Originally posted 15 June 2017.
I saw this quote on Facebook the other day:
“My mission in life is not merely to survive, but to thrive; and to do so with some passion, some compassion, some humor, and some style.” — Maya Angelou
I have difficulty when someone refers to me as a Cancer Survivor. It sounds as if I am barely hanging on.
An Internet search of the definition of survivor shows:
a person who survives, especially a person remaining alive after an event in which others have died: “the sole survivor of the massacre”
a person who copes well with difficulties in their life: “she is a born survivor”
However, to thrive means:
to grow vigorously (flourish)
to gain in wealth or possessions (prosper)
to progress toward or realize a goal despite or because of circumstances.
I think being a Cancer Thriver is a more accurate definition of my journey. When I realized cancer was a part of my life and, in some ways, would always be a part of my life I was determined to make this the absolute best thing that could happen to me.
I asked Richard one day why he thought this had happened to us and he said,” You have become a better person.” I hope I am. I hope I have deeper passion, widely-spread and true compassion, laugh from the belly humor, and a style that better fits.
Leaders …
Do your followers survive under your leadership?
Do your followers thrive under your leadership?
How do you know?
-VhS