Cancer patients and survivors have gained invaluable wisdom from their journeys, and when asked for advice to people who complain about the daily grind, their responses are eye-opening. These patients have experienced the painful reality of a changed life, including spending days in a hospital bed, doctors’ appointments and chemotherapy sessions, loss of physicality, and the uncertainty of whether they will see a future. They urge people to put their problems into perspective and be grateful for what they have.
In response to our survey question: What advice would you give to people who complain about the daily grind? one patient said, “Would you trade them for days in a hospital bed? Or the uncertainty of whether you will see the next month?” Statements like these are a powerful reminder that complaining about the daily grind is a privilege that many people take for granted. For someone living with a terminal disease, the ability to complain is no longer an option.
Another surveyed patient reminded us that “when you’re complaining about the ‘normal’ things you have to do, someone out there is craving that type of ‘normal’ more than you will ever know.” It’s easy to forget that the ability to ‘do’ the daily grind of work, school, or household chores is someone else’s dream. We should be grateful for the opportunities we have and the routine of our lives.
One patient urged people to “be thankful you woke up this morning and have the ability to complain about it.” This statement highlights the fragility of life and the importance of cherishing each day. For someone living with a terminal disease, waking up each morning is a gift, and complaining about the daily grind seems trivial.
Patients also remind us that “it’s a beautiful day to be alive” and to “be grateful you have a daily grind.” Life may not always be easy, but there is beauty and joy to be found in even the most mundane tasks. When we focus on the small kindnesses and miracles around us, we can find gratitude in the daily grind.
One patient suggested that if you don’t love what you do, “find what you love to do, and it will never be a daily grind.” Life is too short to spend our days doing something that drains us. We should pursue our passions and find fulfillment in our work.
Another cancer patient surveyed encouraged people to “focus on the things that make life beautiful, they truly outweigh the small things that do not.” When we focus on the positive aspects of our lives, the complaints fade away.
Lastly, one patient suggested that if you don’t like something, “change it.” If that’s not possible, “find happiness and little things that you enjoy in those days.” Life is too short to spend our days doing something that makes us unhappy. We should find ways to bring joy into our lives, even in the midst of the daily grind.
Through their cancer journey, patients and survivors who participate in Live Life Now Project have gained wisdom about life through their experience, and offer valuable advice to people who complain about matters such as the daily grind. Their experiences remind us to be grateful for the routine of our lives, to find joy in the small things, and to pursue our passions. By practicing gratitude and focusing on the positive aspects of our lives, we can find fulfillment and happiness even in the most mundane tasks.
