Wait. Hang on. Before you leave, just hear me out.
Cancer is never a good thing. Especially when someone presents you with a piece of paper with your name on it and the word, “cancer”, is right next to it. But cancer, in my case, probably saved my life. You see, cancer came at a time when I thought I needed rest. A break. A respite from the insanely intense pace of life. I was a mom, a wife, an employee, a coach, and not pausing much to think of what I needed for myself. Meaning, me. Melissa. Cancer taught me the difference between being selfish and self-preservation. Since when did moms deserve to FEEL selfish for taking care of themselves? Cancer taught me:
• Prioritization not only of tasks but of whom should be in my brigade
• Reassurance to trust my intuition
• True power over my body
• Empathy
• Dignity
• Mindfulness – living in the here and now, not tomorrow, not even the next 5 minutes. NOW!
My battle still marches on but in the meantime, when someone asks me, “How are you feeling?”, I am more apt to say, I am taking care of myself the best I can. So, regardless your current struggles, go get yourself a canning jar and self-preserve!
(Originally posted to Suburban Misfit Moms
http://suburbanmisfitmom.com/writer/melissa-fitzgerald/)
Melissa F. Liceaga 