Now I know that if I can do cancer I can do anything. But on that dark day when "you have cancer" came out of my doctor's mouth, I felt anything but empowered. I didn't think I could handle the surgeries and chemo, physically or mentally. Wasn't sure I even wanted to try. I didn't feel empowered while I was going through treatment. But when it ended I was amazed by what I had done.
It WAS empowering to make it through nine surgeries and four rounds of chemo. To laugh about my GI Jane haircut. To remember my "Three tries and you're done" rule for needle sticks. Who knew?
I might have been sick and bald, but as long as I could choose to laugh and refuse to be poked, I didn't feel like a victim. This little bit of control was enough to keep me sane. It was a valuable lesson that carried forward into my healing and my new normallife.
What about you? How many things have you done because of cancer that you never would have dreamed you could? What are you proud of yourself for accomplishing? What did you do that surprised you? How does it feel?
I believe the essence of empowerment comes from feeling the fear of not knowing how something will turn out, and doing it anyway. You may not realize it, but you've become an expert at doing it anyway during cancer.
The experience facing your own mortality may have shaken the foundation of who you are. Pieces of your old life may not fit anymore. Your priorities may be different now. Dreams and goals more urgent.
Your shaken foundation has also created an unexpected opportunity. Now you have the chance to bring more of what matters most to you into your life. If you could wipe the slate clean and have it all; what would you want? Give yourself permission to think about this without worrying about how it could happen. Millions of survivors report that their lives as survivors are more passionate, fulfilling and joyful than before.
Like me, they feel that nothing is scarier than cancer. They've learned to use fear as a spring board to move out of their comfort zone and into that fully alive, I CAN DO IT feeling. You can too.
Share what you've done that you never believed you could because of cancer and inspire others with your courage here.
Learn more about the empowering aspects of cancer at my
If I Can Do Cancer I Can Do Anything FREE Telecall.
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