My Cancer Diagnosis Helped Me Move Away from Verbal Abuse

My cancer diagnosis affected how I view verbal abuse. No one wants to hear the dreaded c-word after visiting their doctor repeatedly for medical issues. Unfortunately, my life was forever changed last year when my specialist called to tell me I had cancer after spending a year going through tests and scans. I quickly realized how my ailing physical health could help improve my life choices. 

I've been on a healing journey away from verbal abuse for years now. I am so much better than when I first left an abusive relationship. However, no one is perfect, and I still have a lot of healing to do. Although I focus on getting better and building healthy connections, it hasn't always been at the top of my priority list. 

Having Cancer Forced Me to Change My Attitude Towards Verbal Abuse

My cancer diagnosis forced me to look deeply at my personal connections with others. Although I am not in a verbally abusive relationship now, I am more aware of how negative words and actions affect my emotions and how I respond to them. I didn't want to spend the remaining years of my life dealing with anxiety from low self-esteem or trying to change an abuser's behavior. 

Of course, I know that no one lives forever, and everyone has limited time on earth. But facing your own mortality can drastically change how you feel about yourself and what you want from life. For me, I wanted to ensure the rest of my days were filled with people I love and respect surrounding me and my family. 

I Don't Let Verbal Abuse Affect Me Like It Did Before I Had Cancer

I'm making more consistent choices as I work through my healing journey away from verbal abuse because of my cancer diagnosis. I cherish each moment I have with my loved ones and want every relationship to benefit me and others.

I have been in situations lately where people use insults or demeaning words. In the past, I would let these circumstances tear down my self-esteem and increase my anxiety levels. However, now I can shake them off more easily than before my cancer diagnosis. 

Eventually, I may have gotten to this point in my healing journey = anyway. But, after receiving my cancer diagnosis, I made that leap to a healthier lifestyle quicker than I would have otherwise. I now look forward to the rest of my life surrounded by those who love and respect me for who I am.