Introduction
If you had the opportunity to read my most recent article, Finding Purpose and Passion After Recovering from Breast Cancer: 7 Steps to a Fulfilling Life, then you know that one of the steps included reconnecting with ourselves. I want to lean more into this concept. Emerging from the journey of breast cancer is not just about survival; it's about redefining our lives and creating a future filled with purpose, connection, and fulfillment. As high-performing women and breast cancer survivors, we have a unique cross-section of strengths and perspectives that can propel us towards our ideal lives. This article explores the dual journey of reconnecting with ourselves and networking with others, offering a roadmap to thriving after breast cancer.
Rediscovering Our Inner Selves
The experience of battling breast cancer often requires us to focus entirely on our physical health, sometimes at the expense of our mental and emotional well-being. Once treatment is behind us, we may feel the void of not being able to allocate energy towards other aspects of our life. For me, I was so used to “doing things”, that when I was done with fighting against breast cancer, I didn’t know what else to do with myself – except to start “doing things” again (ie. immersing myself in my professional life). I did not stop and take time to focus on me as a person until I had no other choice.
From March to August 2023, I had to “do nothing”, while I was waiting for my reconstructive surgery to resume after a series of setbacks and delays. It was during that period of time that I was able to pause in my pain, gain a new perspective to pursue my passion and live in my purpose. If I was not forced to take an “involuntary break”, then I would not have focused on me. I was reminded that it is essential to turn my attention inward and reconnect with my true self. This process involved reflection, self-care, and an honest evaluation of my values and aspirations.
Initially, I was reluctant to share my personal journey with cancer. I didn't want to be seen as "that girl who had cancer." I feared that associating myself with the diagnosis would put too much energy towards it, potentially defining my entire identity. However, I came to realize that cancer didn't define me—it refined me. This experience helped me discover my true self, my purpose, and my passion.
Reflection & Self-Care for Connection
Reflection is a powerful tool in this journey of reconnecting with ourselves. Taking time to journal, meditate, or simply sit in quiet contemplation can help us gain clarity about who we are now, post-cancer. What are our core values? What dreams and passions have we put on hold? These questions guide us toward a deeper understanding of our identity and purpose.
Self-care is another crucial aspect to reconnect with ourselves. It's not just about physical health; it encompasses mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being. Engaging in activities that bring joy and peace, whether through hobbies, exercise, or mindfulness practices, can rejuvenate our spirits. Seeking professional support from therapists, counselors or life coaches can also provide valuable insights and strategies for navigating this new chapter of life.
Reflecting to evaluate our values and aspirations allows us to set meaningful goals. By aligning our daily actions with our core beliefs, we create a sense of purpose and direction. This alignment is the foundation upon which we can build a fulfilling life, turning our survivorship into a story of thriving.
The Power of Networking
While reconnecting with ourselves is a deeply personal journey, building a network of supportive connections is equally important. Networking provides opportunities for personal and professional growth, offering a sense of community and shared purpose. For breast cancer survivors, connecting with others who have faced similar challenges can be particularly uplifting and inspiring.
Building a supportive network starts with reaching out to fellow survivors. Support groups, both in-person and online, offer safe spaces to share experiences, exchange advice, and find comfort in the company of those who truly understand our journey. These connections can foster a sense of belonging and reduce feelings of isolation.
Expanding our network beyond the survivor community can also be beneficial. Engaging with professionals, mentors, and like-minded individuals in our fields of interest opens doors to new opportunities and collaborations. Networking events, conferences, and social media platforms like LinkedIn provide avenues to connect with people who can offer guidance, support, and inspiration.
Collaboration is a key element of networking. By partnering with others, we can amplify our impact and achieve goals that might seem unattainable alone. Collaborative efforts can range from professional projects to community initiatives, all contributing to a greater sense of purpose and fulfillment.
Balancing Introspection and Social Connection
Finding a balance between introspection and social connection is crucial. Too much focus on one at the expense of the other can lead to feelings of loneliness or a lack of personal growth. Striking a balance ensures we remain grounded in our true selves while staying open to the benefits of community and collaboration.
Setting boundaries is an important part of maintaining this balance. It’s essential to carve out time for self-reflection and self-care, even as we engage with others. Recognizing when we need solitude versus when we need social interaction helps maintain our mental and emotional well-being.
Nurturing relationships that matter is another critical aspect. Not all connections are equally supportive or positive. Prioritizing relationships that bring joy, inspiration, and mutual respect enhances our quality of life. Letting go of toxic or draining connections is equally important, as it frees up emotional energy for more fulfilling interactions.
Embracing the Journey Ahead
The journey of reconnecting with ourselves and networking with others is ongoing and evolving. Each step brings new insights, opportunities, and challenges. Embracing this journey with an open heart and a positive mindset allows us to navigate the complexities of life after breast cancer with grace and determination.
As we reconnect with our inner selves, we discover strengths and passions that might have been dormant. This self-awareness fuels our personal and professional endeavors, driving us towards our ideal lives. By building a supportive network, we create a community of allies who share our vision and bolster our efforts.
Living an ideal life after breast cancer is not just a dream; it's an attainable reality. It requires a commitment to self-discovery, a willingness to connect with others, and the courage to pursue our passions and goals. Together, these elements create a dynamic and fulfilling path forward.
Conclusion
Reconnecting with self and networking with others are essential components of thriving after breast cancer. By turning inward to understand our values and aspirations, we lay the groundwork for a purposeful life. Building a network of supportive connections enhances our journey, providing encouragement and opportunities for growth. As we navigate this path, let’s support and inspire one another to live our ideal lives, filled with purpose, connection, and boundless potential.
In embracing this holistic approach, we transform our survivorship into a story of thriving, turning challenges into steppingstones toward a brighter, more fulfilling future. Together, we can achieve extraordinary things, creating lives that are not only successful but also deeply meaningful and joyous.
LIFT After Breast Cancer Newsletter COMING SOON!
If this article resonated with you, and you'd like to stay informed about our community, upcoming events, and cutting-edge news tailored for high-performing breast cancer survivors, we invite you to pre-register for the LIFT After Breast Cancer Newsletter (click here).
By doing so, you'll be among the first to know when our newsletter launches, gaining access to a wealth of resources, empowering insights, and fun-filled activities – including rejuvenating retreats -designed to help you Live Inspired, Free & Transformed after breast cancer.
Comments