If you or a loved one is battling cancer, then your goals or resolutions for the new year are probably straightforward, though no less simple – beat cancer. That’s certainly our hope for you!
And, we also hope for one more thing – gratitude. Never for cancer, but the good that is still you and still your life, even your life with cancer. This winter, learn from the season to grow something deeper within, beyond the outside layer of loss of having to go through breast cancer.
The good news is that we believe it’s very simple–through gratitude. We don’t have to start making lists or really doing anything extra because true gratitude is really a perspective shift. All it takes is a few minutes every day to be still and choose to see life as a gift, even a life that’s going through something hard and painful.
As you begin there, you will start to see everything through that lens, even the struggles and losses. Not that bad things become good, but rather, bad things create unique opportunities for good to shine through.
Maybe it’s a deeper connection to your friend who drove you to your appointment, or your niece’s perfect new baby, or the meaningful conversation you shared with the person receiving radiation next to you.
As cliche as it may be, the spring means more because of the winter. And, at the same time, it is the barren tree that allows the most light to shine through.
Remember, you don’t have to do anything extra right now, but what you can do is change your mind a little bit every day to see your very existence as remarkable.
You can remind yourself or a loved one of gratitude with the soothing sound of a Wind River For the Girls pink wind chime. A portion of every wind chime purchase is donated to support breast cancer research and survivor support programs, helping to make a difference with every note.