On 01.02.02, I was diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer. Too late for surgery, I had chemotherapy, which failed. In May the chemotherapy was changed and I was soon in remission which was celebrated and welcome and lasted nine years - until October 2011. There was progression in 2011 so more treatment was indicated and I am now back in partial remission. But I'm not only a cancer patient - I also enjoy my family, walk my dogs and am learning to draw and paint. Life is good!

Saturday, September 04, 2010

Positively addicted


One of my good fortunes is that I have no substance addictions. Because there's a link between alcohol and breast cancer I no longer use alcohol (and I admit to missing a glass of wine with a great dinner or a snifter of apricot brandy on a cold night). I make no exceptions, I didn't even imbibe at my son's wedding some years back.

Nor do I use illicit drugs. When I was very, very ill and in significant pain, I did not abuse the morphine and other pain relievers prescribed to me. I had several prescriptions and a drawerful of medications -- drops, capsules, pills and patches -- but there was no temptation to take more than was prescribed and, in fact, I usually used less.

Call me a flawed human being, I do, however, have what are called process addictions. My two favorites are overeating and overspending. I could probably dredge up others, but those two are obvious.

But what if, I keep thinking, I had the kind of compulsions that actually improved my life? What if I read and studied too much and was the smartest woman in town? Closer to a heart-felt desire, what if I drew and sketched constantly, filled up entire art journals in less than a month? If I did that, my skills would improve and, I truly believe, I would be a happier soul.

I'm working on it. In about three years I've moved from drawing once in a while to more days than not. My goal is to draw several times in one day, but that habit hasn't found its place in my life (yet). But as I said, I'm working on it.

7 comments:

  1. Lovely sketch,great post...(although wish I'd read it before having a glass or two of wine...)you should be proud of yourself and are no way flawed!..we all need some enjoyments(My husband is a leukemia/B.M.T survivor so I can appreciate your comments/strength)

    ReplyDelete
  2. that was a neat post. I congratulate you on not being addicted to anything but eating and shopping! It could be worse. Many years ago I had to replace one addiction with another and I believe that's the way to get rid of a bad "habit". I chose drawing. it's been awsome. good luck!

    ReplyDelete
  3. You draw a lot though and your skills have improved tremendously over the last few years. I think you are maybe not addicted, but still firmly attached to your journaling now. You are doing great. I didn't think about it but I have to join you on the overspending. Hmm, something I need to work on as I don't like doing that. I have all I really need so why do I keep buying? Yep, something to work on. Nice drawing once again.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Not only are YOU happier when you draw more, WE are also happier as we get to see powerful sketches like THIS one. LOve it!

    ReplyDelete
  5. You are all being so generous with your comments!

    My best wishes to your husband's continued good health, Debra.

    Arty Velarde - I follow your cartoon format and love it!

    Timaree, it's always good to hear from you.

    Sue, thank you so much for stopping by!

    ReplyDelete
  6. A drawing addiction is the best kind there is. Do it every day and you'll soon find you need it like a crack addict needs his pipe. Good luck with it, Barbara.

    ReplyDelete
  7. Thanks, Wally -- It may already have happened!

    ReplyDelete

Related Posts with Thumbnails