I think most cancer survivors are all hoping that they can flip that coin and have it land “rainbows” side up. But that is not always the case. In my experiences, the coin is constantly flipping. Sometimes, depending on the person and their health, it will land rainbow side up more often than not, and for others, it may land with the awful side up. But you are right, the most important thing, regardless of how the coin lands, is remembering that there is a good side to the coin.

I know this is way too simplistic, but it sounds like two sides of the same coin. One side looks awful, while the other side has rainbows and other signs of hope. Please feel free to let me know how I can help you look at the other side.

I have days all the time where I struggle. But it is not because I forget that there are positive outlooks. It is because I feel like those positive outlooks are unattainable or that another bad thing will always arise to keep me from getting to that better place. I handle those days by letting myself feel the anger and frustration associated with my feelings of hopelessness get out. I cry or scream and just let myself grieve or be frustrated. I have to honor what I am feeling because those feelings are justified and because it everything will quickly build up if I try to suppress things. Then, I pick myself up, remember to hold on to hope, and decide to make the best out of what I am given. I have to accept what is out of my control and try to remain positive. I know that if I always stay in the “hopeless” midset (even if it is justified) that there is no good to be had when I am thinking that way. And I want to live my life in a way that leaves me experiencing every possible good thing, even if it is small.