Full circle

Just over 6 years ago, my first "real" post was about my hair. My long, dark, curly hair. I loved my hair. I grew it out after my second child was born. Now, 10 years and another child later, it's all gone. Like, ALL. GONE.

There is a fantastic organization called Kids Cancer Care that provides support to children dealing with cancer and their families. I first heard about them when my son decided to shave his head as part of an event at his school. The stories shared by some young cancer survivors about their lives and what Kids Cancer Care had done for them brought me to tears. 

Years later, I decided to step up and take on the challenge myself. Initially I vowed that unless I reached my fundraising goal of $10,000. I wouldn't shave my head or cut my hair. 

As time passed, and my amazing friends and family stepped up and donated in my name, I realized that there was no way I could disappoint them. 

On October 3, 2015 I sat on a stage in the middle of a mall, surrounded by strangers and friends. My kids watched and helped as two wonderful men from the Calgary Stampeders gently clipped off my 13 inch long ponytails, and then proceeded to shave me bald. 

As I sit at home now and reflect on what happened today, my heart is bursting and my eyes are full of tears. The amount of love and support from my family and friends has been overwhelming. I don't think it will sink in completely for several days. 

What I can tell you for certain is that you are capable of so much more than you ever imagine when you have support from your loved ones. 

Be that support for someone. You have no idea what a difference you will make.

Cleaning out the closet.

I'm a hoarder.

Over the past few years I've managed to amass a great deal of "memorabilia" - everything from photos to tickets and passes, buttons, and various odds and ends that most people would shake their heads at.

I've heard numerous times that de-cluttering is good for the soul. One should sort through the "stuff" and ask a simple question - "Does this make me happy or bring me joy?" Anything failing to meet this criteria should be disposed of.
This, however, is not where the problem lies.
My collection of souvenirs make me ridiculously happy every time I see it. Every item has a clear, heartwarming memory attached to it. I can connect them all to the people and places that fill my heart.

So what's the issue?

It seems I have difficulty with hoarding people, too.

Ever the optimist, I hang on to people who may not actually be making me happy or bringing joy into my life. It's a struggle for me to accept that as much as I may wish to, I can't will someone to be a meaningful part of my life.

I think I may need to de-clutter my head.