Don't forget to join us in the Facebook group if you haven't already done so! I share resources, mental health tips, research, recipes, and more. Plus, it is a wonderful place to find support and camaraderie in the craziness of cancer with people who get it. Even if you don't have cancer, caregivers and those serious about prevention are absolutely welcome too. Check it out here! |
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Love NoteDECEIVINGRemember that feeling when you were a kid, when something happened and it felt like the actual, literal end of the world? You forgot about a test, or your parents forbid you from going to that amazing party that everyone else is going to, or your best friend moved schools; and here would come the stomach drop, the narrowing vision, the tingling sensation in your face as the blood rushed to it, and man oh man, that sensation of dread, like the world had stopped turning.
Looking back on those events now, they seem like no big deal, just interesting anecdotes that always gets a few chuckles and understanding nods. Sometimes, our initial reaction to things, no matter how real or true it feels in the moment, is not the way we will feel forever. As humans, we have a tendency to jump ahead in time and imagine all sorts of negative outcomes to a problem or event that's just happened. My guess is that it's a survival instinct of sorts, trying to imagine and therefore be prepared for the worst-case scenario. And those feelings of dread, worry, or despair that we feel are often coming from these imaginary end points that haven't happened yet and that may never happen.
Change is scary af. We get into our comfort zone and we're boppin' along, not wanting things to ever change and so not keeping our eye out for things that need to change and the good that could from those changes. That test you missed? Your teacher lets you write a makeup one and you get a different essay question that you actually know way more about than the one from the test the rest of the class took. That party you missed? The cops ended up coming and everyone there got a fine. You best friend moving schools? Okay, that straight up sucks, but your motivated to find new friends and you join a club that leads you to your new passion.
My point is that we put ourselves through the dang RINGER sometimes, worrying and stressing and convincing ourselves that this will affect us negatively forever or that everyone will judge us or that something is impossible and we can't do it. Our mind automatically jumps to the end, and the end it jumps to isn't usually very nice. And not only does it conjure up these awful scenarios, but this also prevents it and us from seeing the many, many more possible outcomes, the ones that aren't nearly as scary or upsetting.
You will notice that today's email contains a new logo and a new name. You can read all about why I changed it and what the new name means below in the "Announcements" section, and though I feel really good about this change and everyone has reacted with so much kindness and support, I was terrified a month ago. I was so sad and ashamed that someone was upset by my use of "Orenda". I was certain that people would judge me poorly for having chosen to use this word in the first place, because I was judging myself. And I was certain that it would be impossible to find a new name that I loved and that captured this community perfectly. It was a stomach drop, vision narrowed, face tingling moment of dread.
But you know what? No animosity came to reinforce my sadness and shame. Quite the opposite actually; I received understanding and support instead. No judgements were flung in my direction. Quite the opposite again; doing better after knowing better has been celebrated, and I feel so much love and support. And I absolutely LOVE our new name; it wasn't impossible after all. I destroyed myself for a week, needlessly. It was an important lesson.
Be concerned with the results of your actions and try to avoid missteps when you can, but know that they are going to happen in life. Equally important though is to also know that these missteps are not the end of the world, that you can learn and grow from them and, most importantly, make them right. They say good things come in small packages, but I'd like to change that and instead say that good things come in deceiving packages. It might look terrible at the outset, but once you get inside it, you may just find the most beautiful gifts.
Happy Healing |
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Announcing Our New Name: Solis Cancer Community |
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Our world is changing. Perspectives are shifting, view points are adjusting, minds are growing. And it’s a beautiful thing. As we change and grow, we learn. What we didn’t used to think twice about doing or saying, now gives us pause.
The First Nations community is courageously finding their voices after so many centuries of being silenced. And not just silenced, but actively persecuted and wiped out, both physically and culturally. Somehow, our ancestors figured out how to show so many types of indifference to this group of people and focus so much hate on them at the same time.
I am so happy to see slow progress being made towards reparations, and today, I would like to do a very small part to contribute to that progress. Orenda is a First Nations word, and while I chose it with the utmost respect and love, this word does not belong to me. After an important discussion with a member of the First Nations community, I have decided to change the name on all social media platforms and the website to Solis Cancer Community.
Solis means sun or sunlight, and reflects one of the most important lessons that cancer taught me, that there is light to be found in even the darkest of challenges if we only choose to look for and focus on it; yes, even in cancer. For me, it also represents the light or the energy that exists within us all, our strength and determination and capacity for change and healing, for learning and growth. Calling on this light, this energy, was such an important part of my healing journey, and I’m sure it has been for others too. And finally, I hope so much that this community is a place where each and every person who needs it can find peace and solace as they walk this difficult path, and when spoken out loud, Solis sounds a heck of a lot like solace
It’s going to be a process to go through my videos, course, blog posts, website, and social media profiles to change this everywhere, so for a while you will likely still see and hear Orenda in previously-shared posts, videos, and pages. Your patience through this process and while things are a little disjointed is so, so appreciated.
As I endeavour to do with everything in my life post-cancer, I am focusing on the positives and looking forward to going through all of my content, the website, etc. While I make these changes, it will be a lovely trip back through the past two years of sharing my journey, my learning, and my healing with you all, and who knows how many valuable insights I will gain from that?
Thank you everybody
And welcome to Solis! |
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