Be Kind, Even When The Sky Is Falling

Cancerland is a frightening place to be for days, weeks, months and yes, even years. Turn that worry into something positive; reach out and be kind today and every day forward.

BY Barbara Tako

PUBLISHED January 28, 2019

Barbara Tako is a breast cancer survivor (2010), melanoma survivor (2014) and author of Cancer Survivorship Coping Tools–We'll Get You Through This. She is a cancer coping advocate, speaker and published writer for television, radio and other venues across the country. She lives, survives, and thrives in Minnesota with her husband, children and dog. See more at www.cancersurvivorshipcopingtools.com , or www.clutterclearingchoices.com .

Before cancer survivorship, I know I was more selfish, and I was definitely more selfish and self-focused when I was newly diagnosed. At almost nine years since my first diagnosis, I am not perfect now by any means, but I work to do better. My suggestion to fellow survivors and their loved ones is to be kinder, – especially with a cancer diagnosis. We as humans run around pretty clueless about those around us a lot of the time. In our hurry and our busyness and our me-me-me-ness, we forget how far a little compassion, kindness and gentleness can go.
Be gentle and kind to yourself. I know I have said that many times before, but I really can't say it enough. If you are a cancer patient, survivor or loved one, you have been through a huge event that is going to go on and on. The sky is falling. Now is the time to slow down and be kinder to yourself. Take a breath. Take a nap. Take time to call someone close to you who is willing to listen to you and to support you through this life-changing event.

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