| September 2008 |
THRIVE! A Cancer Survivor Says "Why Wait?"
|
|
|
|
Dear Contact First Name,
I want to start by saying "thanks" to all of you who have been reading my ezine and sending it to others over the last few months! I really appreciate your feedback and interest. I've noticed that most  of you appreciate my reminders that life is too precious to waste, and I am thrilled that you are taking some of my suggestions to heart.
Your input reminded me how powerful our connection with each other and the world is. Your individual uniqueness burns strongest when you share your thoughts, emotions, dreams and fears with others. Can you imagine what life would be like without connections? How would you be inspired or challenged? Would your unacknowledged victories ring hollow? Could fear of the unknown keep you from stepping out of what's comfortable and being part of the beauty in this world? Would you understand the value of helping others and the purpose it serves?
Right now political uncertainity and financial stress are challenging our optimism, when we need it the most. The truth is that many of us are facing tough economic times right now. We've faced tough times in our lives before. It's normal to feel scared and uncomfortable when changes beyond our control threaten our world. It's natural to isolate ourselves as we imagine the worst. But that doesn't mean we are helpless or don't have control over our lives. Now more than ever, our connections with our loved ones and our world can serve as an anchor and lifeline. As we navigate the future, individually and collectively, our willingness to open our hearts and reach out and love each other can keep us moving forward together.
Instead of worrying about the future, ask yourself....
If I was stranded on an island for the rest of my life, what three people would I want with me? Why?What is the best gift I could possibly give to my immediate family?How can I inspire others to be their best?
When I'm 95 years old, what will I want to say about my life?
In the big picture of the world, what really matters to me right now?
I challenge you to think about your answers as you connect with the people you love and the world around you. Make a conscious effort to share the authentic you. Acknowledge the intangible things in your life - things that make you feel safe, happy and loved - and cultivate them. Awareness of things like helping someone for no reason, making those around you laugh, and the beauty of the sunset helps keep fear of the unknown at bay.
Inspiration can be found in the words and actions of others on a regular basis if you look for it. Why wait? Read below for more information on how to connect with the people in your life | |
|
"No man is an island, entire of itself; every man is a piece of a continent."
|
COMING SOON!
Aventura Magazine's October issue includes Paula's thoughts on chosing a treatment center
See Paula in a Komen
"Sharing Stories" photographical essay that opens October 20th at the Broward County library
What's Next For My Life? companion journal
What's Next For My Life? DVD & Podcast for newly diagnosed patients |
|
Ask the Survivor Coach...
Q: I've just been diagnosed with cancer. How do I pick the best treatment center?
A: We choose a center to help make us well. To me, wellness includes all areas of my life. I think that sometimes the HUGE importance of the emotional and social impact of the diagnosis can be forgotten when the patient starts to make decisions about where to receive medical treatment.
Participants in my patient and survivor workshops tell me one of their biggest challenges is dealing emotionally with not knowing what is happening or what to expect next.
If I had to do it again, I would want to know what the center offered to help me manage the emotional aspects my LIFE AND LIVING with cancer, not just how they would treat the disease medically.
|
|
|
|
|
MAKE A RELATIONSHIP-SAVING CHOICE TODAY:
Practice connecting with others when you talk.
Many of my clients come to me for help with personal or professional relationships. Often, no matter what the situation, their concerns and feelings come from misconceptions and assumptions they've created for themselves and/or those in their lives. They're not communicating on the same page.
I help them create a "nobody gets to be wrong" environment where everyone can share their emotions and opinions in a healthy way. Here are a few tips on how you can learn to communicate successfully with others.
- Look at situations from the other person's perspective. Don't judge, just observe or experience it. Share your appreciation and understanding of their viewpoint, even if you disagree.
- Ask for what you want clearly and specifically, without making others wrong or defensive. Assuming they "should" know what you need or want is unfair and unrealistic and sets you up for disappointment.
- Don't be afraid to tell the truth. Acknowledge the elephant in the room. Facing the truth is much less stressful than convincing yourself it isn't real.
- Learn to listen and make the other person feel heard. Sometimes we need to release our emotions and we just need someone to listen. We don't need any judging or fixing, and we don't want to talk about how what we're experiencing relates to the other person.
- Consciously choose to share the gift of your time and total attention with people in your life, or ask for that gift yourself. You'll be surprised how good you feel afterwards.
Connected communication fosters honesty, trust, committment and intimacy in any type of relationship.
The true beauty of connected communication is the mindset that it is not all about me, you, him, or her. It's about what we can do to make each other the best we can possibly be. The ability to communication effectively helps create the freedom to be yourself and to accept others as they are.
|
|
WORKSHOPS & GROUPS
BUSINESS & LIFE BALANCE NOW Action Group
Increase your life balance while you grow your business. Share honest, real world knowledge and create accountability with other group members while learning to define and create success on your own terms. 8 week telecourse and Ft. Lauderdale face to face groups start Wednesday 9/17. learn more >>>
LIVING WITH PASSION & PURPOSE Action Group
Do you know that there is something more meant for your life but you just haven't found it yet. Why wait? This action group will help you focus on finding and living your own unique destiny. 8 week telecourse and Ft. Lauderdale face to face group starts Tuesday 9/23. learn more >>>
WHAT'S NEXT FOR MY LIFE? workshops at various cancer treatment centers & support organizations. When treatment ends, most cancer patients feel bewildered by this question. This unique life-coaching program empowers patients to take control in their lives and accept emotions and feelings about survivorship as normal and natural. It can create noticeable positive changes in a person's outlook. Coming to Broward General Medical Center September 27, 2008 and via teleconference in January 2009. learn more >>>
What's Next For My Life? reunion workshop at Gilda's Club South Florida Thursday November 6th, 4:30-6:30 pm. learn more >>> | |
|
|
What have you done today that made you smile?
Sincerely, |
|
Paula Holland De Long
Life coach and cancer survivor Paula Holland De Long is an authority on how the lessons of survivorship can bring joy, passion and purpose to anyone's life now rather than later. Her support programs for survivors are offered at cancer treatment centers and support organizations. Her women's teleconference action groups attract participants from around the country. To learn more about how you can live your best life now visit CoachForLivingOnline.com. |
|
|
|
