I thought this would be something very fitting to share on World Cancer Day. As a cancer survivor, I can tell you first hand how difficult, ugly and scary the disease is. It has taken friends and family members from us too soon. As a person undergoing treatment one of the most exhausting things you have to do is to “stay strong,” even through the pain.

 

Cancer has changed my life in every way imaginable. As much as it has taken away it also brought an abundance of opportunities and people that I would have never had the chance to come across.

 

Although cancer is an incredibly unique experience; the adverse effects of it are not. Suffering and loss is not a condition or state only meant for those who have been afflicted with some sort of heavy burden they carry in their lives- we all suffer, we all feel pain, loss, shame, guilt, what have you. But it comes down to one thing, being our most vulnerable: This is the human condition at it’s very core.

 

But with vulnerability, after loss and pain comes strength and growth. This is a renaissance of life as we know it; in our own unique ways. That is something I love to find in each person I’ve ever known and see what really keeps their momentum going even when they feel their strength reserves are at an all time low.

 

So last week, regardless of where they were in their lives, I asked a lot of my friends the question “What is a piece of advice you have given out that you need to be reminded of?”

 

Here are the little pearls of wisdom they shared with me, some are funny, sad, inspiring and also kind of random; but maybe one will be just the thing you needed to hear today. Stay strong and know that you are loved.

 

L.

 

25 Pieces of Advice my Friends have Given to Others (But Sometimes Need to Tell Themselves):

 

“The scale doesn’t define who you are.”

 

“You deserve all that you are working for.”

 

“This, too, shall pass.”

 

“Always wear sunscreen.”

 

“‘Let it go…’ I’m working on it, though.”

 

“You have no control over how people treat you. Only how you treat them and react.”

 

“Only you can create your own happiness”

 

“Don’t drink the water.”

 

“Don’t waste your focus on the 2% you can’t please”

 

“Communication, communication, communication”

 

“Love yourself more and believe in every single thing you do. Doubt kills dreams, innovation and creativity.”

 

“Forgive and forget”

 

“Many of life’s failures were people who didn’t realize how close they were to success when they gave up.”

 

“Having something finished is often better than having it perfect.”

 

“No one can make you feel inferior without your consent.”

 

“It’s a marathon, not a sprint.”

 

“Perspective is everything. if there is a situation that you cannot change, try to change your perspective to make it work and consequently make you happier.”

 

“Love yourself- your whole self- mistakes and all, no matter where you are currently in life or why/how you got there. You are your whole self, and you are meant to be at your current juncture. Keep your head up, and your heart open.”

 

“Think deeply; Speak gently; Love much; Laugh a lot; Work hard; Give freely…and be kind.—-seems like doing them all simultaneously can be a challenge.”

 

“Don’t eat grocery store sushi.”

 

“It’s ok to be selfish. Like on an airplane, they tell you to put your mask on before helping children and elderly. That’s because if you are not in a good spot, you are no good to anyone else.”

 

“Let that sh*t go!”

 

“The best advice is try to live by example.”

 

“Fear is a total cockblock”

 

“Honor the process that you are in.”

 

Please if you feel inclined add the advice that YOU have given out but maybe that YOU should also listen to in the comments!