All Warriors need support! And, support comes in many forms. But, sometimes, if you don't have any, you've just gotta go out and find it for yourself. That was the situation I was in. So, what I did was look for uplifting activities that weren't too taxing.
Uplifting activities are so important to seek out during a battle with Cancer. I genuinely can't emphasize this enough. One such activity that I just happened to hear about at my Cancer Center was a program by the @americancancersociety. I know not all areas have this - we were fortunate.
The name of this program was "Look Good, Feel Great!" And, precisely that's what it did. As I signed up, the promise was that I'd learn how to apply makeup. You might be wondering what makeup application has to do with a person going through cancer, but I'm telling you - it is essential.
From my perspective, this program's design helps those going through Cancer feel like a cherished human being. And, to also have a little bit of fun and comradery with other's who are dealing with the same dreaded enemy. My experience with this particular group of people taught me a lot about our basic need to love and be loved. Plus, everyone needs a cheerleader - that person who tells you that you can make it! I didn't realize at the time how much it would impact my life the way it did. They, in my opinion, were the best at encouraging a soul at their lowest.
This positive activity made all of us know how to feel good about our self, which is extremely important. Because we all know that losing your hair can be traumatizing in itself, let alone making you feel so out of control. Without any hair, I hate to say it, but I felt alien-like.
I can't say enough wonderful things about this program, and the leadership was impressive! These volunteers were very experienced since each one had already gone through Cancer themselves. They understood us entirely and provided such encouraged in ways others couldn't have. They were the affirming, breath of fresh air remedy needed for the current miserable diagnosis.
They started their tutorial on how to apply makeup. Each Warrior was gifted a $200.00 bag of designer makeup. The driving force behind why I joined was to learn how to draw on my eyebrows. I had only a few remaining and knew I desired to try and look as normal as I possibly could.
When it came time to apply the mascara, the lead lady said, "Go ahead and use the mascara if you still have lashes. Because you need to rock 'em while you got 'em!" Seriously, right then she became my new bestie! With that one statement, everyone (I) felt at ease about my circumstance.
Regarding lashes, we were all at various stages. Some of the ladies had all of theirs; most had only a few hanging on, while others had none. No one was left out.
We continued bonding: exchanging our experiences with Cancer thus far while practicing our newly found beauty secret skills.
We earnestly listened as they shared stories along with displaying an array of memorabilia from their own Cancer journey. One volunteer showed us her pictures of when she was bald. That gave me an extreme amount of confidence in knowing that I'd make it too. Next, they showed us a selection of wigs and hats. They passed out coupons and samples of supplement drinks and told us that free wigs were available at the American Cancer Society.
As I participated, I was thankful and inspired by these survivors. They helped me realize that I could get through this trial. And, make the best of it by having as much fun as possible. It was then that I determined to look at myself differently - to give myself a break - to love myself - to take special care of myself during this process.
I determined to no longer focus on how Cancer had made me look. Nor see myself as a hairless alien that I barely recognized in the mirror. But, I endeavor to see myself worthy of love - no matter how I looked.
Amazingly, it was such a light atmosphere even though this was a heavy topic on the burden we were bearing. We chatted and enjoyed our refreshments a little while longer before we HAD to leave. No one wanted to go. Probably, the reason why it was so hard leaving was this beautiful, uplifting atmosphere.
I'm not going to lie; drawing on my eyelashes was the highlight. In reflection, this group formed due to a dreadful situation. And, for a moment, we had forgotten the reason why we connected. We were no long Cancer patients/aliens/lepers - we had become human again.
We forgot all about Cancer's aches and pains because our focus had shifted. In a positive way, we were reminded to love and take good care of ourself. To look good, feel great! We didn't feel alone anymore because we had become a family that day, not by choice but by a momentary circumstance.
To be honest, when I arrived at the meeting, I wasn't feeling very well. But, by the end of this class, I felt significantly happier. I noticed that I didn't feel sick anymore. As I walked to my car, I felt accomplished in my developed skill set of drawing on eyebrows. I even had a pep in my step.
That's what a positive activity can do - it will shift your focus. For those two hours, my mind was not on Cancer. It was onto something so delightful and carefree.
That day I realized that Cancer couldn't control how I felt on the inside. And, in my mind, I looked like a million bucks (even though I was bald and my eyelashes and eyebrows were sparse.)
As I walked to my car, I carried my free bag of makeup proudly. I was smiling inside and out. I also left there with a brand new attitude. That's what a positive activity experience can do for you too - whether you have Cancer or not. And, as a friend, I'm saying you need this also!
I've since heard that they are doing away with this program, which makes me sad. I'm hoping the American Cancer Society will continue it. And, maybe, just maybe if they receive positive feedback themselves, they will choose to keep this program going. Warriors need this - they need their confidence boosted as much as possible.
This program, by far, was my favorite thing I did as I went through treatments. I do know that applying makeup might not be your thing. All I'm saying is - find your fun, positive activity that sifts your focus off of Cancer.
Here's my challenge for you! Please, please, please, seek out as many positive activities as needed because support is key! It might be unconventional support but believe me - it will be worth your while!
(Note: I am not a representative for ACS.)
To keep a Cancer-free focus - plan a Cancer-free party. "My Ah-maz-ing Cancer-Free Party Planner" can be purchased on Amazon at https://www.amazon.com/My-Ah-maz-ing-Cancer-Free-Party-Planner-ebook/dp/B0855KFKFK/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=My+Ah-maz-ing+Cancer-Free+Party+Planner+Kathy+A.+Crofford&qid=1589483675&sr=8-1
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