What are you doing differently?

lanagraves
lanagraves Member Posts: 596
edited June 2014 in Life After Breast Cancer

I wasn't sure what to call this thread, or where to put it. I'm interested to hear how other people have changed their perspectives and priorities after diagnosis. For me, everything is different. My family was always a priority, but now I make time for things I always thought I could do later. For example, I sing for church events, fundraisers, revivals, weddings, etc. My 9 year old has always wanted to sing with me, but wasn't so motivated that he insisted. He has a good voice, just needs a bit of coaching. Now I am making the time give him that coaching. Also, we love to travel, so I am constantly planning a trip to somewhere, sometimes years in advance. I still do that, but I also plan great fun weekend trips for now. We will still do our one big vacation per year, but I don't want to put off doing something we enjoy so much for months and months anymore. I'm just interested to hear what kinds of things have changed for others.

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  • lanagraves
    lanagraves Member Posts: 596
    edited August 2012

    I've also started creating, and fulfilling, a list of things I've always wanted to do and places I've always wanted to go. Not a "bucket list", per say, but a list of things I just don't want to put off any longer.

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  • Joanne58
    Joanne58 Member Posts: 1,117
    edited August 2012

    Hi, Lana,

    It's been almost 2 years since my dx and I'm just now trying to eat better--cutting out most sugar and upping the produce.  It's tough because I LOVE to  bake goodies!  Now  I just bake whole grain bread..... and dream of baking brownies :)  

    I've also found that I do  more thanking of others since my dx and I'm far more aware of others' woes.  Cancer has caused me to "feel" more for  others.  I mourn with them and believe  that I now can better understand when others are going through very difficult times. I don't shy away from their tragedy; I'm drawn to  it and  want to comfort and help in any way. 

     I think your "changes" are wonderful, Lana, especially with using your talent to  teach your son.  I think we need to find more ways to relate to and bond with our children. They really need our loving attention.  I also hope you make wonderful memories for your family as you take those trips and do the things you've wanted to do instead of putting them off. Enjoy your new life! :)

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  • lanagraves
    lanagraves Member Posts: 596
    edited August 2012

    It's been a huge game-changer for me (as it is for everyone, I know). I am really trying to focus on what's important. Spending time wiith my boys and doing things just for fun - we're going to Nashville this weekend to do the Dreamworks Summer Fun with Shrek thing. It will be silly but so fun.. Spending time with my aging parents - my mom turned 60 this week and has never had a birthday party in her life, so we're throwing her a surprise party with all her friends and all 7 of her surviving brothers and sisters and their families. I'd be interested to know how others have changed the way they look at things.

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  • SpecialK
    SpecialK Member Posts: 16,486
    edited August 2012

    I haven't really changed much that I do, I have had enough loss in my life that I was already appreciative of how short life can be, but I just don't worry about things anymore.  I am much more chill, don't stress about things I can't control, and don't waste negative energy on things that don't really matter.

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