One thing I’ve learned thus far, with cancer treatment, is how rewarding it can be to just focus on one small thing that you can accomplish.

For example, I nursed this tiny aloe plant — which my kiddo picked up in after-school care, a few months ago — back to health. When I first saw it, it was totally brown, and basically appeared to be dead. I moved it into a new pot with different soil, and I have been periodically watering it (taking care not to over-water).

Now, I’m pleased to see that all the brown has been replaced by green, and a new leaf is appearing.

Admittedly, this is a little thing. But for me, it means a lot. I take a few moments with this plant every day, and I just appreciate it. I look at it as a symbol of my own cancer treatment journey. This would be one small piece of advice I can offer to others starting out on treatment for cancer, or other big scary diseases: find a little thing to feel good about.

Quick notes on my current status:

As I was en route to daily radiation appointments over the past month, I passed by my local food bank every day. And I noticed lines of people waiting there … really, really long lines. I’ve donated to this food bank before, typically at the end of the year, and so I’m on their mailing list. They recently shared the following:

March, April, and May were the busiest months in the 41-year history of the University District Food Bank and due to this we’re facing a $200,000 budget shortfall.

I’m assuming they (like all other non-profits) receive fewer donations outside of the holiday season, so I just sent them another donation.

I encourage everyone reading this to please consider donating (either your dollars or your time) to your local food bank. Alternatively, another worthwhile charity to consider is Feeding America.