What we do every day counts! How many times have you heard this phrase? I’ve seen and heard it countless times, but I never truly understood its essence. It’s essentially telling us that our daily routine sets the foundation for how our body and mind respond.
From the personal hygiene rituals in the morning to the bedtime prep, every cell in our body is listening and reacting. The mind that we often refer to and point to in our heads actually exists in every cell of our body. When we look at ourselves in the mirror and experience negative thoughts, our liver cells, stomach cells, and every part of us are listening too. What we tell ourselves doesn’t just circulate in our heads but travels throughout our body, just like blood circulation.
After cancer treatments and multiple procedures, I could only see what I had lost: a breast, a limb, my hair, my eyebrows, my clear skin, and my once beautiful body shape. Body image after cancer is not an easy subject to address or navigate alone. During chemo, I gained twenty-five pounds and had a hard time even recognizing myself. Who was that person in the mirror? The facial hair I used to complain about was now gone, and I missed it. My once slim and attractive figure now resembled the Pillsbury Doughboy. The flexible joints that made me look like a ballerina were now stiff and achy, reluctant to move.
Going through cancer treatment isn’t for the faint of heart; I get that now. But what does that say about me? It tells me I’m resilient. I’m still here, fighting, taking life one day at a time, and moving forward. If I look back too much, I might shatter. It’s hard to believe what I’ve endured. If someone had told me that weekly chemo and endless blood tests would become my norm, I’d have wanted to give up before even starting.
But what I didn’t realize was just how much I wanted to live. I want to see my children grow up, witness their successes, and live a healthier life myself. Not that I was unhealthy before, but there’s always room for improvement. Maybe I can adjust my thinking, declutter my home to create space to breathe or react to life with more calmness. These are small changes, but they can make a big difference.
It’s hard to motivate myself to move after what my body has been through. Asking it to get up and walk daily feels like asking the impossible. If my body could talk, it would probably say, “Are you kidding me? You want me to do what now?” I get it. It’s easier to stay on the couch and binge-watch Netflix. It’s easier to avoid cleaning the kitchen or taking a shower. But as tempting as it is to stay in that comfort zone, I know I still have today—and today is an opportunity.
So, I get up slowly and savor my morning drink. I take a quick shower, enjoying the massage I’m giving my tired skin. When the sun is out, I put on my walking shoes and hat, grab my walker, and head outside for a stroll. The fresh air and changing seasons remind me of life’s constant evolution. If the trees can let go of their leaves and wait for new ones, why can’t I embrace change too? My curly hair may not return, but maybe I can experiment with straight hair. My slim figure might not be back yet, but my walks might help me shed some pounds and regain strength. My missing breast will always be a loss, but there are ways to feel semi-normal on the surface. How I feel within, however, will take time to heal.
I’ve decided to focus on small improvements. Progress isn’t always linear; sometimes, it’s two steps forward and one step back. But that’s okay. My goal is to live each day with better habits and a more positive mindset. One thing I’m certain of is that blaming my body or myself for my cancer isn’t the way to go. Instead, I’m replacing negative and fearful thoughts with encouraging words before they spread through my body. My daily routine matters more than ever, and what I do every day counts tremendously in shaping my health and happiness.
So, what are you waiting for? Ask yourself: what change could make the most difference in your life right now? Start small, and let each step lead you closer to healing and hope.
Namaste,
Shab
