Since I’ve been in recovery mode for the past five years, I should be an expert at it by now. Or quite possibly just a straggler dragging my feet until I decide how to start living again in the *gasp* real world. We need people which is funny coming from someone who pushed everyone away and pretended she didn’t need love. I’m getting off track which is probably for the best. Who wants to hear about the basics of recovery? I do.
- Support system – friends, family, coworkers, therapist.
- Healthy eating – fruits, vegetables, lean meat, whole grains.
- Exercise – cardio, strength building, yoga, meditation.
- Creative outlet – painting, sewing, karate, writing, dancing.
- Faith in something – higher power, the universe, a rock star, television character, boyfriend, grandma, yourself.
- Determination – the grace and grit to get the job done.
- A sense of humor – the ability to laugh at yourself because life is funny.
- Gratitude – a deep appreciation for everything that we have.
- Connection with nature – trees, water, plants, birds, the sky.
- Find your purpose – soul calling, passion, what brings you joy?
The most important thing is to be kind to yourself and have faith that you will feel better. I wanted to be 100% back to normal. I put a lot of pressure on myself because a) I thought it was possible and b) my ego couldn’t handle the setback. I was the last one to realize cancer was going to change me that it had changed me. My mind/body/spirit went through a hurricane, the proverbial “dark night of the soul.” Instead of falling victim to post-traumatic stress, we can choose post-traumatic growth. What can I learn from this? How to treat myself with loving kindness. What are the inherent gifts of struggle? We become more appreciative of life.
It’s my job as a survivor to show the world that I survived the storm. Whatever that looks like: fast, slow, grouchy, giggling, blooming or withered. I give myself credit for being a brave warrior and notice that in some ways I have changed for the better. I am stronger and wiser. I see more clearly and hear more deeply. Changing my mentality from an angry victim to a proud survivor hasn’t been easy. Every day, I send light to the darkness and choose love over fear. Making peace with my new normal is a humbling experience making me realize how silly I was to doubt my beauty and youth.
Affirmation: “I am confident and capable, I am healthy and strong.”
Namaste,
Julie