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Oct 26

Skin Cancer – It is a reality!

SkinCancerHatJacket

I remembered sitting in the waiting room of my skin cancer specialist and noticed a room filled with older men and women who were around my grandparent’s age. My doctor had referred me because she felt I had a basal cell carcinoma, skin cancer on my back.

I said to myself, it can’t be, I’m only thirty-nine.

Then thoughts filtered back to my childhood when I was a little girl running around in my frilly little nickers in the sun and having fun. My mother was an avid sunbather, and of course, in those days sunscreen wasn’t talked about nor heard of. I can’t remember how many times I had blistered shoulders, nose and forehead. I do remember my sister and I used to love peeling each other, the longer the strips, the more excited we became. Thinking about it today grosses me out a little.

Having the specialist check my spot confirmed that I did have a small BCC and I found myself booked in for a procedure to take it out. I didn’t completely understand what they were to do, but apparently, they took out the size of a large olive and then stitched me up. For a period I had six-monthly checks, and during that time they found four other BCC’s and one squamous cell carcinoma on my face.

Then, I was back to annual checks, and last year I went for that yearly skin cancer check, and they found five solar keratosis spots, which are classified as pre-cancerous and likely to turn into squamous cell carcinomas.  I know them well because I do self-checks and I’m in at the doctor’s straight away because I believe in prevention rather than cure, but these were on my back upper shoulders, and I hadn’t noticed them. He diligently used cryotherapy – freezing with liquid nitrogen which destroys the abnormal cells within the solar keratosis.

At the time they also found an aggressive squamous cell carcinoma on my upper arm, so I was back in surgery. I was freaked out. I am each time. I don’t think anyone likes the idea of being cut into, but I was incredibly grateful that I had continued to take responsibility and looked after myself and not allowed the fear to put me into denial.

My doctor put me on a three-month alert, this was last year, and to my shock, I was in surgery once again but this time, for a suspected melanoma. I’m grateful to say it wasn’t.

So now, back to six monthly visits.

I’m sharing this very personal journey with you today because I want you to know that skin cancer is REAL especially here in Australia because of our harsh sun and our damaged ozone layer. When I asked the doctor how skin cancer affects people today compared to ten years ago, he stated that they are getting younger and younger.

I remembered seeing a young man in his early 20’s leaving the surgery before my appointment. My doctor shared that a young person who was only nineteen was diagnosed that week with a high-grade melanoma.

No longer is the waiting room filled with older people!

So please if you notice anything unusual, such as a dry skin patch that doesn’t seem to heal, a mole that changes colour or you choose to have a skin cancer check for the reason only of prevention knowing we are in a harsh climate. Then follow your intuition, do your research and get in there and have a full body check, that part doesn’t hurt!

Remember that some skin cancers are preventable and when picked up early are easy to remove, such as mine!

Until next week,

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Maria Lacey was born in Australia. She has travelled extensively overseas being led by visions, dreams and spiritual guidance.

Maria writes about life (the human and spiritual path), the adversity, learning, musings and triumphs. A successful entrepreneur with over 18 years in her own business, Maria humorously states, “I am my greatest case study.”

Maria is a qualified Counsellor, Hypnotherapist, Reiki Master Teacher, Spiritual Teacher, Meditation Teacher, Healer, Channel and Speaker.

Maria is currently writing her second book about her spiritual travels overseas.

For further information about the author go to: http://www.marialacey.com.au/

 

Oct 19

When Sumbody Loves Me…

ILoveYou2

I know, you are probably thinking, what does she mean by sumbody? I have to honestly say, as I was receiving the inspiration to write this article, I also thought the same. In moments like these, I just flow with it and hopefully as I share, it will become more evident.

Quite some years ago when my marriage ended, I became very ill with pneumonia. I was in shock and distressed and found it difficult to talk about because I felt ashamed and a failure.  Having two young children aged four and eight, I knew I had to be strong, but being strong wasn’t enough!

By trapping my emotion inside of me, I became ill. So ill, that when a friend dropped in to see me I passed out as I opened the front door.

Although it was difficult at the time, I worked through it, and as time went on, life became happy and normal once again. Surprisingly, over the next four years, I got bronchitis, which I have to say knocked me down for ten days at a time, and I wondered why.

This particular day my daughter who was only eight, said,

“Mum you always get sick this time of the year. Isn’t that when daddy left?”
Ka-Ching!! Yes, it was. OMG out of the mouths of babes such wisdom flows.

