All I wanted was leave politely, but sadly that was not as easy as I would have liked it to be. The doctor continued talking. He said severe treatment methods were required. I would require surgery, chemotherapy, radiation and all the works!

I felt as if I was standing at the edge of a dark forest, which I had to enter, regardless of what would lay ahead. I was terrified! However through all this turmoil the loving faces of all my family members came to mind.

I then firmly resolved, I would not allow myself to wallow in self-pity. My mind refused to fall prey to depressing thoughts. I knew it was possible to take control of ones’ thoughts and simply turn them around.

I immediately resolved to focus my mind on any activity that gave me a happy experience, and I knew nothing could give me more pleasure than spending a few hours in the kitchen.

I decided to make my family’s favorite dish from scratch- yummy succulent Enchiladas. I immediately enlisted the help of my cook... my oldest son.

In no time at all, the aroma of fresh tomato sauce wafted out of my kitchen. The task of measuring out the exact proportions of Corn Meal and other ingredients to make the tortilla gave me immense pleasure. To see this blend together into soft pliable dough, and then rolled out and baked to perfection, made me very happy. With child like pleasure, my son and I worked on stuffing the Enchiladas with beans, cheese and jalapeños.

As we were, working this magic, my spirits were simply soaring. Gone were the fears of a few hours ago. I was glowing all over, particularly when the compliments poured in from my family.

You may think my story is silly, and I agree... it is. The lesson here is that anybody can learn to focus on things that make them happy regardless of their circumstances. After all, we just have the present moment and we can live happily in the now.

Today as I look back I realize my positivity was my best companion that walked with me through the deep dark forest and made it all seem like a walk in the park. It's been almost five years since that experience and I'm cancer free!