"The only thing that is constant is change," wrote the ancient Greek philosopher Heraclitus. For those living with or beyond cancer, these words carry profound meaning as you navigate this transformative journey.
The uncertainty that comes with a cancer diagnosis and treatment can deeply affect your emotional wellbeing. Whether you're managing treatment schedules, dealing with physical changes, or adjusting to a new normal, the emotional impact can manifest as grief, anxiety, stress, and fear. That's why investing in your emotional wellbeing is just as crucial as focusing on your physical recovery.
Throughout history, humans have shown remarkable ability to adapt and overcome challenges. At the heart of this adaptability lies resilience – our capacity to adjust and thrive despite difficult circumstances. Research shows that resilience isn't a fixed trait but rather a set of skills we can develop and strengthen, much like how our bodies can heal and rebuild after treatment.
Here are some practical techniques to build resilience during your cancer journey:
The "Doors Closed, Doors Open" Approach
When facing challenges – whether it's receiving a diagnosis, completing treatment, or adjusting to survivorship – acknowledge the natural grief that comes with these transitions. See them as closing doors, but then shift your focus to the doors that open: perhaps deeper connections with loved ones, a new appreciation for life's simple pleasures, or opportunities to support others in similar situations.
Values as Anchors
During cancer treatment and recovery, your goals might need to shift, but your core values can remain steady. Create a visual reminder – perhaps a collection of meaningful photos or inspirational words – that represents what matters most to you: family, courage, hope, or resilience. These visual anchors can provide comfort and direction when treatment feels overwhelming or when adjusting to post-treatment life.
The Four S's of Resilience
1. Support: Build your care team beyond medical professionals. Include family, friends, support groups, and others who understand your journey and are going through a similar expereince.
2. Strategies: Develop personal coping tools. Maybe it's gentle movement when you feel strong enough, mindfulness apps like Headspace, or simply sitting in nature. Find what brings you peace during challenging moments.
3. Sagacity: Collect words that inspire hope – perhaps a fellow survivor's story, a meaningful quote, or lyrics that resonate with your experience. Let these words be your companion through difficult days.
4. Solution-Seeking: Remember past challenges you've overcome. Each step of your cancer journey – from diagnosis through treatment and beyond – builds evidence of your strength and ability to adapt. Use this as evidence that you can keep moving forward.
As you navigate life with or beyond cancer, remember that investing in your emotional resilience is as vital as any treatment plan. This journey brings change, and with it comes an opportunity to discover new strengths and deeper meaning. The path forward may look different than before, but you get to choose which doors to open and how to walk through them.
