Living With Cancer; Not Dying From Cancer

As I continue along my cancer journey, I learn not to concentrate or even contemplate about curing my disease. Research funds are being cut right and left.  Cancer is touching millions of people per year. Some cancers go away with treatment and somehow find a way to return. There is no time to wait; I only have these moments to live. I need to decide what I want to pay attention to in these moments.

I’ve decided to live with cancer and not die from it. Deciding not to die from cancer, I learned how to heal. What does healing mean to me and what could it mean to you?

Healing means to become whole. It is time to transcend my fears and relate differently to my illness. My goal is to achieve an attitudinal and emotional transformation. I do this by accepting my situation and choosing a relationship that enhances my healing. Most importantly I understand that body, mind, heart, and spirit are inseparably interwoven and unified thus achieving wholeness.  If healing is to be complete, all the dimensions of who I am must be addressed.

It simply means I strive to live each day in a state of love and forgiveness that allows my heart to be free, whole, and released from all judgment, despair, and resentment.

What must I do to achieve wholeness right now?

1. Educate myself regarding the best nutrition plan to nourish every cell. That does not mean supersizing at a fast food establishment. It means eating whole foods, non processed, or raised with hormones, antibiotics, or pesticides.
2. Create a positive social support system and relish in play and creativity.
3. Practice positive self-talk. Thoughts color our experiences and can have a powerful positive or negative effect on health and well-being.
4. Practice awareness of living in the moment without judgment and appreciating the very breath you breathe.
5. Do not become attached to expected outcomes. Everything changes; know you have the strength to move through the tough times.
6. Remember your soul (another part of you other than your physical body) is timeless and eternal, and remains strong, healthy, and powerful, no matter what your physical circumstances. Recognizing the nature of your spiritual self and the potential for healing deepens and expands

When you know who you are -- all that you are -- fear melts away, your being is filled with acceptance, joy, and love, and the ultimate journey of healing and discovery begins. You become whole.

What will you practice today to become whole and heal body, mind, and spirit?

"Only when you drink from the river of silence shall you indeed sing. And when you have reached the mountaintop, then you shall begin to climb.”   -Kahlil Gibran

Comments

[Susan Trivers]

Roz,
You're an inspiration! Thank you for using your precious time to help everyone.
I am especially taken with your point #5-don't become attached to specific outcomes. I am reminded that I often become so focused on a desired goal that I miss too much of what else is going on at the same time. All of it is my life and I don't want to miss it.

[Roz]

Thank you Susan for your comments regarding "not becoming too attached to expected outcomes."

Yes, goals are important, and we need a sense of focus. However, I have found both in the research domain and in daily living when I am able to be open to all possible outcomes, and not dependent on my expectations, I am able to re-adjust my attitude and discover another way to accomplish my goals. The goal may not change; the approach may and subsequently positive energy is harnessed which inturn results in a sense of accomplishment. I do become fully aware of the present moment. This approach seems to be much less stressful than being disappointed.

[Lou]

Roz,
What a great mindset for all forms of adversity. And one that if consistently applied might even help us avoid some self-generated adversity.
And kudos on the name, Cancer Rocks! I used it in a recent post on my blog as a powerful example of one technique for creating sound bites.

[Roz]

Thank you Lou for your most welcomed thoughts. Our minds have so much power if we let go of our egos and allow ourselves to accept the gifts each of us contribute to the universe.

Your advice on "Speaking To Lead" is also a gift that reduces stress associated with interfacing with the media as well as speaking to anyone. When we are at peace with ourselves and pay attention to the gifts others give to us, we can accomplish much.