Distractions

By Jim Smith

2 min read

My first reaction to my diagnosis was a numb disbelief followed soon by anger. Even worse, I didn’t tell anyone outside of my family.

None of these things were helpful.

After a month or so of pity parties, I realized I had to find a way to get on with my life. Whatever time I had, it would be a tragedy to waste it.

Ways to distract myself from my leukemia

I still worry at times. I’d have to have the IQ of a peanut to not worry. But here are some things I do to divert my attention away from my leukemia:

Grandkids

Okay, I just gotta say, grandkids are God’s best invention. You get a second chance to do all the things you wish you’d done for your children. Best of all you can send them home when you get tired of them! Truthfully though, grandchildren are my favorite distraction.

Spouse

My wife provides all sorts of distractions; it’s called a “honey-do” list. She was also a big help on the research for my posts on “What about sex?” Part 1 & Part 2 (‘nuff said).

Movies

I’m a movie-holic. Movies, for me, are a two hour escape into another world. I like the Marvel superhero movies and old classics like Casablanca, The Ghost and Mrs. Muir, and It’s a Wonderful Life. And, I confess, I’m a Trekkie. I’m also a TV series binge-watcher on Netflix.

Books

I like to read. Well, I actually listen to audio books. Books, like movies, are a great escape.

Writing

It seems like writing is taking up more of my time these days. In addition to writing posts for Blood-Cancer.com, I write a personal blog at meandleuk.com, and I’m trying to finish a book. Unfortunately, I’ve been trying to finish that book for a couple years now. I think I’m on draft 11 (sigh).

Musical instrument

I play, or at least try to play, the drums. I bought my poor wife expensive headphones so she can watch Netflix in peace. It seems living with a drummer is a challenge for her. My goal is to get back into a band. I don’t know if that will actually happen. It depends on my health and, more importantly, if anyone wants a drummer who keeps lousy time.

Boating

I love to sail, only problem is a tree fell on my sailboat. She was a beautiful 25 foot, full keel Lancer. I had her stored at our house for the winter and a wind storm decided to take her out. I recently got a power boat. If you know anything about sailing you know changing to a power boat is the equivalent of going to the dark side. But it was free, so what the hey.

Exercise

Okay, I don’t actually like this one but I’m told it’s good for me. (They say the same thing about vegetables–yuck.)

How do you distract yourself?

What do you do to get your mind off your health issues? I’d love to hear from you in the comments section below.

This article represents the opinions, thoughts, and experiences of the author; none of this content has been paid for by any advertiser. The Blood-Cancer.com team does not recommend or endorse any products or treatments discussed herein. Learn more about how we maintain editorial integrity here.

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Susan Gonsalves Moderator & Contributor
<inline-mention user-id="3644983" username="Jim Smith"/> You and I share so many distractions! Music helps me a lot, playing clarinet in a band and singing in a choir. I also love movies, reading, and yes, even physical therapy, which gets me up and running. Writing is my job...so getting immersed in work is a distraction for sure. It is still difficult to "forget" about all the leukemia woes but I'm trying. Hope you are doing well. Susan
Ann Harper Moderator & Contributor
<inline-mention user-id="3644983" username="Jim Smith"/> I also spend a lot of my time with my granddaughter, reading, and I am still working. I also spend time researching how to cure my cancer. Recently I started taking a class about how to become a health coach. My life is pretty busy!
Connie Connely Contributor
Good article, Jim! Did you ever see the movie, Come Back, Little Sheba? The main character is depressed because of her alcoholic husband's hospitalization. A neighbor tells her, "You must keep busy!" Her husband comes home to a sparkling clean house, and his wife has more confidence. So that's what I think we should do, just keep busy!
1. Jim Smith Moderator & Contributor
 <inline-mention user-id="3639405" username="Connie Connely"/> Well, I try to keep busy. But I don't know about cleaning the house. That sounds like work! Seriously though, you're right. Every day we have a choice to keep moving or give up. Giving up is not an option. Thanks for reading my post.
Dennis Golden Moderator
<inline-mention user-id="3644983" username="Jim Smith"/> ... In a former life I ran an organization called IM-SAFE and the focus was on the many topics surrounding personal safety - at home, at work, at play and especially while traveling. The greatest challenge I faced like you was writing a book. A fellow author suggested that I lock down the topic (focus) for each of the 12 chapters and put the entire project aside. When ever an idea hit me I only needed to plug it in to the correct chapter - a few months later – after the proof reader editor looked it over - bingo I had a published book. My distractions to this day remain (1) writing at totally random times whenever the "muse hits" and (2) walking and riding a bike 20+ miles several days a week. ... Dennis(blood-cancer.com Team)
1. Jim Smith Moderator & Contributor
 <inline-mention user-id="3641422" username="DennisGolden"/> Well, you're putting me to shame. I've been working on a book for some time and seem stuck. Your idea of getting the topics down for each chapter and then letting the thing stew for awhile is brilliant. I'll give it a try. Your IM-SAFE organization sounds interesting. I bet you could continue that by turning it into a Youtube channel. podcast, or blog. And, you ride a bike every week. My bike has been sitting in the shed for way too long. You've motivated me to get off my butt and back to accomplishing things. Thanks for inspiring me with your comment.

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