This is dedicated to those of you who have struggled with illness or other disruptive life events like changes in job status or family issues.
When I was diagnosed with cancer five months ago, many very special people told me to give myself some grace during that time. I said thank you and carried on. It’s what I do. I asked for a little help, but not too much. I didn’t want to be a burden on others. It’s probably what you do too – right?
Along the way, I dropped a few balls. I missed a few deadlines. I did a little less, but still tried to keep up. Tried to keep delivering. As a small business owner, professional, mother, wife, sister, caregiver, it’s what we do – right? We try to keep going without anyone noticing.
I started feeling guilty. I wasn’t keeping up. My testers and editors were finding more issues. A few complaints showed up in my mailbox. I dealt with them swiftly and with many apologies. I was starting to get down. You have been there, I am sure. You start letting things get to you more than usual. And you deserve it right. You should have done things differently. You are kicking yourself.
Then, I remembered what others had said in the beginning. Give yourself some grace. What exactly does that mean?
I decided to look it up. Goodness knows there are enough answers on the internet. I found a wonderful article, which I will paraphrase here.
- No one is perfect. Pick happiness over perfection.
- Try to laugh instead of cry. Laughter is wonderful medicine.
- Set boundaries. Get better at saying NO and meaning it.
- Forgive yourself. You are probably your strongest critic.
- Change your mindset. Try finding silver linings instead of falling skies.
- Practice gratitude. Count your blessings.
- Be kind to yourself. Do something nice for you. You deserve it.
- Stop comparing yourself to others. The internet only shows you the extremes – people’s perfect moments or worst disasters, not their everyday lives.
- Celebrate the little things. Count the small VICTORIES. They add up.
- Let go. Put your negative feelings in a bubble and let them float away. It is a good mental exercise.
Why am I sharing this?? I know I am not alone in my struggles – cancer survivor or not. Small business owner or not. Wife, mother, daughter, sister… whatever label we use. We all struggle. We all need a little grace.
So today, I am going to practice a little gratitude. I am thankful for all of you who have been patient with me and shown me kindness, especially this year. You are wonderful and have really made a difference.
I am also going to celebrate a small victory. Today, I rang the bell.
Some of you know what this means. For those of you who don’t, it means my treatment is over. I have beat cancer.
It still means I have some preventative medicine to take. I still have to try to live a “healthy lifestyle”. I still need to be diligent about self-exams and mammograms. And so do you…
Thank you for everything
