How I Found an Unexpected Link Between Joy and Cancer

Joy isn’t something usually associated with cancer. Strangely, cancer can sometimes help you get in touch with the sources of joy in your life.

“What is the secret to life?” my sister jokingly asked me the other day, and I thought to myself: Joy.

Joy to be here, present in the moment. Alive. Well. Aware.

And what is joy, I wondered. It’s definitely the opposite of fear. It’s living in the moment, feeling life through all of your senses, finding meaning and purpose, and finding flow.

Sometimes joy descends on you, making you happy. The trick is to find it yourself, to work at your own fulfillment. I’ve found that the way to joy is to follow your passion.

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Cancer, my teacher

Cancer became a teacher once I let myself be a student. I’ve learned how to gather my gratitude and maximize love.

Cancer has brought me closer to my husband, who appreciates me more. We’re both grateful for each day we spend together — each day is more special because we don’t know the future or how long I have to live.

This could be the case for anyone. You may feel closer to your children, your spouse, your parents, or friends. Cancer may bring you that gift.

Does it sound funny to think that cancer can bring gifts? That’s the silver lining of having a diagnosis.

Take stock of what brings you joy

I recently saw a presentation by a novice potter who said, “The job of a potter is to breathe life into clay. In return, he is given purpose and peace, and when beauty is born, joy.”

The message is to pursue your art not for how much money you’ll make, but for the love of it. If you do that, I can almost guarantee that you’ll keep joy alive despite cancer.

My cats Rumble and Squirt bring me so much joy. Work brings me community, which brings me joy.

I have my own office where I can close the door and get solitude, but if I step outside, I can talk with anyone and get instant community. I also help students one-on-one, which gives me satisfaction and joy.

I find deep satisfaction in my hobby, which is writing. I’ve published several poetry books and am currently working on another about cancer. I envision my retirement getting up, drinking coffee, going through emails, reading a lot of poetry, then taking a walk, then writing for as much and as long as I can.

This joyful life can satisfy me, no matter how many years I have left to live.

My challenge to you

I challenge you to pick one of your favorite activities and practice it for 3 days.

Notice if you feel any different. Do you have a deep sense of satisfaction? Are you in the “flow,” or experience some kind of mindful meditation as you’re doing the activity? Does the activity bring you joy, happiness, and love? 

According to Julia Cameron, author of “The Artist’s Way,” it’s important to write and even chant creative affirmations to nourish your inner artist and help you stay creative.

One affirmation is: “I am a channel for God’s creativity, and my work comes to good.” I have made that my mantra. I guarantee if you adopt a similar mantra, you can stay focused and positive. 

Catching fish when you least expect it

The ancient philosopher Ovid said: “Chance is always powerful. Let your hook be always cast; in the pool where you least expect it, there will be a fish.”

Staying positive and working on my creativity ensures joy is sure to visit me. The more you stick with your practices, the better chance you have that joy will stay.

Where do you catch your fish? What do you use as bait, and where do you throw it? Do you fish in saltwater or freshwater? Trout or salmon?

There is always the waiting, but there will be a fish — thrashing around, scales gleaming, pulling away from your pole.

Remember, there will always be more fish to sustain you in times of unrest. Don’t be afraid. Embrace your success. Reel it in, then let it go.

Keeping fear at bay

Don’t let fear get you.

There are always downsides to chronic illness, but I have a weapon to fight this: mindfulness.

I’ve come to see that my challenge is to keep joy alive in the midst of pain, fear, or depression, to live in the here and now, to find inspiration in the depths of sorrow, and to pursue our creativity.

If we focus on these positives, we are sure to outmatch the criminal that is cancer, who seems to be wanting to kidnap our minds.

Remember this Native American saying when you are having a hard time:

The Elder: “Inside each of us are two wolves — a good wolf and a bad wolf. These wolves are always in battle — they are always at war within us throughout our lives.”

The Youth: “Which wolf wins?”

The Elder: “The one you feed.”