At this time of year most people reflect on what they're grateful for; family, friends and faith are common topics.
And while I, too, am grateful for those things, since receiving a diagnosis of cancer last summer, I now view gratitude a bit differently.
Like many cancer patients, when I first heard my diagnosis, I was stunned, afraid, and even angry. However, it didn't take me long to learn the importance of a positive attitude. That wasn't always easy. The way I improved my ability to maintain positivity was to focus on those things I could still be grateful for. Some days it wasn't easy. But I began to thank God when I woke up alive. And when I was strong enough to walk outside. Then, too, my family, friends, and faith were always things I remembered to mention.
It was a choice. We've all heard the old adage, "to be happy is to make the choice to be happy." I believe the same can be said for being grateful. After working on this new habit for several weeks, I realized it wasn't just an exercise anymore; I could actually feel the gratitude in my heart. I began to find it easier to deal with my diagnosis, and to accept the treatment plan recommended for me by my oncologist of two surgeries and four cycles of chemotherapy. Even more surprising is that I'm even grateful for it; it just might save my life.
Now I'm grateful for many things that on the surface might look like a negative. So many of these challenges are really beautiful lessons about life in disguise.
Am I grateful for having cancer? I'm still working on it.
Hope you have a lovely Thanksgiving Weekend!
 |
| After two surgeries; prior to chemotherapy |
