Every month, we host a Fighting Pretty Conversation that includes women from our community where we discuss a new topic.
Tonight, we hosted a virtual Conversation led by our very own Kara Frazier with several additional members of our incredibly badass community to share their own Cancer Hacks. Here is an inspirational and universal list of Cancer Hacks for all women "Fighting Pretty" through cancer:
1. Find your symbol or your mantra.
For the Fighting Pretty community, it's pretty obvious our symbol is the pair of mini boxin gloves, but depending on what you are going through at that time, there may be many other symbols you look to to help you feel strong, motivated, amitious, determined or beautiful at the time you need it most. Some of the recommended symbols and mantras we discussed were:
- Sparkle Tattoo - Kara Frazier got a sparkle tattoo last year because after struggling with infertility, likely due to cancer, she felt she was losing her sparkle. Do you need to get a tattoo - not necessarily! But it's the symbol you need to see to remind you of what you need.
- Inspirational Bracelet - one community member said she loves the bracelets that have mantras on them like "You're Amazing" or "Keep Going." There are many companies who have these and it's a great personal reminder when you're feeling down!
- Accessories - is there a pair of earrings or a pair of socks with a cute design to lift your spirits? Sometimes that is all you need to remember how badass you are!
- "Let them" - this incredible mantra by Mel Robbins originated from her experience in life of being anxious about her kids/family doing things that she wanted to change. By releasing that anxiety, she was able to let go, and let her family do and she could in turn manage how she reacted; this can be helpful in the cancer space when you feel guilty about canceling plans, feel intimated that you should be doing more, or people are telling you things you don't want to hear. Let Them, and just focus on you."
- "Choose Joy" - there are so many things to be upset or overwhelmed about, but the sun is still shining, we are still breathing and there is always some way to find joy. It's ok to sulk in the sadness, but just don't stay there!
- "This too shall pass" - When you're going through a tough time, it may feel like it's never ending. But whatever it is, it will pass!
- "Put Yourself First" - a cancer journey is a time to be selfish. If you need to rest, do it. If you need to ask for help, now's the time. Put a post-it note on your mirror that says "Focus on You" and remember to look at it when you need to be reminded.
2. Create your personal soundtrack/playlist
When you're feeling down, music is an incredible way to be lifted up. Picture yourself walking down the hallway of a hospital to a song when you are needing to feel powerful. What song would that be? We have a playlist available on Spotify, but here are some of our suggestions:
- Runs the World, Beyonce - "Endless power, with our love, we can devour...who runs the world? GIRLS!"
- Badass Woman, Megan Trainor - "I'm way stronger than I ever been before
Oh, I'm a force of nature that you can't ignore." - Scars to your Beautiful, Alessia Cara - "There's a hope that's waiting for you in the dark; you should know you're beautiful just the way you are."
- Crazy, Alanis Moorisette - "You're never gonna survive unless you get a little crazy!"
- One Hand in my Pocket, Alanis Moorisette - "I'm brave but I'm chicken shit; I'm sick but I'm pretty, baby!"
- Roar, Katy Perry "I got the eye of the tiger, a fighter! Dancing through the fire!"
3. Join a Community Group or Lean on Others
This is what Fighting Pretty is all about! We have our virtual Conversations once a month and our private online Facebook Group, "Fighting Pretty Through Cancer" that can help you navigate some hard things through cancer. But if you need additional groups, retreats or more, there are so many incredible resources out there for you, including support groups at your hospital or some of the resources listed on our website:
4. Read about it!
Some great recommendations that are "easy reads" and truly have helped us navigate the craziness of cancer are:
- Between Two Kingdoms by Suleika Jauoud
- Choosing Happiness by Alexandra Stoddard
- Difficult Gifts by Courtney Burnett, MD
I'm sure there are a TON more books out there, so if you have recommendations, please join our Fighting Pretty through Cancer Facebook Group and post in there to help others battling cancer!
5. Remember, it's ok to be selfish.
Do what you need to do to relax, take some me time and feel your feelings. Whether it's going to take a bath, sitting in front of the TV to watch bad reality shows, or getting a pedicure, you deserve it. You're allowed to do what YOU need to do to feel better. So take the time you need and pamper yourself!
At Fighting Pretty, we are on a mission to help you feel strong and beautiful. So, don't forget to sign up for Weekly Cancer Hacks that can be delivered straight to your inbox every Monday!
Plus, if you have additional Cancer Hacks you recommend, please join our Fighting Pretty through Cancer Facebook Group and post in there to help others battling cancer!