Tag Archives: family

December – Our Connections With Others

Certified Professional Coach, General, Transitions, , , , ,

December brings to mind the connections we have with family and others. For instance, for me, it signifies my father’s birthday (lost to lung cancer), my mother’s death (breast cancer), and my own breast cancer diagnosis 8 days before Christmas. December also reminds me how grateful I am to have the people in my life both who reach out to include me in their festivities, and also to those who allow me to reach out to them in an effort to be a friend, or perhaps to help ease the way for a new acquaintance.

The month of December also brings with it the many holiday celebrations of cultures from around the world who now call the United States home. Instead of fighting over the proper way to express a greeting this time of year, maybe instead we could embrace the intent of the greeting…happy festivities, joy, peace, gratitude.

Now there’s an idea!

Feeling Overwhelmed by Your Diagnosis?

Breast Cancer Awareness, Certified Professional Coach, New Diagnosis, Transitions, , , , , , ,

I spoke to a client today who was recently diagnosed with breast cancer and feeling a little overwhelmed by all of it. She didn’t know anyone who had breast cancer now or in the past, and she didn’t feel like her friends wanted to talk about it.

Friends and family often have no idea what to say, what not to say, or what a cancer patient is going through unless they have been there themselves. I found it helpful to bring up the elephant in the room first, speak only briefly about it, answer questions, and then moved on to another topic. If you need help with something – anything – ask them to help you. Be specific. Most people want to help but, again, have no idea what to say or where to begin.

She really appreciated being able to talk with someone who has been there…and survived. I was glad I was there to listen.

Kim Croft, the Breast Cancer Recovery Coach, CCHt