The cancer journey has taught our followers and participants many important lessons that they have graciously shared with others through our surveys. Live Life Now Project commonly asks patients and survivors to reflect on their experiences and share the most valuable lessons they have learned. The responses were profound and illuminating, highlighting key themes that can benefit us all. Here are some of the key lessons and themes that emerged from our survey question: What has your illness taught you about life?
Theme: Appreciating Life
“I appreciate every day I have, even the bad ones. I know how precious life is now.”
Many cancer patients and survivors spoke about how their diagnosis helped them to appreciate life in a new way. They emphasized the importance of living in the present moment and cherishing the time they have. They also spoke about the value of small things, like spending time with loved ones, taking a walk in nature, or enjoying a favorite hobby. As one respondent put it: “Life is a gift, and I’m not going to waste it.”
Theme: Resilience and Strength
“I never knew how strong I was until I went through cancer.”
Cancer is a difficult experience that tests our physical, emotional, and mental resilience. Many patients and survivors spoke about how they discovered inner strength they didn’t know they had. They learned to cope with pain, uncertainty, and fear, and emerged stronger on the other side. As one survivor said: “I thought I was weak, but I’m stronger than I ever imagined.”
Theme: Perspective
“Cancer has made me see the bigger picture.”
Cancer can shift our perspective and help us see what truly matters in life. Many patients and survivors spoke about how their diagnosis helped them to prioritize their values and focus on what’s important. They also spoke about the power of positive thinking and the ability to find hope and meaning in difficult situations. One respondent mentioned: “Cancer taught me to focus on what I can control and let go of what I can’t. It’s all about perspective.”
Theme: Gratitude
“I’m grateful for every day I have.”
Gratitude about life is a common theme among cancer patients and survivors. Many spoke about how their experience taught them to be grateful for the good things in their lives, no matter how small. They also spoke about the importance of gratitude towards others, including healthcare professionals, family members, and friends who supported them during their journey, with one stating: “I’m grateful for every day I have, and for the people who helped me get through it.”
Theme: Acceptance
“I’ve learned to accept what I cannot change.”
Many patients and survivors spoke about how their experience taught them to accept their situation and find peace with it. They spoke about the power of letting go of control and trusting the process, even when it’s difficult, with one cancer patient stating: “Cancer taught me to let go of my expectations and accept what I cannot change. It’s not easy, but it’s necessary for my well-being.”
In conclusion, cancer patients and survivors have valuable lessons to teach us about life. Their experiences can help us appreciate the preciousness of each day, discover our inner strength, shift our perspective, cultivate gratitude, and find acceptance in difficult situations. As one survivor put it: “Cancer is not a death sentence, it’s a life lesson.”
For more quotes, check out our beautiful coffee-table book, now available as a paperback from Amazon.
If you are a cancer patients or survivor and would like to provide a quote for our project, you can complete our online survey here.
Check out our Instagram page for regular quote updates from cancer patients and survivors world-wide.
