5 Self-Empowering Phrases When Going Through Treatment
by Erin Havel
I am a people pleaser who likes to say “yes” to opportunities. I love spending time with friends, going to events, and heading up committees. Illness and treatment really changed my energy levels and my normal mode of operation, but not who I am. Initially, I felt incredibly guilty when I could not do everything I used to do, and I started to withdraw. In order to keep some semblance of normalcy, I had to learn several self-loving phrases to incorporate into my life. Here are a few to get you started.
- I would love to see you! Do you want to come over for some pizza?
Sometimes our loved ones do not realize the toll treatment can take, or how exactly our lives are changing. If you are invited to something that seems overwhelming, don’t rush to push beyond your limits. Offer an alternative that is more manageable.
2. Sure, I’m happy to help. I just need _______, ________, _________.
Allow yourself to join in on an activity or project, if you feel up for it, but be honest with yourself and others about what you will need in order to be successful. It may not immediately feel comfortable taking a smaller role, but sometimes taking that smaller role allows another person the chance to step up and learn.
3. Absolutely. I can get that to you on ___________.
Do your best to set your own timelines rather than have them set for you. This will ultimately give you more control and less stress. Not everything requires instant attention. Pace yourself.
4. I’ll need to get back to you on that.
Often times we just do not know what we will feel like on any given day, or if we are comfortable taking on additional obligations. It is totally acceptable to not make immediate decisions. Buy yourself some time to sort it through, prioritize your health, and then respond.
5. Thanks for thinking of me, but I can’t right now. No.
This one is hard, but cut yourself a break. You are not being lazy, neglectful, or mean. You are going through something very difficult and most people who care about you will understand.
I realize these may not work for every situation, there are many times when someone’s proverbial “lack of planning” becomes our emergency. There are some people in our lives who will take whatever we say poorly, simply because it is not what they want to hear. The point of these phrases is to offer ideas on how to relieve unnecessary pressures we place on ourselves. Listen to your body, prioritize your well-being, and use your discretion.
Read more from the Stupid Cancer Blog
- Second Opinion Might Be First
- Seventeen
- Body Talk: The Importance of listening to your body — even when it’s whispering
- If you’d like to publish a post on the Stupid Cancer Blog, email us.
