Smile at the Idiosyncrasies of Life

My mother’s chemotherapy session was delayed almost 2 hours.

They lost her medical file, that led to a series of mishaps including having to go back to the reception desk (do not pass go, do not collect $200) and then finally to get blood work. When we started off this morning, we arrived early in an attempt to create a flow for the day. But the day resisted. 

For any normal person, this inconvenience would be seen as irreconcilable but for a person battling cancer, these small bumps become minuscule comparatively to the big picture. Soon I realized that this would become a moment to observe and learn from my mother.   

In what my mother described as "The Idiosyncrasies of Cancer", she noted that this day is just one example of the bumps she has met along the way on her journey.

An idiosyncrasy is described as "a structural or behavioral characteristic peculiar to an individual or group".  Unfortunately, cancer is filled with idiosyncrasies. 

In everyday life, an example of an idiosyncrasy is people not changing the toilet paper roll when its finished. The likelihood is that at some point someone will need it to wipe themselves but for some reason, the person who took the last sheet of paper fails to replenish the roll. In my house, if this happens, you are left in a state of dependency of having someone get you a new roll while you are in the act of going to the bathroom or if new rolls are out of reach and there is no one around, you are forced with a different kind of challenge (LOL). 

While we were in the "slaughter house", the name which my mother often gives to the cancer clinic, she went on to describe "The Idiosyncrasies of Cancer". She stated she has faced many of these idiosyncrasies that "they" neglect to tell you before you start on journey.

• The pricking of the finger to get blood. Each visit they squeeze and scrap the blood into a container.
• The coldness of a hard X-Ray machine slab lying on your back. 
• The white lies they tell you: "This is gonna be just a pinch" or "We're getting you a room now"... 3 hours later...

While reflecting on some of these experiences with my mother, I found comfort in her grace and humor as she accepts all of the idiosyncrasies with a SMILE, finding joy in each moment. It got me thinking about everyday idiosyncrasies and how I don't always handle them with such grace. Why couldn't I just offer them a SMILE and be more like my mother.  

So, in the spirit of my mother, here is a list of 10 idiosyncrasies in my everyday life that I will attempt to SMILE at moving forward:

1. My husband spending hours in the home improvement store, watching Holmes on Homes and in perpetual production mode on the house. SMILE. For he saves thousands in home improvement costs. 
2. My son telling me something at the last minute, which always costs me money. SMILE. For at least we are present in each others lives.
3. My dog laying on my couch and covering it in hair. SMILE. For he only thinks he's human and loves you infinite.
4. My cat scratching at my bedroom door obnoxiously waking me up to get in at any time of the night. SMILE. For she thinks she's more human than the dog and while she may not love me infinite, she loves my husband and son infinite. 
5. The laughter of a colleague who's voice can be heard throughout the office. SMILE. For that laughter brings joy into the workplace.
6. People actively engaged in texting while walking. SMILE. For they are connecting with someone beyond themselves. 
7. Pushy commuters or tourists boarding, transiting, or disembarking the Staten Island Ferry. SMILE. For they are rushing to get home to or heighten the experience with their loved ones. 
8. Youth who are idle in their lives. SMILE. And be an adult who can lead them to their greatness.
9. People who complain. SMILE. For silence and non-reaction to their complaints resonates more than a response.
10. People who are not present. SMILE. For they still have some work to do. Be an example for them. 

When we start to look at idiosyncrasies in our life with a SMILE, we make space for another. Suddenly, we are coming from a place of LOVE and the resentment towards life's idiosyncrasies dissolve.

So, accept the idiosyncrasies in your life. Acknowledge when bumps show up on your journey. See the road for what it is beyond yourself. Find the connection....... and SMILE! 

Life is short, so get messy!