Life is not a sprint; it’s a marathon. For many, it feels like a series of races, sometimes uphill, sometimes in rainstorms, and for some of us, even through moments that test our very will to keep running. If you’re reading this and battling cancer, you’re already a warrior in the race of life. But let me tell you something: this race is not just about reaching the finish line—it’s about winning at every step, with every breath.
Health: Your Body is the Vehicle
Think of your body as a high-performance car in this race. If you don’t take care of the engine, it won’t run well. Cancer treatment, with all its ups and downs, can make you feel like your car is running on fumes. But the good news is that you are the driver, and there are ways to keep that vehicle moving smoothly.
- Nourishment is Key: Eating nutritious foods, especially ones that boost your immune system, is like filling your tank with premium fuel. Think leafy greens, fruits rich in antioxidants, and lean proteins. They give your body the strength it needs to recover and fight back.
- Exercise Your Power: Movement, even gentle exercises like walking or stretching, is crucial. It doesn’t matter how fast you go, just that you keep going. Physical activity helps manage fatigue, improves mood, and even enhances your body’s ability to heal.
Mindset: Winning Starts in the Mind
Muhammad Ali once said, “The fight is won or lost far away from witnesses—behind the lines, in the gym, and out there on the road, long before I dance under those lights.” Cancer is one of those fights. Winning begins long before the doctor’s office. It begins in your mind.
- Embrace Your Strength: You’ve already come this far, and that’s no small feat. Recognize your resilience. The mind is a powerful ally in healing, and believing in your ability to thrive—not just survive—can make all the difference.
- Focus on Small Wins: Celebrate small victories every day, whether it’s finishing a tough treatment or simply having the energy to spend time with loved ones. Success isn’t always about big moments—it’s about appreciating the journey.
Emotional Control: Steering Through the Highs and Lows
Let’s be real—this race is emotional. There are moments when the road feels overwhelming, when it feels like you’re running in circles. But how you handle those emotional turns can be the difference between giving up and finding your second wind.
- Let Yourself Feel: Don’t bottle up your emotions. Allow yourself to feel sadness, anger, or even frustration. You’re human, and cancer can be a lot. But also give yourself permission to feel joy and gratitude on the good days.
- Connect with Your Tribe: Surround yourself with those who uplift you, whether it’s family, friends, or support groups. The Black community has a deep history of leaning on one another in times of hardship, and cancer is no different. You don’t have to run this race alone.
Personal Development: Keep Growing, Even When It Hurts
Cancer has a way of forcing us to stop and reevaluate our lives. It can be a moment of reckoning, but also of growth. Ask yourself, what can I learn from this? How can I grow despite the challenge?
- Set Intentions, Not Just Goals: It’s easy to get caught up in long-term goals, but when dealing with cancer, focus on daily intentions. What kind of person do you want to be today? How can you show yourself grace and patience right now?
- Develop New Skills: Yes, even during this race, you can cultivate new skills and habits. Whether it’s journaling, meditating, or simply finding new ways to relax, these practices not only support your health but also help you win the race on your own terms.
Crossing the Finish Line—Your Way
Winning the race of life with cancer isn’t about beating someone else. It’s about running your own race, staying strong in your lane, and taking care of yourself every step of the way. It’s about focusing on your mental, physical, and emotional well-being, growing as a person, and being proud of every step you take.
Remember, you are not defined by this diagnosis—you are defined by the way you keep moving forward. So, lace up your sneakers, take a deep breath, and keep running.
You’ve got this.