Taking time out
Cancer is overwhelming at times. It can be tiring because your body, mind, and spirit are all dealing with the cancer and trying to stay strong. Elders and mob who have had cancer say taking time out during your cancer journey is one of the most important parts of your treatment.
It is important for our health and wellbeing to take the time to allow our body, mind and spirit to be replenished to keep us strong. Our mob have different ways of doing this. We have different ceremony, individual and family activities, including how we spend time on Country.
Taking a break
Our Ancestors and Elders have shown us how to be still and live in harmony with Country during good and bad times. Allowing yourself to take time out from all that is happening around you during cancer will strengthen you. See if you can find the time to just sit and listen to your feelings and thoughts. Allow Country strengthen you. Give yourself time to think things through, see things from a different viewpoint. This will help you to better understand your feelings and help you think more clearly. Spending time alone as well as with trusted family and friends will make the world of difference.
At times you may want to take a break from treatments and appointments. They take a lot of time and energy. Doctors and nurses are used to people telling them they need a break. It’s important to yarn with your doctors and medical team about what you are thinking and feeling so that plans can be made that might best help you.
So yarn with your doctor, nurse, or Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander health worker. You can also contact the Cancer Council about help to arrange a short holiday.
