Cancer Fighters Thrive is a quarterly print and online magazine bringing readers practical, innovative and inspirational information about cancer treatment and survivorship.
Issue link: http://cancerfightersthrive.epubxp.com/i/259111
26 cancer fighters thrive | spring 2014 cf thrive. com RESILIENCY AND FLEXIBILIT Y COUNT When it comes to making these transfor- mative changes, there will always be chal- lenges and obstacles to overcome. To make the transition as smooth as possible, Dr. Bornfriend says some behavioral and attitu- dinal changes may be in order. "Te people who fare the best in the face of monumental life stress tend to be more fexible than oth- ers," she says. "Teir resilience comes from assessing a situation, moving into it and then adjusting accordingly." Along with resiliency and fexibility, Dr. Bornfriend says a degree of humil- ity can also help patients make the best choices when shifing their priorities and developing new goals and aspirations for themselves. "Take responsibility for your behavior and commit to making the best possible choices for your individual situ- ation," she recommends. "Understand that you'll probably make some mistakes along the way, but that as long as you ac- knowledge your actions and decisions, you'll wind up well positioned to enjoy your renewed priorities." Frank Kuhar adds that treating every day as a new awakening and a gif can help cancer patients and survivors keep everything in perspective. "Tere was a time when every day was just another day, and my mind was always on what needed to get done next," he says. "Tese days my wife and I both appreciate life more and enjoy this wonderful second chance that we've been given." "Slow down and appreciate your experi- ences," she says. "Tis isn't the time to get hyper-vigilant and overly stressed about your job, your mortgage and your car pay- ments. Try to take it easy on yourself, tackle what you can and leave the rest to others." TAMING THE RAT RACE In today's busy society, it is easy to get caught up in the rat race. From the mo- ment you wake up in the morning until you rest your head on your pillow at night, the demands on your time and energy are constant. When a cancer diagnosis rears its head, Dr. Bornfriend says, many patients begin to approach daily demands from a diferent perspective. Instead of rushing through dinner while thinking about what they have to do next, over-scheduling their days and nights or over-committing them- selves, patients ofen adopt a more laid- back mindset and focus on enjoying life. And while stepping of the hamster wheel may sound alarming at frst, the ex- ercise can actually be quite liberating and life altering. "You start to appreciate the experiences around you instead of rushing through the day, trying to get everything crossed of your to-do list," Dr. Bornfriend points out. "You become centered in your own world and, as a result, are better able to assess what's really important and what's not." As that hamster wheel fades in the rear- view mirror, survivors tend to move into a period where long-term life changes—like opening a horse farm—begin to take shape. Working 12 hours a day and striving for millionaire status suddenly become less im- portant than creating an enjoyable lifestyle. Personal passions may come front and cen- ter at this time: A patient who worked as an ofce equipment salesperson for many years and spent a few hours a week volunteering with at-risk youth, for example, may fnd that making a diference is now a priority and would cut back on work hours to be able to spend more time volunteering. Dr. Bornfriend is quick to point out that cancer patients should use the same care and attention when developing their newfound dreams that they have relied on historically. "Tis isn't the time to throw everything aside and join the circus," she says, "but if the idea of selling ofce equipment isn't ex- citing or fulflling anymore, then defnitely look into allotting more time to the activities that you enjoy." SPECIAL FEATURE Six Questions to Ask Yourself If you are ready to change your life's priorities but are not quite sure where to start, consider these six questions: 1. What makes me feel happy and fulflled? 2. What am I doing on a daily basis that I don't really enjoy doing? 3. What types of activities and tasks do I enjoy the most? 4. Is there something that I would like to do that I have never tried? 5. If money were not an issue, how would I spend my time? 6. What can I feasibly begin doing today that would make me happier? cftSp#23vky.indd 26 2/3/14 11:15 PM