Only just beginning to read about the journey you’ve already been through, but thanks for sharing this. It’s amazing how tough times can help us to develop so much resilience.
Serena, your story is so inspiring. Strength is so many different things. Physical strength is the one that comes to mind first. But I think strength can also be doing what needs to be done despite not wanting to do it or being afraid of it. I guess you could call that courage or bravery as well. I don't always see strength as a feeling where we feel unstoppable. I think we can show strength even when we feel like garbage. I don't know, just some ramblings here.
Thomas, thank you so much for reading my post. I love your rambling thoughts! The idea that it requires strength to do something that you are afraid of, or to do something that has no guarantee of the desired outcome — this feels true. I also think you’re right that strength isn’t determined by how you feel but rather your actions. In the end, it’s really your actions that matter, isn’t it? Thanks so much for such insightful comments!
Thank you for sharing your story. I found being told I was strong when I was in my darkest hours and crumbing inside, made me feel so lonely and unseen. I’m sorry that you didn’t have the partner you thought, someone to catch you when you needed it. Sending you best wishes and I hope that you are now free from, and remain free from, cancer.
Thank you for sharing, Tory. I can see how that would have upset you. And sometimes we don’t have to be strong. Sometimes you can’t help but be crumbling inside and that’s just the way you feel. I think there’s a time for everything.
I am free from cancer now (and hopefully forever!). Thank you for your kind words.
Congratulations, once again, Serena, and thanks for this vivid reflection. An interesting and very thoughtful take on both strength and toughness. I think your resilience is reflective of both.
Thank you again for this, and I wish you good health so that you won't have to be this strong (not about the same thing) again.
Thank you for reading, Patrick! Reading your post the other day triggered a thought process that I had to follow. So I have to thank you for the inspiration!
Yes, I am seeing brighter days ahead, and hopefully the dark days that do come will be of a different kind, as you said.
Again, I appreciate your thoughtful and kind words.
Thanks so much for reading my story, and I appreciate your taking the time to comment. Yes, tough times definitely help us develop resilience. This brings to mind a quote by Saint John Paul II: “Don’t waste your suffering.” I completely agree with this sentiment.
Oh wow, I’m so sorry you experienced that behaviour from some of your “friends”. It just underscores the importance of the love and support of people in your life. But I’m glad you did find the cancer support group who could be there for you. I love the idea of therapy dogs! That must have been amazing.
Becoming wiser and learning about people I think is a form of strength.
I’m so glad to hear you came through. Thank you so much for sharing your story here. I appreciate it so much. ❤️
Perry, my old GP once said (in a different context) that when it’s a disease anyone can get, it becomes sort of threatening to people. If you’ve got it, they might get it. It threatens their existence. They can’t handle that.
If self-inflicted, they can think that they don’t do that, so they’re not at risk.
So awful. Joyce, I’m sorry you’ve been through that too.
I don’t understand why anyone would behave that way. It must be from some kind of fear, but of what? Not knowing what to say or how to help? They could always just ask what you need. Or perhaps they’re afraid that they can’t handle the emotions that might come up, or they fear the worst will happen and they won’t know how to handle it.
I love that Sarah!
They certainly are. Having come through this there’s no limit to what you can achieve x
Only just beginning to read about the journey you’ve already been through, but thanks for sharing this. It’s amazing how tough times can help us to develop so much resilience.
You're tough, strong, brave and ....write brilliantly :)!
Serena, your story is so inspiring. Strength is so many different things. Physical strength is the one that comes to mind first. But I think strength can also be doing what needs to be done despite not wanting to do it or being afraid of it. I guess you could call that courage or bravery as well. I don't always see strength as a feeling where we feel unstoppable. I think we can show strength even when we feel like garbage. I don't know, just some ramblings here.
Thomas, thank you so much for reading my post. I love your rambling thoughts! The idea that it requires strength to do something that you are afraid of, or to do something that has no guarantee of the desired outcome — this feels true. I also think you’re right that strength isn’t determined by how you feel but rather your actions. In the end, it’s really your actions that matter, isn’t it? Thanks so much for such insightful comments!
I love these convos. 😊
Thank you for sharing your story. I found being told I was strong when I was in my darkest hours and crumbing inside, made me feel so lonely and unseen. I’m sorry that you didn’t have the partner you thought, someone to catch you when you needed it. Sending you best wishes and I hope that you are now free from, and remain free from, cancer.
Thank you for sharing, Tory. I can see how that would have upset you. And sometimes we don’t have to be strong. Sometimes you can’t help but be crumbling inside and that’s just the way you feel. I think there’s a time for everything.
I am free from cancer now (and hopefully forever!). Thank you for your kind words.
Congratulations, once again, Serena, and thanks for this vivid reflection. An interesting and very thoughtful take on both strength and toughness. I think your resilience is reflective of both.
Thank you again for this, and I wish you good health so that you won't have to be this strong (not about the same thing) again.
Thank you for reading, Patrick! Reading your post the other day triggered a thought process that I had to follow. So I have to thank you for the inspiration!
Yes, I am seeing brighter days ahead, and hopefully the dark days that do come will be of a different kind, as you said.
Again, I appreciate your thoughtful and kind words.
God what an awful experience you’ve been through. You’re not just tough - you’re amazing. Wishing you health and happiness x
Aw, thank you so much, Sarah. I really appreciate your kind words. And thank you for reading.
Brighter days are ahead!
Thanks so much for reading my story, and I appreciate your taking the time to comment. Yes, tough times definitely help us develop resilience. This brings to mind a quote by Saint John Paul II: “Don’t waste your suffering.” I completely agree with this sentiment.
Nausherwan, you are very kind - thank you! And thank you for reading.
Oh wow, I’m so sorry you experienced that behaviour from some of your “friends”. It just underscores the importance of the love and support of people in your life. But I’m glad you did find the cancer support group who could be there for you. I love the idea of therapy dogs! That must have been amazing.
Becoming wiser and learning about people I think is a form of strength.
I’m so glad to hear you came through. Thank you so much for sharing your story here. I appreciate it so much. ❤️
Perry, my old GP once said (in a different context) that when it’s a disease anyone can get, it becomes sort of threatening to people. If you’ve got it, they might get it. It threatens their existence. They can’t handle that.
If self-inflicted, they can think that they don’t do that, so they’re not at risk.
Perry, I’ve been through that, nothing contagious but still… distancing, silence. Even though they were not at risk.
So awful. Joyce, I’m sorry you’ve been through that too.
I don’t understand why anyone would behave that way. It must be from some kind of fear, but of what? Not knowing what to say or how to help? They could always just ask what you need. Or perhaps they’re afraid that they can’t handle the emotions that might come up, or they fear the worst will happen and they won’t know how to handle it.
Well, whatever it was, I’ve left that behind me. Didn’t want to spend more energy on them. Thank you, Serena 💙💫
That’s a good choice! At some point you have to move on.