June is an emotional month. Four years ago, in a span of just 22 days I underwent a mammogram, breast ultrasound, biopsies, MRI, further biopsies, genetic testing, diagnosis, and then a mastectomy. It was a whirlwind of fearful emotions. It was all too raw and real. And each June I relive these moments – these cancerversaries – yet with each…
Crystal Joy
I am a dreamer. I am an artist. I am an adventure-seeker. I am a storyteller. I am a wife. I am a mommy. I am a cancer survivor. My name is Crystal Joy Hall. Share in my journey at crystaljoyhall.com.
I recently had my mammogram. This particular test causes considerable scanxiety within me. In the weeks leading up to, and the days that follow afterward, I feel a great sense of restlessness, angst, apprehension, and vulnerability. Though the mammogram itself is bearable – it is the psychological link to remembering what occurred 4 years ago that I find arduous. I…
Sometimes we just need time away from our lives. We need a break from the all responsibilities, stress, and demands. When things become overwhelming or daunting, or if you’re suffering anxiety or burnout, often shaking up the daily routine will allow you to relax, recharge, and distract. Last weekend my anxiety was peaking. I really needed distraction. I needed to…
Life has been busy, of late, and with the varied activities, obligations, and responsibilities I’ve been tasked with I have not had time to reflect. I have not been able to gather my thoughts. I have felt jumbled and unfocused in my writing, and I have been feeling stumped. I know that all of this is self-induced and that it…
I have encountered the many stages of the ages, as mentioned in my previous parenting posts (take a read if you dare!), and now I find myself parenting a five-year-old-going-on-fifteen. Wow. It’s wild! These Foolhardy Fives have been a tumultuous ride! Even with my seatbelt fastened I feel like I’ve been thrown about in a whirlwind of BIG emotions –…
This has been an emotional week of good-byes for me. Three big partings. Three momentous endings. My mother, a proprietor of a beautiful Home Decor & Giftware store has retired. This is the final week of business. On Sunday, her doors will close forever. It is a realization that is hard to comprehend. I’ve watched her grow her store into…
In my recent post Stumbling in the Realm of Essential Oils I talked about my naiveté regarding the power of essential oils and how I was slowly discovering the benefits and uses of these remarkable remedies through careful usage of the Earth Luxe product line. I shared my personal experience with the Earth Luxe PURE Essential Oils and how they…
Yes, stumbling. I am in the very, very early discovery stage of the bountiful benefits and uses of essential oils, which is strange for me, because for the past decade I have always prided myself in finding natural remedies for ailments as well as sourcing more natural, healthy, and affordable beauty products. So how have I not learned about or…
Life has many ways of testing a person’s will, either by having nothing happen at all or by having everything happen all at once. – Paulo Coelho I am struggling. I am struggling with the long, cold, harsh, bleak days hanging down on us. I am struggling because this time of year brings back vivid memories that are hard to…
Today is Valentine’s Day. Fourteen years ago, on this day, I went on a date that altered my life forever… In my posts I talk a lot about cancer, about my own personal strifes, and about the challenges of being a Mom. But today, I want to talk about marriage. Truthfully, I have talked about my marriage before in my…