A new perspective

I always find that the approach of New Year is a an ideal time to take stock of things.Our regular commitments subside and there is a little thinking time.Personally, I am never happy for my work to 'stand still,' and am always looking to improve things and embrace innovation, particularly in social-media.

A few months ago I was at a conference, where I met a lady who listens to a presentation and creates a story from what is being said. I found this absolutely riveting, and the picture at the end captured the presentation perfectly! It actually made a boring talk very interesting! I felt that this would add a lot to my blog, so Anna very kindly took one of my most popular pieces and did one for me! 

So some of you may recognise a part of this piece, but I hope you are as impressed as I was, at the fantastic picture that sums up the post brilliantly.

When I was diagnosed, on that terrible day back in 2007, I was very determined not to let cancer dictate my life, and to be able to still choose what I do with it. I suppose at that time, I was getting a little ahead of myself, as there was no guarantee that I was going to live for very long at all. However, a few years on, and with treatments improving all the time, I am beginning to find myself with a reasonable quality of life.

It is ironic, that I have chosen to fill up my life with cancer content now. I draw comfort from the fact that it is all work that I can now choose, and involves meeting with lots of wonderful people, either patients or professionals. As I have mentioned frequently, people are my passion, and I am finding that my business background is helping incredibly with the things I do now.

A meeting with someone I had never previously met has prompted this post. They had been observing my work in social media for some time, and pointed out that I always took the trouble to thank people. My reason for this is that I know how busy everyone is, and if they take time to do something for me, I should show my appreciation. This person had come a long distance to meet me, so I thanked them too! It was then that I realised that I now value people, in terms of time, not money.

(If you would like to know more about this work you can contact Anna HERE) 

We all have a value to others, although sometimes we can't see that. We feel that if we do things for no financial reward, that we have no personal worth. Actually, the truth is very different to that! 

In my business life, I got used to everything having a cost, therefore it was easy to place a value on something. The same in our personal lives, we tend to judge people by what they earn, as it is an easy comparison to use. But for me, the most valuable thing I have is time. My time is borrowed so I really do appreciate it's value!

Given the fact that everyone is precious with their time, I can now ascertain my value in peoples lives, by how much time they give me. The same applies in reverse, by how much time I afford others. On this basis things start to look differently. I dare you to look at your social life in the same way!

I now realise, that one of the reason's I struggled psychologically with the fact that I was unable to return to my old life, was the value that I placed on myself. I was earning very well, and was always busy, I felt I was worth something. But very quickly, as I got sicker and sicker, and further away from work, I began to feel worthless. Mostly because I was no longer able to earn money. I can certainly empathise with people who lose their job for any reason. It has taken me a long time to find my true value, which is not in financial terms!

 As I have slowly come to terms with my current life, my value is becoming more obvious. My personal and business experience is now in demand, and people are arranging their schedules around my availability. I know the efforts I have to make, to talk with people, either face to face,or on the phone. My treatment etc takes a lot of time and physical effort, also, as my family is increasing, it becomes more difficult to fit things in but I will if I can, and I want to.

My personal cancer experience, has taught me the value of my own time. It has also made me appreciate, the value of other people's too. We all choose how we use it, so I am very grateful when people decide to give me some of theirs! Whether it is by taking time to read this blog, share it with friends, or follow me on Twitter, thank you, because there is not much higher compliment you can pay someone than sparing time for them.

This blog has been entered into The UK Blog Awards 2014 #ukba14 If you are enjoying my work I would be very grateful, if you could click the attached link and vote for it. 




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The joy of youthful innovation in cancer support.

This week has been particularly busy, as instead of being stuck behind my computer, sending emails and writing, I was doing my preferred work, meeting people. My project work is evolving, and I am invited to see some of the new work going on in the cancer sector. I have also completed a magazine interview, where my opinions were sought on some very controversial subjects. It will be interesting to see that in print! ( My legal team are ready!) To add to that, I have received a very nice invitation to talk to some policy making professionals, so a very varied week all round.

I have mentioned several times in my blogs that I love working with younger people. However, their issues can be incredibly complex. Unfortunately, many will not have been able to develop some of the life skills required to deal with cancer and it's side issues. But what I do find from this group, are fresh, stimulating ideas. They think very differently to me, and don't have so many preconceived ideas. Being always open to looking at problems differently.

 

This stimulates innovation, which is what we require, to keep improving things for people affected by cancer. I am heartened to be invited to talk with people who are now starting to look at new ways we may be able to deal with the psychological and emotional issues that all of us face. We are now in an era when social media will play an increasing role in this. We can no longer rely on the support groups and traditional methods of counselling etc. People are looking at new, more modern ways of gaining the support they require. Something more suited to the lives we lead today.

Social media has given people affected by cancer, a new, very powerful tool. Very quickly, they have learned how to use it effectively, and support networks are springing up across the world. Whilst a lot of us have found our way around by trial and error, many of our younger patients, have been using their skills and experience to develop methods of support, more appropriate to them. What this means is that we can build on this work, and target much more age appropriate support.

I have been very honoured to feature some wonderful guest blogs, from some incredibly inspiring young people. All of which get read week after week by new readers. The style in which they are written, shows a freshness and openness, and an enthusiasm to share their experiences to the benefit of others. The young lady who's work I feature today, is someone I connect with frequently, as we have a lot of common ground with our work. We both work with several organisations and use our contrasting skills to help others.

Becki McGuiness works tirelessly for others, despite her own cancer issues She was honoured, to participate in the opening ceremony of the Paralympics in London 2012. She is an incredible lady and has just produced a wonderful piece of work, showing how poetry and art can be effective in cancer support. Below is a brief summary of why Becki created this project, and also a little of her own personal involvement with cancer.

"I was diagnosed with a benign tumour in 2005 at 18 and osteosarcoma (bone cancer) in my sacrum at 21. I enjoyed doing art lessons whilst going through chemotherapy at University College Hospital London. By creating this book with Fixers I wanted to show others, the positive effect, art and poetry can have, to help you cope with what I call the Big C. The final push to physically get this project off the ground, was when my Dad was diagnosed with cancer in 2012

I hope this helps anyone affected by cancer, to feel that they are not alone. Everyone's experience of cancer is different. Do what feels right for you. You will have good and bad days, you're only human."

I feel very honoured to have a blog link included in this piece of work! My thanks to you Becki, for all you do for everyone affected by cancer.
If you would like to find out more about what Becki does, take a look at her brilliant blog or contact her on Twitter @LoveEire4eva