Given the trajectory of 2020, majority of people were keen for the year to end for well-justified reasons. The chaos that the Covid-19 pandemic threw our world into was of the kind of magnitude we never expected.
For those impacted by cancer, it was a double whammy of stress that led to later diagnoses, disrupted treatments and isolation. The start of this year is has been welcomed with cautious optimism and hope of better living conditions as well as restoration of some of the things we took for granted.
Indeed, 2021 is a fresh canvas, a new beginning for all.
The truth though is that in similar ways to years gone by, wishful thinking is of no use to anyone. There needs to be planning backed by the right mindset if this would be a fulfilling new year.
No matter how cancer has impacted your life or that of a loved one; a satisfying life is one that you make room for not only with words but with reciprocal action too.
Sunrise by Jessica Ruscello – Unsplash
Here are a few pointers that are crucial if you want 2021 to be the kind of life that you desire:
- The power of a positive mindset
No matter where you are in your cancer new normal, it is important to know that the past is a place to learn from not where to put your focus. Despite the prognosis, treatment journey or mishaps in times past; 2021 offers a clean slate. You get to write on it what you genuinely want, and this begins with the kind of mindset you choose daily. Whilst you might have no control over some parts of the clinical journey, the thoughts you dwell upon as well as what you feed on are entirely your choice. I can tell you from experience that even in the darkest of times when I was faced with the loss of a loved one, that still holds true. My choice to recognise that it was a process that I can get journey through well with support was a game-changer
- The importance of a plan for fulfilment
What represents fulfilment and a satisfactory life varies from one person to the next. It is important for you to know what matters to you and write it down. You might be wondering why this is necessary after all, you might have seemingly simple wishes. As you have already figured out by now, the cancer journey is neither predictable nor fair whatever the measure you choose.
Your resolve to be positive, strong and hopeful would be tested to the limits. Not all days would be like that though. Be wise with the times when you are in a good space mentally and emotionally. Those are the moments to think carefully about what kind of future you want and steps you can take to get there. For example, if creating special memories with your loved ones matter to you, then make plans to do something about it. In these days of restrictions or lockdown, that might be a Zoom party to connect with your loved ones. The important thing is to start with what you have rather than bemoan what you do not.
- The place of self-care
Have you ever wondered why there are so many reminders for self-care including this current one? A Google search for the word would yield enough results to make your head spin. Here is the crux of the matter, in times of crisis, prioritising every aspect of your wellbeing often drops off the priority list due to other things competing for your attention. Physical health is given prime attention as it is seen as the most important one to address. That is a grievous mistake to make. Mental, emotional and psychological wellbeing are just as important – after all a deficit in any of those areas harms physical health too.
Tomatoes by Max Delsid Unsplash
As you make plans to look after your physical health, make concrete plans to nurture other parts of your wellbeing as they all form part of the whole you. The reality of mental and emotional health struggles after diagnosis is very real. No one is exempt – whether you are a patient, ex-patient or loved one; look after yourself and do not be ashamed to ask for help if you need to. My favourite mantra is “asking for help is a sign of strength not of weakness”.
Be it professional help or your closest and dearest; find those with empathy to support you along the journey. That would lighten the load and help you to treasure the new beginning that each day in 2021 gives you. And so, you should because it is a precious gift indeed.
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