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#200: It’s Just About… Life.

December 21, 2013 By markbrodinsky 2 Comments

beautiful-morning
“One is too small a number to achieve greatness. Dream bigger and include others in your dream. Lead others to join you in the process. It will enlarge you, enlarge them, and benefit more people in a much more significant way. How can you best add value to others in the time you have in this life?” –
John C. Maxwell, Put Your Dream to the Test

That’s the quote I included in my blog post back on April 9th, 2013, (see Baby Blog: http://markbrodinsky.com/2013/04/09/baby-blog-its-all-about-life/), as I wrapped up the first quarter with this blog, expressing gratitude to you for paying attention, at 6,000 views strong, and reminding myself we were just still beginning.

Now, nearly 26,000 views later, the blog is out of its infancy. Today marks the 200th post since I began on January 9th and the quote at the beginning of this blog is what it is still all about…a big dream, a bigger purpose, to become more and help others to do the same. A dream needs a team, you…and others who take time to read, to comment, to share thoughts and ideas. The goal is for all of us to become more, to “enlarge” our hearts, minds and ambitions. It all starts from the inside out, if you don’t believe me, read this: (http://markbrodinsky.com/2013/05/15/inside-out-its-just-about-life/).

Words have power, and this blog does as well…because of me and because of you. I write it, you read it, you respond. The relationship, the recognition that life is meant to be lived and so much of it happens in between the moments that take your breath away. Focus on that every day and the big moments get even bigger.

It’s the 200th post and from the first one until today if even one life was touched by my desire to share, if even one person was moved to think deeper, to open their heart, to move their intention into action, then it’s worth it, it’s a success, because you can change the world one word at a time, one person at a time. Just one.

It’s been many more than one person and so we go on. This is not the end-of-year wrap-up or even the anniversary blog, which incredibly, because this is my baby, I have already written in my head and in notes on paper, with a focus on gratitude, love, appreciation, sharing, having no fear and trying to create value…maybe the most important component of all, so we can all live bigger lives and achieve our dreams, see our purpose, dig deep to find out…why.

Somehow in the midst of what life throws at us every day, every week, every month… I’ve been able to stay consistent, with a post nearly every other day, (sometimes more often), and able to accomplish the feat of writing a book and starting a weekly tribute to you, telling your story through the Sunday Series. All of this a labor of love and I am not recounting these milestones to build myself up, but as a reminder to you that if you put your mind to something, feel it in your heart, take a talent you are born with and manifest it through hard work and dedication, that much is possible. None of it was, or is always easy, but if you love what you are doing, if it fires up your very soul, then you find a way to overcome the obstacle, face the challenge and find a way to persevere.

It’s a big weekend for the blog, because numbers help us track the time of our lives and words, especially permanent words like those in a blog or in a book, matter. Today, the 200th post, tomorrow, the 10th Sunday Series since I came up with the idea and each week have made the commitment to pour my heart into other people. And it’s other people, you, who make the difference. It’s your attention, your response, your sharing with me that all of this matters…which touches my heart, because I have found a way to touch yours. In turn, we all become more.

Thank you for enriching my life by allowing me to enrich yours. It’s all part of a bigger dream and the best is yet to come, for all of us.

Until next time, thanks for taking the time.

Mark

Mark Brodinsky, Author
It Takes 2. Surviving Beast Cancer: A Spouse’s Story
#1 Amazon Best Seller
www.spouses-story.com
markbrodinsky@gmail.com

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Comments

  1. Sharon Shown says

    December 21, 2013 at 8:25 am

    You inspire me to do “more” with life ever time I read a post! Mark, I remember when you worked at WJZ. My daughter, Melissa, wrote to Marty Bass when she was 7. She loved the morning show…and Marty! Melissa has Cerebral Palsey and wanted to visit the studio. Marty invited her to visit and for a tour. It meant the world to her! We met you, and we will never forget how kind you were and your warm smile. Then, you gave her a “sky eye chopper 13” replica. You know, that chopper is still on the shelf in our china closet! See, you have been impacting people for years! Melissa is 25 and married now…and still talks about her visit! I guess what I’m trying to say is thank you!………love, Sharon Shown. surhoffan@yahoo.com

    Reply
    • Mark Brodinsky says

      December 21, 2013 at 8:40 am

      Sharon,

      This is what the blog and my future goals are all about. You have touched my heart with your story. I remember the visit and Melissa. So great to hear she is doing well. And thank you for the inspiration… It goes both ways, more than you could ever know.

