Why cancer survivors should stop making new year's resolutions and start living
“Why should cancer survivors avoid traditional New Year’s resolutions?”
Shay Moraga reflects on why cancer survivors often struggle with traditional New Year's resolutions. She highlights the profound lessons cancer teaches about time, inner strength, overcoming fear, and choosing to live fully without excuses.
Essential Notes:
Cancer shifts perspective so that everyday moments and simple pleasures take priority over rigid resolutions.
Realizing inner strength during cancer treatment helps survivors face post-treatment uncertainty with courage.
Waiting for tomorrow is an excuse; living authentically today is the ultimate goal.
Physical changes cannot diminish your core identity and self-worth.
Do you struggle to make resolutions? If so why not leave that habit with last year. No new years resolutions here. Why? Because we have been through cancer and that changes everything.
What cancer teaches us about time and strength
Cancer teaches us never waste a moment. To savor every second. Because we never know how many days we have left. Eat the chocolate cake for God's sake!
Cancer teaches us that when you set your mind to something it really is possible.
Cancer teaches us what it means to be strong mind, body, and soul. It tests every bit of faith you have in you. And you will never know how strong you are until it’s your only option.
Redefining fear, happiness, and inner identity
Cancer teaches us the definition of fear. Nothing will ever be scarier than the unknown we all already have been through.
Cancer teaches us the definition of happiness. That wanting more and always striving for what’s next will never compare to what you already have.
Cancer teaches us that tomorrow is an excuse. Anything worth doing is worth doing today. Because you can't take any of what you have with you once you're gone.
Cancer teaches us that no matter what is taken from you on the outside… it can never change who you are on the inside. Repeat that again and again by looking in the mirror. Let the tears fly. It IS okay. I promise you.
Making every single day count
...And more than anything else… cancer teaches us that life is not a given. Every single bad day is so much better than no day at all. That feeling sorry for ourselves gets us nowhere.
And every single second is a chance for greatness. Because Life. IS. A. Gift.
So here is your chance… You have 365 days to make a difference. Stop waiting for tomorrow. Stop making excuses. And get out there and live! Really LIVE!
This life is what you make of it… So while you're here on this earth, today is a fresh start for tomorrow. Your #1 resolution should be to REALLY LIVE that big beautiful life in full color! We would be honored if you would share this with someone who needs to hear it.
Happy New Year everyone!
Xo
Shay
Explore how to build faith over fear by reading Shay's reflection on what reaching 5 years cancer-free teaches you about living fully.
You don't have to navigate this alone.
Shifting from survival mode into living fully after cancer can feel overwhelming. Lean on our community for encouragement, peer connection, and daily inspiration. Connect with our virtual and in-person survivor support groups today. Connect with our virtual and in-person survivor support groups today.