MY LIFE Matters: Health and Wellness Issue - 7

THE EVOLUTION Health
ALTERNATIVE
The last portion of this evolution to wellness
is alternative. Living with cancer you
must learn how to " reinvent " yourself. My
husband told me those exact words when I
kept feeling down about what I " couldn't "
do anymore, he said you must just find
another way. Find another way around. I
am disabled and I didn't want to accept that,
because the worst loss with cancer is your
autonomy, but through reinvention I use
that to my advantage. I can gain income
through social security disability, I can
work with accommodations through the
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA),
I can exercise but with modifications to
reduce injury and strain on my body, I
can find other things that bring me joy.
My point is to pivot. Yes, cancer can create
many barriers in our physical and mental
space, but there is always an alternative to
what we want to achieve. Again, I mention
the many resources you have available to
you, USE them. Ask your support groups
how they found alternative methods,
contact organizations like Tigerlily which
can offer the way around, because there is
always a possibility. I can't run anymore due
to sacral fractures and a tumor in my femur,
but I take long walks which have the same
effect overtime as running. It's hard for me
to concentrate and remember due to cognitive
dysfunction (a.k.a. chemo brain) but I
do mental exercises and take medications
to help. I can no longer clean my home so
I hired help, who are paid through various
cancer grants I have received. I was once in
a wheelchair for a few months but I was still
able to drive, but being in that wheelchair
provided me access to many accommodations
such as checking in earlier on a flight,
or getting to see a special location in the
White House that tourist don't get to see
since I had to take the elevators (which was
super cool because I love history). Look at
the silver linings, there is always something
good to come out of each situation you face.
It all starts with your mindset. It's something
to practice for your wellness each day.
The mind is incredible. I hope I have
inspired you toward achieving holistic
wellness. I can't just sit while I live without
inspiring others to do the same. I want to
help create that change, and I'll keep doing
it until my last breath. Even after I am long
gone, this article will still be around inspiring
and instilling aspiration to someone.
My concept of evolution of wellness
does not only apply to those living with
cancer, but to caregivers, friends, families,
supporters, allies, organizations,
researchers, and YOU.
P.S. I wrote this article
during a time of duress
because one of my dogs is
very ill and potentially has
cancer. He is my rock and
truly supports my quality
of life through companionship.
However, following my
wellness model I was able to preserve and
deliver this message to you. Thank you
very much for taking the time and energy
to read it, please share it with others,
follow me on social media, and don't
be afraid to reach out. I'm super
friendly I promise, but I will
be hard on you and push you
to live joyfully. l
Follow Shonte and her
farm on Instagram:
@curemorefarms
MY LIFE MATTERS
HEALTH AND WELLNESS ISSUE SPRING 2023
7
https://www.instagram.com/curemorefarms/?hl=en
MY LIFE Matters: Health and Wellness Issue

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of MY LIFE Matters: Health and Wellness Issue
