How Can You Be Positive When You Have Cancer?

"A positive attitude will give you extra energy and vitality."

So people will tell you. That's all very well, but how do you cultivate a positive attitude when you feel so absolutely rotten? People will often tell you to "stay positive" and they have no clue what they're talking about.

What does "Be Positive" really mean?

• It depends who you're talking to.

• Often people mean, 'Don't let this interfere with your life/ affect our relationship'. And of course that's impossible. Cancer DOES interfere with your life, and if they really care, it WILL affect your relationship, hopefully in a good way.
• It may mean 'Fight to get well and overcome this disease'.

Does "Be Positive" make a difference to your health?

• Many people and books will tell you that by being positive you increase your chances of a cure or remission. 
• This indicates if you don't get better, it's because you weren't positive enough. That's cruel. And it's just not true.
• If you try to be positive and your heath doesn't improve, you may feel you've failed. 
• The positive thing about being positive is that you will feel better in yourself. So it's a worthwhile attitude to try to cultivate. Just don't get paranoid. You can't be positive all the time.

So Why "Be Positive" Then?

• It makes it easier for you to make good decisions, and to cope with your situation.
• By choosing to 'Be Positive' you are making a choice, or taking control. That helps reduce your chances of depression.
• If you're looking after someone with cancer, being positive will help you be happy in your work, and encourage your patient.
• Being positive will help to minimise your fear and help you be realistic over what you can or can't do.
• It will make you a nicer person to be around, which will give you more fellowship with others.

What Can Help You "Be Positive"?

• Look for ways to laugh
• Consider healthy meditation
• Look for ways to be creative
• Cultivate a healthy imagination
• Learn to relax

• Express your feelings, even if they're not positive

• Don't ignore negative feelings. If necessary get some professional help. This is not a sign of failure. It is, in itself, a positive step forward. 

• Develop a fighting spirit
• Look FOR the bright side (not ON the bright side because you may not be able to find it!)

Related posts:

The Power of the Mind

I Feel So Sad--Why?

Laughter: Is It Really the Best Medicine?

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© Shirley Corder 2012

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 2 Comments  

On 29 June 2012 Shirl wrote: Thanks for this, Karen. I personally found feeling positive helped me in my decision making, because I was more hopeful for my future. Certainly others seemed to relate better to me when I had a positive attitude. And yes, I totally agree that bring positive doesn't bring healing. On 29 June 2012 Karen Ingalls wrote: I do not believe being positive "cures" me, but it helps me to face whatever challenge I have or had, including cancer. I go through down times for sure, but I choose to not stay there. It does not help me to make wise decisions or interact with others.

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