Do you ever just throw your hands in the air and say “I give up”? Not that you want to truly give up, but you are just so tired, feel so beaten down, and don’t know how to accept this “new normal”. It’s so easy to lose hope when it feels you are fighting a constant battle. We may experience pain that seems endless, waiting that seems unbearable, situations may seem hopeless. But we have nothing to lose by allowing hope to stay even when it seems pointless.
“Hope is being able to see there is light despite all of the darkness” — Desmond
Tutu
When you can’t control what’s happening, challenge yourself to control the way you respond to what’s happening. That’s where your power is. Write your own story. Don’t let past trauma, illness or fear dictate the rest of your life. Claim your power to decide what happens next. You can dance in the storm.
Allow yourself to grieve. Vent your anger, frustrations and fears. But refuse to become a victim of them. Instead of “why me”, try to accept what is happening. Acceptance is less stressful than resistance. Take one day at a time. Keep moving forward. If you handle each day separately, it may not feel so overwhelming. Worry about today, what things can you do to make today better.
Practice self-care. Not blaming ourselves can be a challenge. Love and believe in
yourself.
Distract yourself. Perseverating on the current situation can lead to more darkness. Focus on positive things happening in your life, no matter how small.
Practice gratitude. Find reasons to smile. Looking for things to be thankful for can easily become a habit.
Find the silver linings. Many cancer survivors say they experience post traumatic growth. Bad days and experiences don’t equate a bad life.
Never stop dreaming
Never stop believing
Never give up!
What an inspiring post ~ your thoughtful ideas for “coping” with the daily trials of living with cancer are simple and come from a place of love instead of fear… “Acceptance is less stressful than resistance”.