Five things I learned from living with cancer
In late 2016 I was diagnosed with stage 3 colon cancer. I went through several surgeries and chemo therapy and am very fortunate to say that so far the cancer has not come back.
During this time of many ups and downs I realised a couple of things which I would like to share with you:
- Man plans – god laughs: Do not spend your time making elaborate and long term life or career plans. The more detailed your plan, the more likely you will be disappointed down the road because – believe me – stuff will happen that will definitely mess up your plans.
- Live in the moment: I spent many years of my life always looking forward to things. Rarely did I stop to really appreciate the moment. And if you happen to enjoy a specific moment, share this with the people around you by telling them. If you like someone’s company – tell them out loud or give them a hug.
- Relationships are the pillars of your life: When I was being prepped for an eight hour surgery I was not thinking about my house, my car or all the stuff that I had added to my life thinking that they would provide me happiness. I was thinking about my family and friends. I was thinking about things I might have done differently. I was thinking about regrets. When I got out of surgery I told myself to focus more on the really important things.
- Really – you can not buy happiness: As mentioned above, filling your life with “things” can only give you short term happiness, if at all. You can’t take any of this stuff with you anyway.
- Put a smile on your face: Studies have shown that frequent smiling strengthens your immune system and makes you happier. Yes – Smile even if there’s nothing to smile about or if you’re worrying about something. You can do it while stuck in traffic or wherever you want. Believe me – it works !
So if you’re reading this and you’re thinking “this is all common sense – I don’t get why he’s even sharing this” then congratulations to you ! But maybe for some of you the above points can be helpful.