Survivor Experiences-Anonymous

Survivor Experiences-Anonymous(March 20, 2019)

Cancer Survivor experiences (whatsapp group on My Emotional health- my choice)

As I was replying to the message(March 20,2019) by members in the emotional health group, my mind was flooded with all the memories of my treatment days.

It’s nearly 5 years post diagnosis for me.
I was just wondering how far I have come.
Each passing year has been like a learning curve for me.
The ups and downs of every year have taught me many valuable lessons.

Today, I would like to write a bit about the internal struggle that each survivor has post treatment.

Over the years, I have learnt how important it is to build a mental frame-work which can help you have a better relationship with yourself.

Cancer treatment can make you so vulnerable that you can sometimes be your worst critic.

The feeling of not being good enough as your body has gone through a lot of changes.

The fear of a relapse whenever there is an ache or pain.

The emotional stress of accepting the new normal pretending that you are alright now and are ready to take on the world where nothing feels the same as before.

It is true that your support ecosystem, whether it’s family, friends, relatives or support- groups definitely has a role to play in your emotional well-being but more than that it’s your mental strength that is the most important factor to decide how you move on with life after cancer.

I have completely relied on this to battle my cancer.

I have believed that, what I am experiencing is part of a bigger life plan.

My “goal” is to embrace the journey and celebrate whatever experiences I have along the way.

I recently came across a powerful quote on the internet:

“You have power over your mind, not outside events. Realize this, and you will find strength.” ―Marcus Aurelius

We all have a choice.
We can choose an inner dialogue of self-encouragement and self-motivation, or we can choose one of self-defeat and self-pity.

The loudest voice you hear is your own inner voice, your self-critic. It can be optimistic or pessimistic.
The key is to realize it’s not what happens to you that matters; it’s how you choose to respond.

How I talk to myself, what is the inner conversation I have with myself has actually given me the power to focus on the imbalance in life and pick myself again and get going.

I saw a shift in my life and goals as I started embracing my authentic self.

I’ve learnt the power of feeling my emotions instead of resisting, running from, or numbing myself to myself to them.

Anonymous