Home » cancer

Category: cancer

Using Pinterest to Enhance Your Writing

Pinterest, besides being a treasure field of hairdos, recipes, DIY projects and home decor ideas, may also be used as a source of something more peripheral: writing ideas. In a sense, you can draw moods and paint pictures in your mind about storylines by paging through the rich collections of images. Here is a list of ways you can use Pinterest to develop your writing ideas:

1. Directs your thinking. I’ve been plotting a book idea for awhile, and I did a simple search in relation to it. The images gave direction to a few more chapters in the book. For example, say you’re writing an article about putting together a care package for a cancer patients. You might search “cancer gift” to begin putting together ideas for your article. You might even start getting more article ideas just by browsing, such as oncologist-approved soap for delicate skin. Pinterest is talented at putting you in the mindset of what you’re writing about so the thoughts start pouring in. Beware, because too many thoughts could start rolling in:)

2. Assists the Brainstorm Process. Pinterest could be used as a virtual brainstorm in itself. If you can’t find a starting point or become completely stuck, browsing through related images could restart your brain gears. Keep a paper nearby to brainstorm or cluster your thoughts. You may even find an effective technique for brainstorming by typing “brainstorm” in the search box. In fact, Pinterest might just be the proper cure for writer’s block.

Source: flickr.com via Anna on Pinterest

3. Trigger. Even when you’re not searching for related images to your writing, you might stumble upon an image that triggers an idea for a blog post or a memory that would form a beautiful poem.

4. Picture your characters and settings. My advice is to create “character” and “setting” boards for any fictional novels you’re preparing to write. You can get as detailed as you would like. What would your character wear? Where would he/she live? What would her teenage daughter’s room look like? Developing strong, rounded characters requires the writer/creator to think about all of these things. You may even start accumulating details about your character that you hadn’t even thought about before. Visualizing settings also helps you work out the logistics of rooms, pathways, and other details about location so you can describe them properly.

Your imagination just takes off with actual images. I find it frustrating to create a character or setting from scratch, based upon my own ideas of person and place. Pinterest puts me in touch with more people and places than I could dream up on my own. I have a hard time conceptualizing settings in my head, but Pinterest is always there to assist with the visualization.

5. Learn new territory. Are you developing a character who loves ballet, but don’t know much about dance? You can always start with a Pinterest image search. You’ll start picking up on information about the gear, outfits, posture, popular ballets, studio layouts and so much more. You can see detailed pictures of the insides of the shoes the typical dancer’s body structure. You’ve been told to “write what you know.” This is good advice, but you can also start “knowing” more by researching.

6. Find a new art medium. I’m not suggesting you give up writing to be a watercolorist, unless that’s your dream. I’m talking about finding a way to express your words in a way that feels natural to you. If novel writing feels right, keep on keeping on. For me, novels never felt quite right.  Right now, on Pinterest, I’m on a hunt for more examples of Art + Writing. I have a few art journal and calligraphy images pinned as a start. I’ve always wanted to combine beautiful words with imagery in some meaningful way, and Pinterest is helping me develop ideas for a new art combination as well.

Link Party:
Mingle Monday Blog Hop

The Importance of Fitness for Health and Recovery

Today, I proudly present a post from guest blogger David Haas, who has been studying and writing about the positive effects of an active lifestyle on cancer patients. David is a cancer support group and awareness program advocate at the Mesothelioma Cancer Alliance. Take it away David…

Photobucket

When you are dealing with cancer or any other traumatic life occurrence, it might surprise you how much good exercise can do for you. Many people, when they are faced with challenges, want to hide and become very sedentary, but the truth is that in many cases, it is far better for you to stay active. Caring for Cancer states that fitness should be one of your highest priorities if you have cancer, so see what your options might be.

Get Some Advice

If you want to get fit while recovering from cancer, or if you find that fitness for mesothelioma treatment is one of your big goals, you should not start with no information. This is especially true if you are someone who is starting to exercise from a dead stop! If you are invested in making sure that you can start off with a fitness regimen that suits you, consult with your doctor and then see about working with a personal trainer. There are many people out there who find that having someone to guide them through the process helps them stay on top of things.

Right Time, Right Place

If you want to exercise, you need to make it part of your routine, and you will discover that in many cases, you need a special time and place for your exertions. Think about how you feel about working a gym into your routine. For example, are you someone who loves going to a class, or do you just want to head to the weight room to pump some iron? On the other hand, you might be someone who is devoted to simply working out on your own. Learning this about yourself can help you figure out what exercise regimen is right for you.

Get a Workout Buddy

Even if you are dealing with the easy tiring that comes with cancer treatment, you will find that in many cases, the thing that you have to beat is lethargy. Consider how you can make sure that you get off the couch and off to the gym or even out for a walk. Talk to a friend and ask them to keep you motivated. Whether you run on the treadmills side by side or you simply get each other to the gym before going off in your own directions, you will discover that this is something that can get you very motivated. Just be ready to return the favor if your workout buddy is having a rough day.

Have Fun!

If your primary memories of working out and getting fit all have to do with trauma and drama suffered in high school gym class, it can be tough to find the motivation to get fit. The truth is that now you are doing it because you want to do it. No one is forcing you, and there is no reason that exercise can’t be fun. Whether you are interested in a martial art or in rock climbing, you can now tailor your experience to be what you want it to be!

For example, how do you feel about performance? If you love the idea of getting up in front of others, why not consider a dance studio? On the other hand, if you are invested in making sure that you can take care of yourself, why not enroll in a martial art dedicated to self-defense?

Take a moment to consider where you want your health to be when it comes to general fitness and exercise. Find a program that works for you and then stick with it. No matter what your goals are, fitness is important.

Photobucket