A little bit of care.
A little bit of motivation.
A little bit of love.
Hi, I’m Nina and I’m here for you.
How are you, where are you and what are your feelings right now?
Today, I want to share a caring post that I wrote to give you the courage and motivation you may need. Be assured that what I write is always honest, and that’s why it touches your heart.
I believe that when you do something with sincerity, good things happen. Sometimes,
at least once in our lives, we feel like characters from a Hollywood movie or a Netflix TV series. We live in a reality called life. Sometimes it’s like a blockbuster, sometimes a drama, or even a horror. We believe that the director of this scenario is somewhere in the universe—it could be a god, evil, the flow of life, our environment, or even ourselves—depending on our belief system. So, today I am starting this blog with a story that I heard in the hospital, one that left a lasting mark on me.
I've divided this blog into four parts, like scenes in a movie, which will give you some ideas and motivation. I think the post will be original or strange at some points for you by its structure, but still useful to read and share.
Are you ready?
Let’s go.
"Our lives are defined not by the challenges we encounter,
but by how we respond to those challenges."
- Jonathan Lockwood Huie
Scene One: A Little Bit of Care
"I am worried tonight," said Violette. "I am afraid that everything is starting to go wrong."
Her husband was hospitalized and had his first chemotherapy session. The infusion was difficult for him because of its dosage. The fever and vomiting were not the only side effects; their lives began to change entirely. Now, Violette and her husband are together in this battle.
"It would be better to discuss this with his oncologist," someone advised her. "We don't know everything; we just follow the guidelines..." she heard from caregivers. She felt completely confused.
A smile from a caregiver - a message in a bottle? You will read the full story in the next blog.
While care is crucial, finding the strength to push forward despite fear is just as vital.
Scene Two: A Little Bit of Motivation
What do you feel now?
It could be fear - a natural reaction to unpleasant changes. It's like when you see yourself reflecting in the mirror but feel like an empty shell. At that moment, hope may be the only thing you can find in your eyes.
Despite the changes that chemotherapy has caused - like changes to your skin color, hair loss, or even strange appearances in your fingernails - or the constant pain that even Ibuprofen cannot alleviate, it is valid to feel down in this moment.
Despite all of this, you still have yourself: alive, strong, a fighter for your life, capable of defeating death, and much more - you can laugh in the face of death.
You know? You are capable of doing that!
"Don’t worry, you can’t control everything." These words are not just meant to calm you down. Of course, you can’t control the pandemic, but it’s up to you to control your behavior by setting physical boundaries, wearing a mask, and complying with hygiene standards.
There is no option to decide when cancer will occur or how it will spread metastases in the body, but it is possible to take steps to strengthen yourself. Keep track of your symptoms in a health journal, ask doctors questions and seek second opinions if needed. By being actively involved in your treatment plan, you can take responsibility for your care.
Keep the faith.
Focus on your ability to maintain a healthy diet, regular workout, and seeking professional counseling. It can provide strength and endurance.
Trust the timing.
It's necessary to ride the waves and watch for where they lead you through the ups and downs.
Where are you now?
You are right here, somewhere—where hope, faith, and strength reside.
Motivation drives us to keep moving, even when the path is difficult. But love - the love we receive and the love we give - transforms the fight into something meaningful.
Scene Three: A Little Bit of Love
I've met people who worry about their disease, and some decide to give up. They crack under psychological pressure. They see cancer as a death sentence. They might believe it is destiny... I just want you to realize that it is somewhat a matter of making a decision.
You know, it's a choice, in some way. It somehow depends on your mindset.
Some cancer patients believe they cannot escape this disease. They do not fight; they give up easily. It's understandable because some of them may not have access to appropriate treatment.
Some of them have lost the strength of their soul, while others suffer from both physical and emotional battles.
If you feel like you're losing hope, contact support groups, counseling services, or online communities where you can connect with others facing similar challenges.
Reaching out to individuals who comprehend your journey can renew your strength and remind you that you are not alone.
Practice self-compassion and rely on trusted friends or loved ones to support you during tough times.
What have I learned from my experience?
If you have a strong desire to live, you will begin to find ways to survive. You will come across many obstacles, such as material, social, relational, or psychological difficulties, but it is your duty to overcome them.
When you learn to love and appreciate your life, you will receive a gift from the universe. The right people, events, and resources will become your guides.
When facing cancer, your time is limited
Sometimes, fighting cancer is the only path where losing hope is truly dangerous. You need to take the initiative in this battle, as your time is limited. Don't let cancer take the next step. Be the one who controls all actions on the chessboard of this battle.
There is no alternative; you must take the first step. Timely health screenings and treatment are crucial for this reason. When symptoms first appear, you must try to listen to your body and notice any unfamiliar changes.
Cancer can take advantage of your psychological weakness. Feelings of fear, hopelessness, or despair can have a negative impact on your overall health and resilience. Negative thinking can make it harder to endure treatment, maintain a positive outlook, and overcome obstacles in the journey to recovery.
When hopelessness is threatening to consume you, take a step back and reflect. What can you control right now? Assess your situation, and create a plan to fight back with renewed strength.
"I walk the path - the way - the way of ways -
to the end that is not an end."
When confronted with the disease, you may not feel anything, like a sense of apathy. Fear that was previously hidden may return upon the beginning of remission after treatment. This is normal.
Sometimes, there can be no easy way out; staying fearful and passive can lead to losing this battle.
So, take the steps:
First, accept the challenge.
Then, turn an impasse into your opportunity - say, 'There is no other way,' and attack the problem head-on.
Fighting cancer is a journey of ups and downs. Fear is a natural response to change, but it does not have to define you. Focus on what you can control, such as following medical guidance, adopting healthy habits, and seeking support from loved ones and professionals.
Scene Four: My Cancer Journey
At the end of this post, I would like to ask you to imagine cancer as an adversary (or antihero) in your life story, and see yourself as the resilient hero who refuses to give up. Stand up for yourself, keep your head up, and take your weapons—hope, faith, and gratitude. Write some lines about this story, play on the piano, or create a photo collage. It depends on your preference. The goal is to create a story in which you win over cancer. The ending of your work must be positive.
Don't forget to believe in yourself... You are the hero of your own story.
Never forget your strength, and let hope guide your journey.
It's just about timing...
I invite you to share your work with me, whether they are written words, music, or visual art. Together, we can reflect and support each step forward.
Take care of yourself,
The universe needs you.
You matter.
Warmest wishes,
Nina
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