My Word for the Year: Healing

A new trend within the last few years, or at least new to me, is choosing a word for the year. Keep that word in mind, focus on what it means to you, and do what you need to do to fulfill or achieve what that word represents.

So, I thought I’d join this adventure with my word for 2022: healing. And while that's not something that can always be achieved or controlled, there are some things I can do or think about and remember as this new year moves forward.

And because I like acronyms, this acronym will help define, to me, my word of the year.

The "H"

Healing - Lots of ideas come to mind when thinking about healing for 2022... help, honor, honesty, of course health. I realize that as a caregiver, I have to be honest with myself and admit that I can’t do it all. I need to ask for help when overwhelmed or just plain tired. I have to admit my fears.

As a caregiver, I have to honor my needs as well as promote my physical, emotional and mental health. If I don’t take care of myself, I won't be any good to anyone else. Although I write this as a caregiver, I think honesty, asking for help, honoring oneself and remembering to pay attention to not only physical but emotional and mental health applies to the patient, and anyone else, as well.

The "E"

HEaling - Energy, escape, emotions, each other, every day. In the midst of fighting the battle, my husband’s needs take all my energy, and I wouldn’t have it any other way. As time and his needs permit, though, there has to be some escape for me to return to some kind of normal, however brief a time that may be.  Reading a book, taking a long hot shower, eating a warm meal, a walk around the block, a short afternoon nap... these can all do wonders.

Emotions are high for both the patient and the caregiver. I can only try to imagine the thoughts, fears, and anger that affect his emotions every day. I am still learning to not take anger personally; the anger and frustration are not directed at me, but at the circumstance and the lack of control over the disease. Yet, as we battle this disease together, we remember to be thankful for each other, every day.

The "A"

HeAling - Attitude, active, accept, achievement, abide. Our attitude defines so much about who we are, what we are going through, how we celebrate our achievements, whether big or small. I have to accept that his cancer is real and we are going through this battle, but we don’t have to abide, or live, there.

The "L"

HeaLing - L is for love, and more love, and learning, and listening. Not much more needs to be said here. And laughter... sometimes you just have to laugh..

The "I"

HealIng - Intense, immune, involved... cancer and dealing with cancer is intense. In all respects. There’s no denying that. It’s not an easy road. It comes at you from all directions. And sadly, no one is immune. Cancer hits family, friends, neighbors, children, and adults. If not fighting the battle, at some point you will likely be involved with someone who is; you may be encouraging a patient, helping a friend, running errands for a neighbor who’s resting after chemo. In some way or another, cancer touches us all.

The "N"

HealiNg -Navigate, nurse, nourishing. It’s hard to plan your course when cancer is new.  That’s why so many physicians and hospitals provide patient advocates to help you navigate in the best direction. Take advantage of that help and guidance. Decisions are still yours, but an advocate can give you suggestions, be great sources of information, and provide options to consider.

There are lots of websites and blogs with helpful information. I learned that I needed to be discerning about what is helpful and true, and what is not. A nurse can help navigate the process and systems as well. I think nurses often don't get the credit they deserve for their knowledge, their compassion, their interest in each patient. Nourishing means not only providing the right foods for health, but nourishing the soul through the kindness of human touch and care.

The "G"

And finally, HealinG - Grief, generosity, go on, God. We grieve for the impact of cancer on our loved one, we grieve for the changes cancer has made in our lives. Grief comes in waves. But we can get past it. Go on. Accept the generosity of people who  want to help. I give God all the credit and glory for giving us the strength, the support, and everything we need to walk this journey.

What is your word for the year?