A less emotionally gruelling post today

I am often asked how I can be so full of joy when I have a terminal diagnosis. The answer is complex but part of it is that I use the tools and techniques I teach in workshops on myself. I take my own medicine…because it is good stuff.

Over the next few posts I’ll share the techniques and strategies I use to maintain my emotional resilience and to enjoy my cancer journey to the max.

The one thing they all share in common is practice. Practice makes everything. 

We have programmed ourselves over years and years of reacting and adapting to the environment in order to survive. It is impossible to undo that by simply making one little change…..once

In my experience the one thing that gets in the way of personal change on any level is lack of consistent follow through. That follow through that turns a new chosen behaviour into a new habit. 

So if you want to explore using any of these techniques, be prepared to give them weeks and months to work and, even better, try them out without any massive expectations.

So here’s one simple technique that I use to build and maintain my resilience in the face of adversity and challenge.

Most of us know of these things we call….

Affirmations or positive self affirmations

When I first learnt of these 30 years ago I had a very cynical view of them. I considered them to be a bit cheesy and American…a bit woo woo. I was put off by terms such as “manifestation” and the inevitable links to wealth creation. In my experience they are not about saying a prayer to the universe and then magically winning the lottery. They don’t have to be about that.

In reality they are about gently and slightly helping your brain to make and take a different perspective

Here is an example of an affirmation I have used extensively over the years to train my brain to look at the world more positively.

It goes like this….

“I believe something wonderful will happen today” 

Try saying that to yourself three times every morning out loud for the next 3 months. See what the effect is.

Another I use consistently through this part of my cancer journey is this

“I believe anything and everything is possible.”

Having something as scary as a cancer diagnosis in your life can awaken old, deeply held beliefs about yourself that you thought you had got rid of. Those negative beliefs cause stress in your psyche.

Using affirmations regularly, and often, for decently long periods of time can help to neutralise those negative beliefs. 

Affirmations can, if you allow them to, lead to a whole mindset and perspective change.

That’s it. Try them.

Remember I’m sharing these to change our personal narratives and language around cancer journeys and because me and my friends are on a fund raising drive for 3 outstanding causes.

Take a look at our page here and all shares will be appreciated

Remember, I have cancer and I am not a victim