Happy June! The energy in Cleveland has been incredible! The city is still buzzing from the Cavs NBA Finals victory!! Of course you’re all aware of this but it’s worth repeating: The Cavs just won the NBA championship, the first team in NBA history to win after trailing 3-1 in the NBA finals!! What makes this championship even sweeter is the fact that a Cleveland sports team has not won a championship in 52 years!
It’s a great reminder that anything is possible, that one should never give up even when things are looking near to impossible. To me, that is what resilience is all about.
According to the American Psychological Association, “resilience is the process of adapting well in the face of adversity, trauma, tragedy, threats or significant sources of stress—such as family and relationship problems, serious health problems or workplace and financial stressors. It means, ‘bouncing back’ from difficult experiences.”
This is what I see cancer survivors do every day.
As we know, grappling with cancer can be extremely challenging, not only physically, but mentally and emotionally too.
But what is the common factor I see in cancer survivors that “bounce back” bigger than ever?
They take a good, hard look at their lives and are willing to make changes.
Now I know that change can be difficult, but as my fitness instructor often says, “No challenge, No change.” Of course she’s referring to changing our bodies, but how true that simple statement is in every aspect of life.
Even though we wouldn’t necessarily ask for them, it is our challenges that help us grow and make our “victories” that much sweeter. These challenges, if we choose to learn from them, are ultimately what make us better, stronger, happier, more fulfilled people.
What is the first step to making necessary changes?
Become aware of the challenges you may be facing by asking yourself the following questions:
- What is cancer trying to teach me?
- What are some changes I need to make to be healthier?
- How are my relationships?
- Am I holding on to resentment towards someone or something?
After answering these questions you may be surprised by how much cancer can teach you!
With love and good health,
