How can we get well? When we are ill we need to help body cure itself. If it's only a cold we've got, maybe it's enough just keeping warm, relaxing and drinking hot water with a spoon of honey. Most of time that would do it. The body will heal itself in a few days. But when we get something more serious our body needs more help to fight against illness. Should we choose conventional or alternative treatment? To make right decision concerning treatment we need knowledge. It's important to study basics of a few possible alternative treatments, contact people who offer treatments and people who have been treated by them, ask questions, build a basis on which to make a decision. We should also ask our conventional doctor exactly what treatment he/she has in mind, what it does to body, and what secondary effects are.

Whatever treatment we choose, results will improve when we add lifestyle changes to agenda. Lifestyle changes are essential for an optimal result of any treatment. Whatever illness we suffer from, lifestyle changes will improve chances of recovery.

By using this simple mindfulness technique, these women have given themselves a cue that will prompt them to be grateful for all good things they have to celebrate. Using a key word--and in this case, a particularly charged one--empowers them to attach a positive concept to one that has become associated with fear and pain.

We don't have to wait to find our own key word. If you have a body part, a place, a holiday, or anything else that prompts a negative gut reaction, take charge of it. Intentionally choose a new positive word or concept and attach two in your mind. Use your custom association whenever you hear, see or say that word.

Look for humor. Search for silliness. Grab hold of every opportunity to replace fear or anger with something far more healing--laughter.

Cancer survivors are often described as courageous, but every one I've talked to has said same thing: you simply rise to occasion. Every one of us has that potential to be bold, brave, wise and lighthearted in face of uncertainty. We have power to gain perspective, will to ignore petty differences and open heart capable of ceasing judgment of others.

Why not start now?

Don't wait for a diagnosis. Seize your own destiny and start being courageous today. Use mindfulness to help you move forward with gratitude and start perfecting that lusty laugh of yours.

Thanks for mammaries.