The Big Cs

I've been doing some reading lately on cancer, for some strange reason. I came across the following in Voices of Breast Cancer: The Healing Project. Debra LaChance is the founder of the Healing Project. Since cancer is often referred to as the big "C", Debra came up with her own list of the Big Cs. Here they are:

• To show Courage in the face of so much challenge.
• To accept Caring as it comes.
• To take Comfort from others.
• To let yourself and others Cry.
• To know it is OK to Complain.
• To stay Connected with those you love.
• To be Constant in your ability to rise above but never feel guilty when you can't.
• To build Character for when you come out on the other side.
• To Create kinship with others not as lucky as you.
• To say I Can.
• To say I Cannot.
• To opt for Plan "C" if you must.
• To take Control of your diagnosis and become your own advocate.
• To believe in a Cure, if only for your heart.
• To make Choices that you can live or die with.
• Finally, with cancer, you have to be ready to chart a new Course, for the rest of your life, no matter what the outcome.

These Cs are good guidelines in everyday life for everyone, not just for anyone going through cancer. And I'm not just saying that because I do Cry and I do Complain at times. ... I really need to work on never feeling guilty ...