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The year 2020 is coming to a close and while it has been a tough year in many ways, I would like to reflect upon what I am grateful for and I encourage you to do the same. Making it to the end of this difficult year means that we survived; not only did we survive Covid, but we have survived the loss of loved ones. We've survived our cancer treatments and we have survived the loneliness of doing much of it alone. This was the experience of a person dealing with cancer in 2020. We are strong. You, reading this, you are strong. You are a survivor and a thriver.
This is the message I'd like you to carry into 2021.
As I look back on what started as a promising year, I am so appreciative of all that I have learned and the growth of myself personally and in my practice. The pandemic threw a wrench into everyone's plans- I don't think there is a single person who wasn't affected by this disastrous virus- but we didn't let it keep us down. I adjusted my practice for virtual care, I expanded my team so I could focus more on the wellness of my clients, and I feel I've been able to support my clients through the toughest of times.
This year was hard for everyone, but it was even harder for my cancer clients. I know how difficult it was to be told that I had cancer, and I can only imagine the fear and anxiety of being told you cannot have anyone accompany you to your appointments or treatment. Cancer is a solitary disease. You may have tons of support around you, but in the end, you are experiencing all of it alone. This year, you were literally on your own. It takes a brave person to face cancer alone and you did that! You deserve so much better than you got this year. We all do!
On a lighter note, let's look forward to what's to come. 2021 may not be the best either- after all, Covid is still ravaging our nation and it's going to be a some months before the vaccine is widely available to the public. So, keep wearing those masks! But, we can look forward to a year that is better than the last. The worst is no doubt behind us, and we will once again be able to embrace our loved ones and get the support we have been missing. What a wonderful thought!
So, as the year comes to an end, and the numbers continue to rise, just hold onto the thought of being able to hug your family and friends, hold the new babies born this year and visit with family members again. Let this hope carry you through to the end of this pandemic, through the end of each appointment and each treatment. We've made it this far, and we'll continue to survive AND thrive.
If you have a story about your experience with cancer this year that you'd like to share, please send me a message. You can contact me through my website, my Instagram or my Facebook page. Your story is important and could help someone else who is experiencing the same thing.
I wish you peace in 2021.
Be Well and Thrive-