The Ebbs and Flows of Cancer Treatment - Snapshot 6

The question of meaning.

Finding the Why?

Even though my prognosis was good, the reality of cancer treatment raised a Why question for me. This question was not about why I got cancer but related to a question of meaning. I had realised long ago that I valued a well-lived life rather than a long one. Well-lived meant embracing opportunities as they arose, focusing on achievable dreams rather than unattainable fantasies. Staying true to this principle has made my life fulfilling. My question now was, “Because I am 70 years old, are there any achievable dreams left?”

The Why of my adult life has centred around two primary areas: family and my work in spiritual practice education. Although maintaining loving connections with family was a compelling motivation, I wondered if there was an unfulfilled dream related to my work. As I sat with that question, I realised there was a dream left. So, once again, family and spiritual practice education became powerful motivators to continue treatment.

A meaningful Why is a powerful motivator.