Cancer

Today I wanted to share with you an article I wrote in 2004 and it relates to when I was celebrating being cancer free for four years. This was quite an achievement, because it was my second time around, my first meeting with breast cancer was in 1997.

Here is the link to that article:

http://www.motivationalsteps.com/press/articles/challenge_positive.jsf

The article is short and sweet and was featured in a local newspaper called the Community News.

Why I Share My Life’s Challenges With You

Since I started my first business only a few months after having both my breasts removed, August 2000,  I have shared my stories with you via my newsletter, blogs, podcasts and videos. I do this because it helps me get stuff out of my system so I can let go, but it also helps others who are experiencing challenges of their own. No one likes to feel alone.

Strategies to Cope

We all have different coping mechanisms to get us through tough times. Here are a few ideas which may help you now or in the future:

  • Admit you have a challenge, then you can decide how to deal with that challenge. Trying to forget about it means you may stuff it way back in your sub-conscious.
  • Recognize if you are feeling stressed.
  • Write down your thoughts and list the things that you can change and the things you have to accept will be in your life for however long your challenge exists.
  • Set attainable goals. For instance if your goal is health related you might set a goal to visit your health professional. 
  • Treat yourself to something special, such as a new outfit, a meal at your favourite restaurant, or a vacation.
  • Exercise in moderation. Walk in the park, join a gym, or use a video to exercise at home.
  • Make sure you get enough sleep, between 7 – 8 hours appears to be the specified time to sleep for optimal benefit.

The Present Time

It’s now 2017 and I have come a long way since I wrote that article in 2004, both professionally and personally. I have had many more health challenges, and I am dealing with some health issues at the moment. It’s not easy, in fact my way of coping with the stress is to let it out, I cry, I talk about my fears and then I get on with what I enjoy. I love spending time with my family and I love my work.

Life is what we make it, however much time we have to enjoy, making the most of every day is important.