10 things that are helping my friend recover from cancer
Monday, December 29, 2008 at 6:28AM Increasingly, people are realizing they know someone who has had cancer or, who is experiencing it right now. You may have known this experience yourself. Illness and healing are very personal journeys. No two people's experiences are exactly the same.
Youmay read biographies of seemingly miraculous recoveries and wonder how on Earth it is possible. You may ask yourself what is happening with your own body, mind and spirit, or those of someone you know. You may be ready to consider things you had not before.
In speaking with friends and loved ones who have been caught off guard with a variety of symptoms, I have put together a list of 15 things that are effectively helping one close friend recover from cancer. If you have another illness or know someone suffering from an ailment, these ideas could help. Healing is not specific to one kind of illness. It is a process that begins inside;
1) Believe you are already healed. Positive, mentalenergy goes a long way to manifesting well-being. If you do not believe in your inner power, then doubt sends out undesirable vibes into the universe.
2) Surround yourself by people who believe you will recover. To choose a personal and professional entourage who believe in your ability to stretch and gain something meaningful from your illness will help you grow and heal.
3) Respect the healing power of rest. The physical body works in mysterious ways. You are constantly mending and repairing, but at a different rate when you slow your pace. Sleep is a time when the body undergoes incredible levels of repair. Honor that.
4) Realize you have intrinsic value. Who you are is not based on how you appear, on what you can or cannot do. As you grow inward to accept what you can do at every moment, then you are sowing seeds of love. Self-acceptance has invisible, healing power.
5) Challenge yourself based on your current capacities. Chronic pain, fatigue and weakened faculties alter your energy level. Nonetheless, you can always find sources of motivation. It can be as simple as getting yourself to the toilet, finding strength to sit up or get out of bed, or getting dressed. Each effort is a milestone.
6)Periodically redefine your priorities. In order to get the most out of where you are and how you feel, it makes sense to re-evaluate your situation in ways that reinforce progress. It is not how many things you do that matters but. Focus energy in directions that move you forward.
7) Focus on your developing resiliency. You are in better shape that you give yourself credit for. The more you reinforce the positive points about where yo uare and how far you have come, the more strength your will develop on mental, physical, spiritual and other unseen levels.
8) Limit your intake of news media. Tv, radio and other sources of media tend toward a negative slant. You have no need to hear about murder, casulaties and conflict during your healing journey.
9) Focus on what you can do. rather than think about lack or disability, focus on every step you take as being an encouraging one. You need not measure things in phyicality or temporality. Gauge based on feeling. As you realize you control how you think and feel, you can focus on joy, determination and healing in ways that make sense to you at every moment.
10) Break everything down into steps you can handle. If you feel the need to learn things from scratch, then do not be afraid to do that. You only ever compete with yourself. This is not a race. Patience, understanding, tolerance and faith and trust are the kinds of qualities yo uare developing in new ways.
Reader Comments (18)
All of these tips are marvelous. Often times people just want to be reminded that they are not alone. Thank you for assisting your friend and everyone else who reads this post. You are a special blessing.
Previously, if I drank a glass of beer, my skin would tingle and many small bumps would appear on my skin like I had been bitten by mosquitos. I think that I'm not meant to drink beer. But I wonder why other people do not have any problems? They are also human beings like me. I decided to fight my allergy to beer. Contrary to my anger, I drank a glass of beer everyday and would't stop until the allergy stopped. Now, my allergy against beer never comes again. Believe it or not, that's my true experience.
What a great post--and I would also add that your tips for healing from cancer are good advice for anyone who is suffering from any condition.
As you what you said about the prevalence of cancer--that is so true! Right now, I have an aunt, a colleague and a close friend who are all battling the disease. I plan to pass them along your guidelines.
I also wanted to stop by and wish you peace and happiness in the New Year. May 2009 be filled with joyous light for you.
Take care, friend--
Melinda
I remember a suggestion I read years ago to visualize that all the cells of your body are bright yellow happy faces. I've tried it and quite enjoyed the feeling.
I have added your link to my new blog :)
Genuinely,
Loving Annie
There are so many people who could use your words of love, wisdom and encouragement today! Your friend indeed is blessed to have you along for the journey.
As for me personally I "expect" so called miraculous healing today because I have learned to realize and grow to understand that it is not only possible it is so much within our potential. Our bodies were meant to heal themselves - but of course we must first believe that to be true.
P.S.I absolutely love the new look of your site!!!! So well done!
Joyce
http://www.videophonesguide.com
Healing is a process of learning to love yourself differently, more authentically. You may even evolve to describe love as a state of being that expresses itself through people so they can heal themselves. As you send out love, you will sense evidence of healing within yourself and others. Light-heartedness is a positive sign.
But yes, now this one aside from the great look also shows up perfectly. Well thought out!
This is so pertinent. A couple of months back a very close friend of mine was diagnosed with cancer. It was a great shock. She has just started treatment and she is having a torrid time.
It will be so good for me to have some useful ideas as to how to help.
Thank you so much,
Juliet