In honor of Joe, one of my favorite blogs he ever wrote about facing cancer and life head on.

This is a blog post Joe posted on August 23, 2013 entitled, “12 Things That Cure Cancer.”

I know it is confusing sometimes, who is actually updating the blog. I’ll just whisper it…It’s me, Joe.

I’ve learned a few things about cancer over the past couple years. Most importantly, the word “Cancer,” is not a death sentence. It’s certainly a wake-up call, but doesn’t have to be as unbearable as it seems. It takes more than medicinal treatment to get through it. It literally takes strong discipline, hard work, repetition, and focus.

I believe….

That in order to live a healthy and meaningful life, it is important to have balance in mind, body, soul, work, and relationships.

That nothing can be fixed by a magic pill (or Chemo)

That there is a deeper rooted problem than just, “They have a tumor mass in their body!”

These are the 12 items that everyone NEEDS to avoid OR cure themselves from cancer

1. Live in the moment

Right now, I am writing on a computer. I am enjoying it to the fullest. Nothing else really matters right now, other than the way this paragraph flows, the grammar, and the punctuation (criticism is welcome 🙂 <—anyone know if it is okay to turn the back-end of a parenthesis into a smiley? Enjoy where you are. If you aren’t enjoying where you are right now, then why are you there?? Work should be done with a smile. Why not? Is it that bad that you have a job? Does it really matter if your boss is a jerk? You’re in line at the DMV…so what. Many people have to take public transportation, or worse!!! Smile.

2. Stretch and exercise

I don’t have to emphasize the importance here. Do it for 30 minutes a day. This doesn’t even require going to the gym! A body in motion, stays in motion. I’ll rest when I’m gone from this earth.

3. Take a bath

I know that all of you readers take a shower on a daily basis…correct? 🙂

Whether you choose to shower everyday, or remain a stink-ball for the rest of us, take a bath every now and again! How relaxing does that sound to you? Bubbles sound good too. And, I like being naked. So much freedom!

4. Have something to look forward to

Dinner plans on Friday? A trip to the zoo with the kids? Or maybe you have an elaborate vacation planned in 6 months. Make memories. Always be forward thinking. If you are not moving forward, then you are moving backwards. Nothing stays stagnant…ever.

5. Reflection

It is important to take some time for yourself every day. Even 20 minutes is beneficial. Where is your life now? Where were you 6 months ago? 4 years ago? Me?…. 4 years ago I was a lonely, single man who took everything for granted and dipped my chocolate chip cookies in a bowl of cinnamon toast crunch for breakfast. I have a beautiful wife now, with a baby on the way. We have a great little place to live and I couldn’t ask for more. I have a new outlook on life, and each moment is precious! To recap, that’s 20 minutes for reflection, and 30 for exercise. Can you spare an hour in your day? Wake up an hour earlier! I’ll sleep when I’m gone from this earth :).

6. Let go of grudges

CLEAR the air!!! Apologize and move on! They should apologize to you? Convince yourself that they already did. Lie to yourself. You can’t change people, but you can change how you deal with them. It you are losing sleep over it, then you are doing yourself a massive disservice!!!! Drop it, and be okay with dropping it. This can also effect your physical health. You will feel better when you let it go. Trust me!

7. Talk to plants

Not really much to explain here. They are living things. I talk to them. I ask them to help me. I eat them when they allow me to. (Usually, they are pretty cranky if I don’t water them.).

8. Watch what you eat

You’re the only one sitting inside your body. If you eat a Red Robin – Royal w Chz (so damn good)…does it make you feel unwell afterwards? Wanting a nap maybe? We aren’t supposed to feel that way after we eat! We should be filled with energy, joy, and feel revived. It’s okay to eat that burger once in a while. It’s important to be happy. But, recognize what you are doing. Make it a treat, rather than lunch everyday. The burger industry is going to come after me if they see a drop in sales….

9. Sunlight

Vitamin D is extremely important. As with all vitamins, it is best to get them naturally. Get in the sun! Even in Florida, I get in the sun for 5-15 minutes a day. People who stay in-doors are creating a breeding ground for disease. Emotionally, mentally, AND physically…this causes a big problem. It can easily put you in a funk.

10. Hug everyone

Do it. It feels good. I even kiss everyone. If they invite me in, usually a quick smack on the lips!

11. Drink water

Keep your digestive system flowing. However much water you drink in a day, add a couple glasses on to it.

12. Never admit to yourself that you have, “The Dreaded Cancer.”

I spoke with a woman the other day who was telling me about her 73 year old mother. She was going through chemotherapy as well. She was telling me that her mom puts make-up on, gets dressed up, and makes a day of her treatments. When she walks in to the hospital she utters, “I don’t look like these people do I?” This hits home for me. I don’t associate with the “cancer community.” So far, people keep telling me HOW GREAT I LOOK. What do people expect? Pale skin? Bald head? Skinny? Plus, I have very attractive facial features. This may confuse people.

Life is not a sprint. It is a marathon. Take it one step at a time. Stick to the things that make your mind feel good. Your mind needs exercise too. Stick to the things that make you physically feel good. Duh! Right? Address any emotions you are feeling or relationships that need mending.

My cousin tells me that if you can stay on a straight path, and don’t view anything that happens in life as positive or negative, but just an experience on your journey through life….you will be a very wise person in the end.

AND THERE ACTUALLY IS A 13TH CURE FOR CANCER….

13. Have a lot of sex. (Sorry family)