This photo was taken of Brittany and myself as a survivor this summer, 1997.

We will exercise!
Let's start by stretching and walking!
Then we can work up to cycling or skating or running, or all three!
Let's keep strong by working out with light weights!
Let's keep active to remind our bodies that we plan to live!

We will eat a healthy diet!
Let's start by eating simple and pure foods!
We will eat a lot of fresh fruits and vegetables!
We will avoid preservatives, dyes, and empty calories.
We will try some of these healing recipes!
We will rebuild and maintain our bodies with healthy eating!

We will maintain a happy mind!
Let's start by sitting quietly with our favorite reading material!
We can watch a funny movie and tell ourselves it is for our health!
If we are artistic, we will devote time to an artistic endeavor!
Let's find a park or beach or place outdoors where we can clear our mind!
We will find time each day to laugh and laugh and laugh!

We will take it slow!
Let's start by choosing to doing only what we must do.
Let's take time to relax in a bath, with a book, or the like!
Let's take one day at a time and enjoy every minute!

We will avoid the sun!
Let's start by remembering to always wear sunscreen!
We can also wear hats and SPF clothing, along with a parasol!
We can safely enjoy the outdoors in the shade and at night!

We will remind ourselves how lucky we are!
Let's start enjoying how good we feel!
We can write down all the things we are grateful for!
Let's feel happy that chemo and radiation are in our past!
Let's remind ourselves that we are disease-free!

We will not wait to enjoy ourselves!
Let's start by doing something we have always wanted to do!
We can go on a trip to somewhere that we have always dreamed about!
Let's not wait to start a new hobby, take a class or try out a new sport!
We will see each day as an opportunity to expand our enjoyment of life!

We will set goals for ourselves!
Let's start by making a list of goals for our future!
We will not wait to do all the things we want to do!
Let's start doing activities that will lead us to realize our goals!
Let's imagine ourselves reaping the rewards of our dreams!
We will see our future, and our body will want to live!

We will tell ourselves that we are going to live!
Let's start by saying outloud, "I am going to live!"
We can picture ourselves feeling strong and vital!
Let's inhale, sit up straight and stand up tall!
Let's begin each day as if it is going to be an adventure!

NOW IT IS TIME TO GO AND LIVE!

©2001 Diana Kaaha