Hope in the face of adversity

Hope is a virtue often difficult to maintain in our cancer journey. And as the wise writers ahead of me have stated grief and sadness are sometimes the reactions we feel. I’m one who “enjoys” a good cry, even sobbing. My religion calls this the “gift of tears.” So many of the Saints spoke of this. Yet, often HOPE follows. Hope is a faith that sees the future as one where love and light overcome the pain. In my mind I try to take each day as a gift and do what I can to help others in little ways…Each of us has been given life for a reason. I believe it is to scatter blessings along the way like seeds we hope will grow in our path.

@scottbeammeup I absolutely agree with your beautiful statement: "hope isn't necessarily hope that everything will have a good outcome but, rather, that with love and support we can hope to get through almost anything."
For myself, I don't try to stay "positive" because I've had 71 years of changing emotional weather (which I enjoy, as it allows for joy, sadness, and honesty as needed). I just tell myself to "stay real" or to be myself. Thanks for your comment here!

My hope this year is directed towards other people. I've been improving slowly and my cancer is in remission, but two other dear friends aren't as lucky. One has ovarian cancer that has spread to her brain and the other is currently being treated for lymphoma. My friend with lymphoma has a good chance of beating it, but my friend with ovarian cancer is not going to be as lucky and she knows this.

Both have asked me, separately, how I stayed positive during my treatment and I was honest with them and told them that, at times, I didn't. I told them that I find hope in music and that depressing music can be very cathartic and help get out all the bad feelings.

My friend with ovarian cancer knows her time is limited and I shared with her something I heard on Anderson Cooper's grief podcast. It's from a poem called "Love Letter From the Afterlife." by "Andrea Gibson." The line I shared is "Why did no one tell us, that to die is to be reincarnated in those we love while they are still alive?" She eventually read the entire poem and said it provided some comfort. (Here's a link for anyone interested: https://andreagibson.substack.com/p/love-letter-from-the-afterlife).

I'm not trying to sound morbid here but hope isn't necessarily hope that everything will have a good outcome but, rather, that with love and support we can hope to get through almost anything.

@azsunshine7 relish the seconds. You worked hard to earn them.

@tomrennie

I feel like I’m trying to make it through the seconds right now.

There’s so much to do yet.

My hopeful holidays have been going great though.

I’m so grateful for today and being with the people I care about.

I want to express my gratitude for this connection group too. Thank you! 💜🌟💜

@treehouse5437 Sometimes, taking things one day at a time can be too overwhelming. So, I focus on one second at a time. If I can make good seconds, then I can try to make a few good minutes. Hopefully, I can make good minutes into a good hour and make good hours into a day. Focusing on seconds allows me to live in the moment. I don't get too far ahead of myself with negative thoughts or energy. I also only look forward. I can't change what is done. Why get consumed with the should haves, could haves, would haves, and didn'ts. They are done. I focus on what I can do this second and moving forward.

Thanks for this thread. I kept hope alive in 2021 through a stage 4 cancer diagnosis, paraplegia (now largely resolved), and a series of post-surgical complications. It wasn't easy, but it was worth it.

Hope with cancer is exactly like building a fire: you start by lighting a little tinder, and cautiously nurse the glowing embers: blow on them too hard and they'll go out (but if that happens, you just go back to the beginning and try again).

After a while, the kindling on top of the tinder starts to smoulder in a few spots, and a couple of small, tentative flames pop up and spread. You can blow a little harder on it now, and maybe even grab the bellows.

And then, suddenly, miraculously, the big log on top of the pile bursts into flame and the room is filled with light and warmth!

Hope with cancer isn't easy at first, and the benefits aren't immediately visible, but persistence and patience bring their rewards.

💜 Being a Source of Inspiration and Giving Hope 💜

We all have the power to inspire others and offer a glimmer of hope through our stories. By sharing our experiences with gratitude and being true to ourselves, we can show how we’ve navigated the ups and downs of our journeys and how we are working on adopting a growth mindset. Even in our darkest times, we are/were shining lights, giving love and hope, and laughing with joy. It's all about illustrating those moments when we took/take steps to heal, even when faced with illness, uncertainty, and chaos. We can highlight our determination to live lives that are not just ordinary but truly remarkable.

Life can change in profound ways—not just in terms of health, but through our efforts to show up, give our best, and embrace every fleeting moment. Change is not just a dream; it’s something we can actively create. Positive transformations are within our reach.

We have the unique ability to offer hope to someone who may be feeling vulnerable or to support family and friends who might not be facing illness but still need encouragement.

💜 The Power of Stories 💜

There is a certain magic in spreading narratives that maximize joy and minimize suffering.

Let’s take the time to invest care and thought into our stories, dreams, and aspirations. Reflect on your journey, and don’t hesitate to share it with loved ones. Speak to them and ask about their perspectives on your journey. Their insights can be invaluable as you move forward.

Every day, I come across stories and sources of inspiration in these threads that remind me of our shared humanity. They connect us, shining a light on the paths we can take toward a brighter, better life.

💜 Overcoming Adversity and Inspiring Hope 💜

Even in a challenging environment, choose to seek out the beauty, creativity, and endless possibilities that surround you. Embrace a growth mindset and keep your eyes set on a brighter future. By believing in yourself and pursuing your goals with determination and courage, you can set a powerful example for others, showing that success is within reach for anyone willing to strive for it.

It is not all doom and gloom.

We have the power to inspire hope in our family and friends. We can show them that we're okay and that we’re truly ALIVE! Life isn’t just a series of struggles; there’s so much more to it. We are not defined by our illnesses; we are vibrant human beings—parents, children, grandparents, siblings, aunts, and uncles.

@treehouse5437

Merry Christmas!

Yes it’s usually the little moments I look back on and realize they were the big moments 💖

@azsunshine7

One day at a time- the holidays are not stressing me out... sent a few Christmas cards and buying presents for just a few this year. Enjoy the little moments... wishing you a Merry Christmas! 🎄😊