Today is Weight Wednesday. I decided to not lift today just in case the group run is canceled in Saturday. Instead I went to the gym and did 10.4 miles on the arc trainer since the running conditions outside are still horrible from yesterday’s storm leaving Massachusetts with about three feet of snow.

Today’s question relates to strength. How do cancer survivors thrive on inner strength?

What is resilience? For a cancer survivor, it might be defined as the ability to recover, the strength to move forward, and the awareness of the needs of your own body.

Resilience is a strength that comes from within and is self-motivating. Research has shown that cancer survivors, when questioned, many times identify their own inner strength as one of the primary sources of strength as they experience and recover from a cancer diagnosis and treatment.

Many cancer survivors can identify with this concept, although it may be hard to put into words at first. Here are a few thoughts to consider as a cancer survivor reflects on their own resilience:

How do you bounce back from difficult situations?

What are your coping mechanisms?

How do you gain strength and courage to move forward?

What motivates you?

Are you able to ask for help when you need it?

What is your support system?

What inspires you and makes you feel whole as a person?

Cancer survivors have this amazing ability to survive and thrive despite the physical and emotional stress of cancer.
If there are any cancer survivors who are reading my blog please share your thoughts on this topic. I would love to hear your opinion on what you feel is resilience and how this inner strength has helped you in your experience.