I often had, although unconsciously stated to others, “it’s okay because I always get sick this time of year.” Even my self-talk had supported the past event by creating an expectation. Surprisingly most people are speaking out, often completely unaware that what they are saying relates to the previous trauma as if it was an unconscious thought being expressed out loud, yet the conscious-self does not acknowledge the initial reason. I know I certainly didn’t.

Maybe some of you are experiencing your light-bulb moment right now, for this is what we call cellular memory! Each cell is alive, and I believe that they hold the physical DNA as well as the spiritual and emotional energies including the memories.

I believe it’s time for us to become more aware and mindful, and listen to our body, mind, and spirit. Smiling, now I get it!

Listen to the SUM of my whole body. Sum meaning, the amount or whole of any numbers or particulars added together. The Mind, Body, and Spirit as a WHOLE!

Each cell holds memory and if you feel some discomfort go within and check-in with your body, and ask yourself. Is this current distress related to a past trauma? Wait and listen because your cells have a voice and if you are patient you will hear.

Then acknowledge it, and remember that knowledge is power.  Then allow it to fall away for it no longer serves you. If it is difficult to let go, ask yourself this question; Is this loving me?

If not, then you are not losing something, you are gaining something. Why would you hold onto something that causes you pain and suffering?

So, release it, and then fill the space in your cells with love and light. Immediately, you will have commenced the process of forming new memory within your cells. All expansive, bright, and loving, creating harmony in your inner and outer world. As your cells multiply, the old impressions of the past will soon fade, and the new will be stronger and more loving of you.

So that you know since that day my daughter opened my eyes, I have not had bronchitis or been unwell around the anniversary of my marriage separation.

I often share with my clients and students how vital it is to love yourself more, be the observer, and be mindful of your self-talk, and know that sumbody does love you 😊

In chapter 29 of my book One Path, Many Lights called Present Moment Awareness; I found my wiser and loving-self reciting the below after a time of new understanding, I trust it resonates with you:

I love my body,

My body loves me.

We listen to and support each other.

We are in perfect harmony and balance.

Until next week,

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Maria Lacey was born in Australia. She has travelled extensively overseas being led by visions, dreams and spiritual guidance.

Maria writes about life (the human and spiritual path), the adversity, learning, musings and triumphs. A successful entrepreneur with over 18 years in her own business, Maria humorously states, “I am my greatest case study.”

Maria is a qualified Counsellor, Hypnotherapist, Reiki Master Teacher, Spiritual Teacher, Meditation Teacher, Healer, Channel and Speaker.

Maria is currently writing her second book about her spiritual travels overseas.

For further information about the author go to: http://www.marialacey.com.au/

Maria’s first book – https://www.amazon.com/One-Path-Many-Lights-Spiritual-ebook/dp/B00YOIOTIS

Oct 12

2 Comments

Friggin Writer’s Block

FWritersBlock1
My head made me say it. FRIG, FRIG, FRIG, FRIG, FRIG

Am I allowed to write this?

Well, today I don’t care. I have a headache because the pressure in my head is so intense that if I could fart from it, I would, just to relieve the stress.

I get up from my desk and walk around the house in a blur.

Now in the kitchen, there is an emptiness in the pit of my stomach that desperately screams out to be filled. My head interrupts and says, “You’re going to be like the side of a house if you keep this up.”

I fill the kettle turn it on then find myself piling nuts and dried fruit into a container and telling myself at least that’s a better option than the thick layer of butter and peanut butter on toast I was initially salivating.

I begin stuffing them into my mouth as to fill a void that is insatiable. Oh no far too much too quickly, and the undigested and partially eaten fruit and nuts are piling up in my oesophagus unable to reach the stomach for digestion causing significant discomfort.

I don’t like the idea of vomiting.

Quick I reach for a glass and fill it with water to wash it all down. Initially, there is much pain as the water tries to dislodge the mass.

Gently, gently Maria one small sip at a time you can’t FORCE IT.

Ah, then relief as the blockage is cleared. I take a breath feeling thankful.

Just then the kettle sounds releasing copious amounts of steam, hmm that was timely.

My brain again begins searching for the words, ideas and inspiration for my article today. I shake my head, and oh that hurt! I roll my shoulders up and back releasing the tension, and then freely move my neck from side to side. Ah, that feels much better.

I walk into my lounge, and looking at the window I’m drawn outside to the glistening concrete driveway, it’s raining, and I hadn’t even noticed. I’m enamoured by the beauty of the foliage; crisp shades of green, and droplets of rain appearing like sparkling diamonds as they gently rested on the leaves. The grey trunk has blackened with the wetness of the rain leaving uneven vertical lines near the base as the water drips down to the roots.  The sun breaks through the clouds and the leaves shimmer making me smile.

