Lessons Learned
- Deb Dekoff
- May 18, 2017
- 3 min read
Cancer has inadvertently taught me much. Here are a few lessons learned.
Lesson #1
Take care of yourself. On every plane ride, flight attendants tell you to "secure the mask on your face before placing it on others". If you don't take care of yourself, you cannot take care of others.
For me, this means continuing to work out - hard. It means getting enough sleep as my body continues to heal.
Lesson #2
It's okay to say, "No".
Life throws many "obligations" at us - but are they really things we "have to" do?
If you don't want to do it, don't have to do it, don't take it on.
You don't need "one more thing" added to an already flimsy plate. Simply, saying no to someone's request may be saying yes to you.
And you deserve some yeses.
Lesson #3
Make the "bad" good - or at least fun. I would never have cut my hair this short, nor colored it purple, blue, or dark gray. I would never have had stripes or designs at my nape. But hair grows back. This is temporary.
If something can be turned around, won't harm anybody or anyone, go for it. If it's ephemeral, have fun with it.
Lesson #4
Share what you've learned.
You've learned something -share it. Your experience can help others better cope and help them to realize they are not alone.
Knowledge is best shared.
Lesson #5 Find the positive.
I've made new friends - many of whom I would never had met otherwise.
I've learned a LOT. I've researched and read, and know more about cancer, cancer care, and the machinations of being thrust into this turmoil. And hey, who wants to be around a negative?
Lesson #6 Feed your soul.
Do what make you soar.
Hobby? Practice it.
Let your soul soar.
Lesson #7 Feed your body Feeding your body with the best of foods keeps it happy.
Eliminate the junk.
I've gone to "if it doesn't come out the ground looking like that - don't eat it". Proper nutrition is necessary to health.
Lesson #8
Hydrate well. We can see the results of an unwatered plant. Can you feel the results of a dehydrated you? Get a water bottle (I use Avex) with hydration marks on the side of the 25 oz bottle. I make it a point to have a bottle at work, in my car, and in my gym bag. Hydration helps to eliminate toxins.
Lesson #9
It's okay to ask for and need help. I've always been one to do it myself. Perhaps this comes from "God helps those who helps themselves" - engrained in my head since I was a kid. You want it? Figure it out. Do it. But sometimes we cannot "do" or begin to "do". Ask for help. Most people are happy to assist.
Lesson #10 You are your own best advocate.Speak up.
Speak out. Just speak.
Lesson #11
What they don't tell you is as important as what they do tell you.
This "negative option" is truly unspoken. You must discover and uncover it.
It's part of the knowledge is power - and ignorance is bliss package.
Be knowledgeable.
Lesson #12
Surround yourself with those whom you love and who love you. There is strength in numbers. And when life beats you up, love lifts you up. Here's to the uplift of love.
Commentaires