      Sincerely, Mark

      Reply

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Mark Brodinsky
Emmy Award Winner, 1996

Ever thought about writing a book? check this out!

Blog Reviews

Love seeing new blogs hit the ground running like this one (by a dad no less), but I also urge anyone vaguely interested in blogging to stay tuned, I am. Good luck on your journey – glad that I am along for the ride.

Rachel Blaufeld

Great blog Mark! I always appreciate reading what you have to say. You are very gifted and talented and hopefully someday you’ll not just blog, but write a book.

 Stephen Koncurat

I’m definitely along for the ride. We’ve all seen how much damage the written word can inflict. More positive writers are needed. And I love how you are using your personal experiences – those with your wife and children – and your gift of writing to open eyes and to inspire others.

Victoria Endicott

Absolutely beautifully written! The girls in your life must be very proud of you. Thanks for sharing Mark, I look forward to reading more!

Gina Glick Jolson

Very shortly this site will be famous amid all blogging and site-building users, due to it’s pleasant posts.

Leila Galloway

Absolutely beautiful! Are you at all thinking of penning a book? You’ve got a fan base out there that really thinks you should Mark. You write so eloquently. Glad that I got onto this site.

Marilyn Lefkowitz

Mark, You are truly a gifted writer and obviously, a special father and husband . Always a delight to read your words.

I’m speechless…beautiful words flow from your heart just like a gentle waterfall into a tranquil stream… thank you so much for the friend request I was blessed the day I clicked confirm.

Lynne Turner Dorsey

From your first writing in 4th grade entitled “People” which was published in the school newspaper, you have always been able to write. Never more so than when you started “Caringbridge” and now your blog, everyone who reads says what a wonderful writer you are. Our DREAM for you is to become an author and encourage people every day. You are by the far the best and we hope and pray you reach your dream.

Bonnie Brodinsky

I know you always thank us for reading but I would like to say thanks for writing.

Stuart Abell

Great piece. You are an inspiration!

Rob Commodari

Mark I just wanted to let you know that you are succeeding in your “ultimate goal”. I have gained so much from your blogs. I look forward to reading them for the special lift that they give me. Thank you.

Amy F.

I love waking up and starting my day with my coffee and your blog! It a great way to start my day with positive uplifting thoughts!! It puts me in a positive frame of mind throughout the day and allows me to reflect on my personal life, make changes, and grow !!!

Gayle Blank

You are quite talented Mark. Thanks for sharing!

Cynthia

I always look forward to your Blog Mark. Thanks for sharing and as you always do, make it a great / remarkable Day!

Chuck Connolly

Thanks for your Blog Mark. It is fun, encouraging and a nice break from a day full of ups and downs.

Jackie Hetrick

With my busy schedule, there is (sadly) little time for reading. But I have two must-reads every time I come across them, the sports section and your blogs. Keep inspiring and following your dream!

Ed Nemec

Mark, you are a truly remarkable individual. You do speak from your heart, I can’t wait to read your book. You are an incredible writer.

Debbie Press

Mark, I am glad I clicked on your post this morning, which lead me to your writing, your goal.
Would like to connect. This speaks to me.

Aileen Braverman

I can’t wait to read the book. I have followed all the blogs and feel so good that I know u guys. You make me cry but you make me laugh too. All the very best to you!

Beverlee Rendelman

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WOW!!! It Takes 2 is a must read for anyone who has known someone diagnosed with cancer or other life threatening disease. This is the real story of a family lead by an incredible woman, Debbie Brodinsky, who took radical steps to beat the breast cancer beast. The story is told by her husband, Mark Brodinsky, through journal entries he kept starting with diagnosis through one year cancer free. This author's unique ability to pour his heart out onto the page draws you in from the beginning and holds you until the very end.