I find myself taking a deep breath and sighing as I breathe out. Now that feels great. I move my body, and all the tension has released, AND, yes you know it. I found the idea and inspiration for my article, or should I say, the idea found me 😉

Trust you enjoyed reading my article today. Haha, love, love, love sharing.

Until next week,

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Maria Lacey was born in Australia. She has travelled extensively overseas being led by visions, dreams and spiritual guidance.

Maria writes about life (the human and spiritual path), the adversity, learning, musings and triumphs. A successful entrepreneur with over 18 years in her own business, Maria humorously states, “I am my greatest case study.”

Maria is a qualified Counsellor, Hypnotherapist, Reiki Master Teacher, Spiritual Teacher, Meditation Teacher, Healer, Channel and Speaker.

Maria is currently writing her second book about her spiritual travels overseas.

For further information about the author go to: http://www.marialacey.com.au/

Maria’s first book – https://www.amazon.com/One-Path-Many-Lights-Spiritual-ebook/dp/B00YOIOTIS

 

Oct 5

Perception – Do We See the Same Thing?

PerceptionEyeThe dictionary’s meaning of Perception:

  1. A) The ability to see, hear or become aware of something through the senses
  2. B) The way in which something is regarded understood or interpreted.

Do we see the same thing? Interesting question … Have you ever looked up at the sky and noticed a shape in the clouds such as a rabbit or angel? While in awe at that amazing sight you share this with your friend standing next to you and they nod absently seemingly disinterested because they can’t see it.

Or, you’re walking through the bush and notice a scent that you just love and ask your friend, “Can you smell that?” You find a blank look on their face as if you’re talking about aliens standing on the path ahead.

These are two simple examples, but in life, there can be major misunderstandings created because of the different perceptions of the individuals involved often causing conflict and frustration.

In psychology, we talk about a frame of reference. Tversky, A. And Kahneman, D (1981) explained it like this; A frame of reference is a complex set of assumptions and attitudes which we use to filter perceptions to create meaning. The frame can include beliefs, schemas, preferences, values, culture and other ways in which we bias our understanding and judgement.

Let’s go back to the rabbit shaped cloud in the sky. What if you held up your arm and pointed your finger towards the shape you saw and asked your friend to place their hand over yours as you drew it in the air? Do you think they would see what you see? Yes, they would and would forever more see shapes in the clouds because you took your time to show them.

Now let’s look at that lovely scent in the bush. In Australia, we have the eucalyptus gum tree, and the leaves smell just like eucalyptus. What if you pulled a leaf off the branch and scrunched it in your hand and then smelt it and encouraged your friend to do the same. Would you feel you have increased their awareness and possibly opened them to experience the beautiful scents as they walked in nature? I’d say yes.

Now there will be some situations where no matter how you communicate the other person will have dug in their heels and will not want to see your perspective. You may have even found yourself in the same situation standing there righteously claiming your truth. I know that I have!

Through a recent personal experience, I wondered why a particular person was avoiding me. I called them and asked, “What’s going on for you, please tell me because I care and love you?” I then listened to what she had to say without interruption for the next fifteen minutes.

Hearing her initially, I was in shock, really that’s what you thought happened. None of what the other person stated resonated. In fact, I felt my body reject it immediately. That person believed they stood in their truth as I knew I was in mine.  We both had an entirely different perception.

There’s a saying about walking in someone else’s shoes… it can help, but there will be times that you may have to agree to disagree or walk away.

It’s a matter of how important that person or situation is, and it’s not about conceding, gloating or feeling frustrated. It’s about compassion for the other knowing that we all have our unique frame of reference, and then having confidence in your truth and intent, and feeling peaceful in that.

Often, I have used my body as the barometer. If it reacts with a complete rejection of the initial statement, then I know this is not true and real for me. If there’s a hesitation, then maybe there’s something in that person’s perception of the situation that I need to look at carefully.

I trust you have enjoyed my blog post.

Until next week,

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Maria Lacey was born in Australia. She has travelled extensively overseas being led by visions, dreams and spiritual guidance.

Maria writes about life (the human and spiritual path), the adversity, learning, musings and triumphs. A successful entrepreneur with over 18 years in her own business, Maria humorously states, “I am my greatest case study.”

Maria is a qualified Counsellor, Hypnotherapist, Reiki Master Teacher, Spiritual Teacher, Meditation Teacher, Healer, Channel and Speaker.

Maria is currently writing her second book about her spiritual travels.

For further information about the author go to: http://www.marialacey.com.au/

Maria’s first book – https://www.amazon.com/One-Path-Many-Lights-Spiritual-ebook/dp/B00YOIOTIS