Having cancer and facing all the implications surrounding the process is a life-changing opportunity for personal growth in every aspect of your life. It’s an opportunity to enhance yourself, your relationships and your spirit. Illness often “disconnects” us from what is precious and vital. Finding meaningful connections and maintaining connections we already have is one of the most challenging aspects of events that significantly upset the structure of our life.
When we are knocked off our center s and we are out of balance a mighty struggle ensues. How we grapple with the issues determines the outcome. Perhaps there are things in our life that have been bothering us for a long time. Maybe we need to say, “I’m sorry” to an old friend. Perhaps we need to eliminate people who drag us down, not with any animosity, but with an open-hearted knowledge that it is the right thing to do. Maybe it’s time to finally get that dog we always wanted. Maybe it’s time to let go of the big house in the country and buy a small place in the city. now could be the time to finally visit Italy or go to canoeing down the river.
When our very lives are challenged we often find ourselves searching for a deeper spiritual or religious experience. Perhaps we go back to our childhood religion. Maybe we become involved with an alternative community. We could start a meditation practice.
We might begine to pain or knit. We might read more. We might be more conscious about how we get pleasure or how we offer love.
The doors that open because of the suffering we feel are often the greatest gifts of our lives. None of us knows the extend of the beauty that awaits us.
Challenge yourself to be open to all the possibilities.
Diane Strausser, MSS, LISW, is the CEO of successful relationships studios, focusing on helping people build successful and lasting relationships. She also owns Passtionate Healing,a program designed to not only enhance the relationships of cancer couples, but to utilize the relationship as part of the healing process. Visit www.successfulrelationships.com or www.passionatehealing.org for more info.
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