Thanks to Mark and Debbie Brodinsky for this gift...I have a new perspective on what it means to be a breast cancer survivor. You are a hero, Debbie Brodinsky!

TeeBThree
September 25, 2013

ittakes2_reviews_2

This book gives a heartfelt, in depth description of what it is like to go through breast cancer with the one you love. It is beautifully written and I felt as though I was living it with them! I highly recommend this book!

Jgs17
September 24, 2013

ittakes2_reviews_2

In It Takes 2, Mark Brodinsky windows us into his world where his wife, the cancer patient, is not the only victim. Part journal, part roadmap, It Takes 2 goes to the real humanity of facing the mortality of one's better half. Mark's candid perspective, love, and fierce intention resonate with hope in a story which is about much more than cancer. Mark himself is perhaps the most heroic character for the way he appreciates this life and so many of us in it...as he says, "thanks for caring."

Réné Pallace
September 24, 2013

ittakes2_reviews_2

It Takes Two: A Spouse's Story by Mark Brodinsky should be read by every person who is experiencing serious illness or injury or by a loved one of someone who is experiencing either of those situations. The book is an eloquent testament to the power of love and the healing energy derived from the belief that things will get better. There is not one word of "poor me" from the author or his wife who suffered breast cancer and the radical surgery she elected to have to beat the cancer. Rather, the book is a celebration of the courage displayed by them both in seeing it through.

The book also encourages readers to speak and write down their true feelings and be validated in them. John Mackovic writing in the Palm Springs, CA Desert Sun on November 2, 2013 quoted author and artist Doe Zantamata who said, " To be happy, you don't have to do anything new. You just have to remember how to believe again...Believe everything good is possible. Believe in your dreams. Believe in people. Believe in love. But most of all...believe in yourself." The author, his wife, their family and extended family and friends never stopped believing in his wife's recovery, and I think, in themselves. Read this book and believe.

Paul A. Riecks
November 4, 2013

ittakes2_reviews_2

This book is a must read for anyone with a family member with breast cancer. It takes you through the spouse's perspective from diagnosis to recovery. Mark journaled his wife's journey and put all of his emotions out there. It is beautifully written and inspiring to anyone going through breast cancer. Thank you, Mark for sharing Debbie's story.

Jmu1109
October 23, 2013

ittakes2_reviews_2

A friend recommended this book. This was a great perspective of a man standing beside his partner and passing along to the reader fear, hope, useful information and a broader story than his own. I loved Vinnie the tattoo artist. This is a great book. Thanks for sharing, Mark and "thanks for caring"

Blahsan

ittakes2_reviews_2

This book is a must read. What sets this book apart from other books about surviving breast cancer is that it is told by the husband and his point of view, not from the survivor. At times sad, at times poignant but even through the worst of it you can always feel the love he has for his wife, her strength and the strength of their extended family and friends. The posts that are included from their friends and family lets you really into the heart and strength of the family. I would recommend this book to anyone who is currently going through this, whether you are the person or the caregiver. I also recommend this book to anyone who has a friend that has been or is currently going through their fight now. It was an eye opener for me.

L. Bogash
Seven Valleys, PA

ittakes2_reviews_2

There isn't a shortage of books about breast cancer, but most are written from the perspective of the person who has battled cancer or a physician or other expert. What an enlightening experience to read about breast cancer from a husband and caregiver's perspective! Not only does the author give us insight into his wife's experience and emotions, but he openly shares and reveals his love, compassion, support, and, yes, sometimes anger at the disease as he stands by his wife's side during their journey to beat the beast. Your story may not be the same, but I guarantee if you have a loved one battling cancer, you won't go wrong reading It Takes 2.

 PattiM
September 25, 2013

 

ittakes2_reviews_2

From the moment I opened this book I never stopped reading. Mark invites the reader to come along on this journey that his family went through. I cried, laughed and learned so much. This book will give comfort and knowledge to those going through similar situations. Most importantly, Mark and his family never give up. They get knocked down and get right back up. They fought cancer together and with their strength, determination and will to prevail... They do!

 Jenny Schloss 

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