Friday, October 15, 2010

10 Key Words to Help You Cope

Facing the medical world is usually difficult, especially if you have or are currently suffering from an affliction. It helps to have at least 10 inspiring words that describe you or that you want to describe you, each on its own index card. After reading each word, reflect on what that word means to you. You can even write on the cards and hang them up anywhere that suits your purpose.

I find this helps me prepare and cope with doctor's appointments. You can also bring them to doctor's appointments with you. My words are:

Powerful
Courageous
Gutsy
Resilient
Perseverence
Tough
Steely
Smart
Savvy
Empowered

What are your words that help you cope? I would love to know what they are.


This posting is an excerpt from my upcoming book, Calling the Shots: Coaching Your Way Through the Medical System. To obtain these excerpts regularly, please subscribe to this blog by clicking the orange subscribe button. I am a professional writer and have published numerous academic and magazine articles, as well as an essay on my breast cancer experience in the anthology Voices of Breast Cancer by LaChance Publishing. I can be contacted at bethlgainer@gmail.com and gainercallingtheshots@gmail.com. Photobucket
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4 comments:

  1. NancyOctober 18, 2010 at 8:14 AM

    I love this idea of coming up with 10 words to describe yourself, or that you WANT to describe you. As a teacher, this would be a great exercise for students too. Mine would definitely include resilient, capable, knowledgeable, adaptable, smart, independent, optimistic and I'm not sure about the others - I need to think some more. I like all of yours. They are all attributes to strive for, that's for sure!

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  2. JayneOctober 19, 2010 at 10:46 AM

    I'll add the phrase "eyes on the prize." I can put up with a lot if I keep reminding myself why I am doing it.

    By the way, I was also in Voices of Breast Cancer. I will pull my copy out and re-read your piece!

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  3. Beth L. GainerOctober 20, 2010 at 9:38 AM

    Nancy, thank you for sharing your key words that describe yourself. I find that it's a positive way to cope with medical issues.

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  4. Beth L. GainerOctober 20, 2010 at 9:40 AM

    Jayne,

    I love your phrase, "eyes on the prize." Very appropriate. I checked out your blog, and it's excellent. I also pulled my copy of Voices of Breast Cancer and read your story again. Loved it. You write poignantly.

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