Sunday, October 16, 2011

Reclaiming October

As is true for many affected by breast cancer, October has been especially rough on me.

How have I dealt with all of the pink hoopla invading this month?

Not very well, I'm afraid. But that is about to change.

For the first half of this month, I put myself into a self-imposed "house arrest," avoiding stores and having groceries delivered to me instead -- all because of that dreaded pink ribbon.

I couldn't bear seeing all the pink balloons, pink ribbons on various food items, and pink whatevers of any kind. My exile involved becoming hermitlike, avoiding TV. I couldn't handle seeing any more smiling people on breast cancer commercials, and I couldn't watch the news. I even couldn't keep up with the many wonderful blogs out there.

Right now, ignorance is  bliss to me. I have felt so inundated with pink, that it seems like someone vomited Pepto Bismol all over the world.

But then, something remarkable happened. I fell in love with October all over again. My "exile" and daily power walks helped me see the forest for the trees.

The trees' change of color and the sweet crunch of the leaves under my feet all overtook me. And I realized that, in the natural order of things, October is a beautiful month. In the natural order of things, October is not meant to be dressed in pink.

So I have decided that for the rest of this month, I need to take a break from blogging and focus on enjoying life. I need to focus on spending time with my wonderful daughter, going to fall festivals, and appreciating all the autumn colors and  beauty that make up October.

I am also spending the rest of this month working on my book proposal.

So, for now,, I am taking a break from the blogosphere. I hope my readers understand, but it's important I do this now. I will be back in November, but right now I am admiring the beauty of this month:





I'm writing a book titled Calling the Shots: Coaching Your Way Through the Medical System. Please feel free to subscribe to this blog by clicking the orange subscribe button. I am a professional writer and have published numerous academic and magazine articles, as well as an essay on my breast cancer experience in the anthology Voices of Breast Cancer by LaChance Publishing. I can be contacted at bethlgainer@gmail.com and gainercallingtheshots@gmail.com.

8 comments:

  1. I'm so glad you got out and was able to see the world in not all pink. Isn't it BEAUTIFUL out there.
    Good luck on your book proposal and take a much needed break and enjoy the last of the fall colors out there.
    HEY....You may even do like me and take a bike ride girl
    Hugs
    Debbi

    ReplyDelete
  2. Good for you, Beth. I love fall.

    I love walking on the days the sky is so blue, and the leaves on the trees have blossomed into a kaleidoscope forest, for all to enjoy. I love the crisp air, and the smell of apple pies baking.

    If you'd ever like to talk, my mail is: chrysalisangel@gmail.com. Have a happy October!!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Oh Beth, your readers totally understand, at least this one does. Good for you for reclaiming October. As you know it's my favorite month. I will not give it up to pink. Take the rest of the month and spend it enjoying time with your daughter, having fun at those fall festivals, taking in the natural beauty and of course, working on that proposal. See you back soon! Love the photos!

    ReplyDelete
  4. Hi Debbi,

    Thank you for your support and your good wishes on my book proposal! Yes, it's amazing to finally see October the way it really is. And a bike ride sure sounds nice!

    ReplyDelete
  5. Chrysalis,

    Thank you so much! Yes, you put it so well and descriptively. It sure is a kaleidoscope out there. I just got back from another walk and simply marvelled.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Nancy,

    I'm so glad we crossed paths, albeit virtually. Thank you for being so supportive. It's funny, but October was never my favorite month, but I think it's starting to be.

    I definitely will be back, blogging up a storm. The proposal is the hardest thing I've ever had to write. But it must be done!

    Thanks again for all your support.

    -- Beth

    ReplyDelete
  7. Enjoy the break Beth. Look forward to your return, knowing you will be refreshed and enlightened.

    ReplyDelete
  8. Cheryl,

    Thank you for your good wishes. I am sure I will feel so much more refreshed upon my return!

    ReplyDelete