8 things having cancer has taught me

Adapted from http://www.huffingtonpost.com/annie-buckley/lessons-from-cancer_b_4248090.html

I recently read a Stranger’s blog post which was essentially the Top 12 things she had learned throughout her cancer journey. I found I really related to it so thought I would have a go at doing my own Top 10 list, but in the end I only came up with eight. Here they are:

1.       Don’t sweat the small stuff. When you are feeling really wound up about something, step back and ask yourself is it really that important? What would happen if this thing did or did not happen? Does it really matter?

2.       Nothing is as important as people. We cannot exist in a vacuum and we cannot live this life alone. 

3.       People are generally compassionate, vulnerable, complicated and, most of the time, trying to do the right thing. Give people (and yourself) a break.

4.       In the face of tragedy, no one thinks they know the right thing to say. And maybe they don't, but if you're the recipient, listen for what's helpful and let the rest go.

5.       One thing I have found over and over during this challenging time is that I am incredibly grateful for so many things. Take time to sit back and enjoy the world around you.

6.       Everybody is different and every illness has its own path. We can learn from statistics and data, but we can never know exactly what someone else is experiencing.

7.       It's possible, but not necessary, to cram a whole lot of things into one day. (I know from experience, and likely you do too.) But what if we all did a little bit less, a little bit better, and enjoyed it all a whole lot more?

8.       Get/have at least one of the following: income protection insurance, serious illness cover or life insurance. Although money is not the be all and end all, when you unexpectedly find yourself out of work, not having to worry about money can be a saving grace. If you can avoid adding financial woes to an already very stressful time then why wouldn’t you? And none of us think it is going to happen to us – I sure didn’t.

That’s it from me this week.Til next time.........