Thriving Through the Seasons

Why “thriving”? Because it reminds us that we can hope for more, move beyond surviving, to thriving. 

Some synonyms for thriving include: flourishing, prosperous, successful, triumphant, and promising. Thriving to me is living each day to the fullest. Flourishing as a person. Living in a caring and connected community. Living with insight and purpose. 

We each have our own expectations or definition of thriving. We are each at different seasons of life. Some are just starting a career, some have been waiting to make a career change or ready to retire. Some may be starting a family or still looking for a life partner or just starting again after a broken relationship. Thriving also looks different in various seasons of life but even in different seasons of the calendar. 

Seasons in a Garden

Let’s consider a garden and its movement through the seasons. In summer, thriving is seen in the green growth, flowers and fruit declare it is flourishing. In the autumn, thriving is an abundant harvest and the beauty of colors. But in winter when the ground is fallow, it’s difficult to see what is thriving. Winter is when the soil is resting, and sometimes the gardener determines that a field needs to rest for more than one season. As modern, fast paced humans, we tend to under appreciate the benefits of rest. (That’s for another post). Winter is also a season of preparation; seed selection, planning crop rotations or new additions to the garden. When spring comes, we begin to see the benefits of the season of rest. Spring blooms seem to pop up in a single day. Seeds begin to sprout and the cycle begins again. 

Seasons with Cancer

The story of your life journey with cancer may be similar. Likely it arrived in the height of summer. Life is flourishing; busy living, working, raising children and being part of an active and connected community. Suddenly, the disease is discovered and we are shocked. Our body may seem like a garden that has been invaded by an aggressive pest. One day life seems normal and good, and then it’s turned upside down. Stress levels rise and our schedule goes out the window. 

Time’s movement may seem to be altered. Moving so slowly when waiting for test results or the next appointment. Lagging on as you show up day after day for treatments. Pain and nausea may also make time slow down. And then, one day you are told, “Your treatment is finished!” Here’s your survivorship plan, and follow up screenings, etc. The dark season is suddenly over and you are sent out to find your life again. Surprise it’s spring, but what does that look like now? 

Designed to Recover

Deep inside your body is designed to recover. Your heart has kept beating and your lungs kept breathing. Your immune and endocrine systems are working to find a way back to health. Likely, your medical team has connected you with a social worker, physical and / or occupational therapists, perhaps a nutritionist and a support group. Utilize as much support as seems right to you. 

You can support your body’s efforts to recover by listening to what it needs. A return to the basics can be helpful: adequate hydration, nourishing whole foods, gentle movement, positive relationships and plenty of rest. Realize that many changes occur with cancer treatments. 

Curiosity is Kindness

Each day is a good day for curiosity. Your body sensations may be altered. Chemotherapy induced peripheral neuropathy symptoms include tingling, numbness, pins & needles sensations in the toes, feet, and/or fingers and hands. There may be areas of numbness or tightness due to surgery or radiation therapy. Typically there is improvement over time. 

Many people also experience brain fog or short term memory issues. Generalized fatigue may also impact your sense of wellbeing. Some people feel more anxious or even depressed. Seek additional support from your oncology team as well as your primary care provider. 

It’s important to acknowledge what you are feeling both physically and emotionally. Denial and minimizing remove the opportunity to find lasting improvement. An attitude of non judgemental curiosity is kindness towards yourself and your body. Our beliefs and thoughts about our body, our worth, our ability to cope impact our healing and recovery. Learning tools and techniques to support your recovery fosters a return to thriving.

Thrivership Program

Trillium Health and Restoration’s Thrivership program is designed to meet you wherever you’re at in your journey. Whether you’re struggling to find your spring or still in the depth of the dark winter, there is hope. Maybe you are in what seems like summer, but you don’t feel like you're flourishing yet. If you have metastatic disease or other long term concerns, you are welcome too. Our desire is to help you find your way back to summer, to thriving for however much time you are granted. We come alongside you and help you learn to listen to your body, mind and spirit. Then support you in regaining a thriving life built on simple daily habits. The Thrivership program is flexible to meet your needs, blending physical therapy and health coaching skills to create your unique program. 

What season are you in? Are you thriving? If you want to learn more or schedule a free consultation, just click the links below.