HEALING AND KINDNESS

 Take a minute and reflect on what healing and kindness means to you??

                                                                                     Does this message resonate??      

                   

                                                                                       Have you ever felt like withdrawing??

                                                      

Note: This post is not intended to attract pity but to encourage everyone to approach those battling chronic illnesses with greater kindness.

For some, healing isn’t just about fixing what is broken or absence of pain; it’s about finding peace, being surrounded by kind people, embracing acceptance, and, most importantly, holding onto hope.

"Recently, I spoke with an adult cancer survivor struggling to find her voice amidst the challenges of her journey. Her story resonated with me, reflecting my own struggles. When it was difficult and i was unsure if I was ready to reveal this part of my life" 

One of the most painful aspects of battling with a chronic illness is the stigma attached to it. Society often labels those who are ill as "different" or "less than," leading to social isolation, discrimination, and a profound sense of rejection. 

For children, this stigma can be particularly harsh. They may face bullying, exclusion from social activities, or pity that strips away their dignity and self-worth while for adults, stigma manifests differently. There is often a silent judgment from colleagues, employers, or even friends, suggesting that chronic illness makes one less capable or valuable. This can be especially damaging in professional and social circles, where worth is frequently linked to productivity and physical appearance.

Reflecting on some of the messages and rejection notes I received when I shared my cancer journey and became an advocate (check out the flash cards above 😁😁😁), I realize how long it has taken me to begin healing. Over 15 years of navigating cancer, isolation, and rejection led to the start of my true healing when I began advocating and raising awareness about childhood cancer. Despite this, the journey has been challenging. The publicity around my advocacy was met with mixed reactions, including fears that my efforts were merely clout chasing, resulting in further rejection and misunderstanding. How can I give up on what gives me hope and joy??

Finding Hope

Healing is a journey difficult but worth taking. It involves embracing all parts of ourselves, even the scarred ones, and finding the strength to move forward. It’s about creating a world where both children and adults can heal not just physically, but emotionally and spiritually, in a stigma-free environment full of hope.

This is the ray of hope I hold onto, and I hope you do too. 😘😘😘

Being Kind

Kindness extends beyond mere politeness; it encompasses empathy, understanding, and compassion. It means recognizing the struggles others face and approaching them with sensitivity and support. When we are kind, we offer more than words; we provide a sense of belonging and comfort to those in need.

In a world where we often judge too quickly or fail to grasp the challenges others endure, kindness becomes a powerful tool for change. It’s about acknowledging that everyone is on their own journey, facing their own battles, and offering a gentle hand rather than a critical eye.

Let’s remember that our actions and words have the power to uplift or diminish. By choosing kindness, we foster a more compassionate world where everyone has the chance to heal and thrive.

"I hope we take a moment to reflect on this and know that hope leads us through the darkness, while kindness speeds up the healing for all."