The holiday season can be such a happy time of the year. However, for someone dealing with cancer, whether newly diagnosed, in treatment, a long-term survivor, or living with metastatic breast cancer, the holiday season can bring up a whole range of emotions.
This has always been the season for me to focus on reflection, goal setting, and planning for the future. I'm sad to say that has changed some since my diagnosis, and I tend to spend more time wondering and worrying about the future than I do making plans.
LET'S BE HONEST, CANCER SUCKS
As thankful as I am to be alive and thriving and to be able to spend time with my loved ones, even if primarily through phone calls or video chats, I still struggle at times with contrasting emotions. I can go from joyful and happy to sad and anxious in a heartbeat.
I remind myself that it's okay when those not-so-cheerful feelings creep in. All our emotions are valid, and it's okay to acknowledge them, whether happy or sad.
It's okay to express these feelings to our family and friends. Cancer sucks, and it is sometimes cathartic to acknowledge that!
NOT EVERY DAY IS A HAPPY HOLIDAY
As much as the holidays are known as a time to be happy, joyful, and festive....remember that even perfectly healthy people sometimes struggle to be "in the holiday spirit" during this time of year.
DON'T SUFFER IN SILENCE
If those sad and anxious thoughts and feelings take up too much space in your head, share the burden with family, friends, or a health professional.
And please be patient, compassionate, and gentle with yourself. I'll bet even Santa isn't jolly ALL the time!
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