The ‘New’ Normal and Self Esteem:
Hello Globalgrind! It’s Carmelina Vargas here.
This October month marks exactly a year since I was diagnosed with Stage 2 Breast Cancer. I must say it’s been quite a ride but definitely one that has impacted my life in a more positive way. I have great news! I am done with my chemotherapy treatments and am slowly getting back to my old self again. Or am I? I am trying hard to relate to the person I once was before this traumatic experience. I find little pieces of the old Carmelina here and there.
I never truly understood when people mention that there is something called the “new normal” after a breast cancer diagnosis. But now I understand, as it has impacted everything from my mental, emotional and physical health down to my daily eating habits.
A new birth has happened to Carmelina.As I get acquainted and digest what happened to me now that the chemotherapy brain fog is slowly passing, a great sense of self esteem arises in my spirit. Everyday I got up and thanked God for my healing even before it happened.
I took care of my body by eating fruits and vegetables and whole grains. I also eliminated refined sugars from my diet. I sought out alternative healing like Acupuncture and Aromatherapy. Acupuncture is known as a form of healing the entire body. The procedure involves inserting and manipulating needles into various points on the body to relieve pain or for therapeutic purposes.
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Aromatherapy is the practice of using natural oils to enhance psychological and physical well-being. I believe they are such an important components to helping restore that internal balance in your life. I practice them, often.
Aside from all these great, small gifts I gave myself, one looming question crept in the back of my mind. What was I doing before breast cancer and chemotherapy? Why didn’t I take better care of myself as much as when it happened. I continue to struggle with this because so many of us let life get in the way of our health and well being. We let stress and people dictate our lives. I learned that YOU can control your wellbeing through awareness and action.
There is something so beautiful about connecting to your spirit that no one can take from you. Only you know what is best for you. It’s bigger than just a womanly instinct, it’s a sense of devotion to your emotional and spiritual health and this give you life. It sparks healing.
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So many of us walk around with a spiritual death, but we can turn that around by going inside and getting to know who you are. Let yourself be. I also learn that ‘the new normal’ is not a bad thing at all. Sure, in the back of my mind, a recurrence is possible, but why focus on what could be when I am enjoying life the way it is in the present moment. I am in touch with living. In touch with life. I am in touch with living MY life.
Just like any drastic change in your life, whether it be a death in the family or the loss of a relationship. The healing process can be a dynamic force. There is some fat we m
