From Cancer Victim ... to Survivor

I am a Survivor     In January of 2012, I had the opportunity to be the keynote speaker at the opening ceremony for the American Cancer Society's Relay for Life Grayson County team. I wrote the poem below and read it at the end of my talk. Numerous copies of the poem were printed and placed on card stock and given out for donations.   My Relay For Life Regret, as I hear “You have cancer” – the dreaded “C” word Effects of treatments – physically and mentally a challenge Life changing - physically, emotionally, and financially Always waiting for results after treatments and tests Yearning for remission; hoping for the “finish” line Filled with lots of drama, tears, anxiety, & sleepless nights Onward I fight with all that I have; surrounded by love Remain strong and keep positive; never give up hope   Living a healthier life; whole grains, raw organic veggies In remission; now cancer free; prevention is the key Forever a survivor; a life changed – a better me Every day I’m still alive is a gift; I will live it to the fullest                                        - by Dawn Lauridsen, January 16, 2012 Relay For Life events are life-changing cancer fundraising events that help communities across the globe fight back against cancer. http://www.relayforlife.org/ See my cancer short story at http://www.dawnmichellecreations.net/About_Us.html

 

Steps to a Happy Life (part 4)

Steps to a Happy Life with Positive Attitude

Step 4: Reinforce Positivity in Yourself

Once I started thinking more positively and adapted to a more positive attitude, I realized I had to reinforce these thoughts and behaviors in myself so they would stick. As with any sort of training, practice makes perfect, and, yes, you can practice being positive.

The best and easiest way to do this is to be positive when it comes to who you are. Tell yourself you’re awesome. Tell yourself you look good. Tell yourself that you love and accept yourself completely. Tell yourself you did an awesome job at work or raising your kids or whatever it is you do.

 

 

Be honest with yourself, but do your best to look for the good. And, whatever you do, don’t focus on the negative. Nothing good can come of telling yourself that your butt’s too big or your latest career goal wasn’t met.

It’s okay to not like everything about yourself (yet), but don’t spend energy dwelling on the negative. Remind yourself of the good in you. We all have positive attributes and it’s up to you to remind yourself of them every day.