What makes me feel good?

Traveling was always a big part of our life. Now travel plans are with our sons and their partners or to spend time with our siblings and close friends. It feels so good to be have quality time together.

I have many small projects in life that give me a lot of joy. We have the woods right nearby, and it makes me happy to go for walks in the woods. It’s my form of meditation. I also use an app on my phone that helps me with breathing techniques. I don’t have to spend a lot of time on the exercises, it can be ten minutes where I relax and focus on something else.

I started to listen to audiobooks; it helps me get my mind over on other things. At first, I listened to several books about cancer, but soon I moved on to the classics like Moby Dick and Pride and Prejudice. These books work better for me. 

Just being in the garden, I can forget both time and place. I have a lot of indoor plants too, but working outside when I can gives me peace of mind and I spend a lot of time here. Growing bee friendly flowers and harvesting berries and garlic can be relaxing and rewarding.

When my sons left home for university, I wrote down a few recipes, simple dishes they could make on their own. Over the years they have both become cooking enthusiasts. My home recipes are now part of this blog so family and friends can find them whenever they want. I also share newer ‘cancer friendly’ recipes that suit my new diet.

Many years ago, I bought a piano, then I forgot about it for a while. Now I’ve started playing again. I have found my old sheet music and enjoy playing. I am doing all the things I wanted to do, but that I didn’t prioritize earlier. The things I would do later, when I had time. Now I prioritize differently and am getting better at doing what I want to do!

Shortly after my diagnosis, my husband and I joined the Lung Cancer Association in Norway. Meeting others in the same situation as us gives us a lot of hope. Our experience as volunteers in the Norwegian Computer Society over the last 20+ years has given us a sense of community work. In 2023, I joined the board of the Lung cancer association to help patients get the support and help they need.