Ken Donaldson asks: Are You Anti-Cancer?
Ken Donaldson and The Anti-Cancer, Stress Management and Communication Skill Building Connection
It may seem weird for me to write a blog post about anti-cancer, but please read this first:
“Imagine life as a game in which you are juggling five balls in the air. You name them – work, family, health, friends, and spirit – and you’re keeping all of these in the air. You will soon understand that work is a rubber ball. If you drop it, it will bounce back. But the other four balls – family, health, friends, and spirit are made of glass. If you drop one of these, they will be irrevocably scuffed, marked, nicked, damaged, or even shattered. They will never be the same…You must understand that and strive for balance in your life.” ~ Brian Dyson, CEO of Coca Cola Enterprises from 1959-1994
And now, hold on to your hat, as I’m about to tell you something you DON’T want to hear:
According to the American Cancer Society (ACS), an estimated 192,370 new cases of invasive breast cancer are expected to be diagnosed among women in the United States this year. An estimated 40,170 women died from breast cancer in 2009 alone. Today, there are about 2.5 million breast cancer survivors living in the United States. (And the rate is going WAY up for men too!)
What’s the connection? I’m not sure…maybe none…but I doubt it.
Since October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, I wanted to offer my anti-cancer thoughts.
I am NOT a doctor, a researcher or an expert in cancer, but after working with thousands of clients, I do have some thoughts, observations and opinions.
Don’t feel that you must agree…remember, most of this is my opinion…
Here we go…
Since the breast cancer (and ALL cancers) rate continues to be at a very high (and totally unacceptable) rate, there must be something(s) that we’re doing to invite it.
Maybe it’s partly our diet…we all know how that has become very poor over the years.
Or perhaps all the chemical additives added to our foods…and our water…and in the air we breathe.
Maybe it’s partly the hormones and antibiotics fed to the animals that we then ingest.
Or possibly the extreme amount of electro-magnetic and radiation pollution that we can’t see and that everyone seems to deny and downplay.
Or maybe it’s partly the stress that we continually add without having the resources to deal with the stress we already had and weren’t dealing with in a healthy fashion.
I don’t know, and like I said, I’m no cancer expert nor am I an expert in any of these other areas…except the last one.
I CAN talk to you about stress management and the potential anti-cancer impact. In fact, this is MY area of expertise…
You’ve no doubt heard about the personality types.
Like type A, who are often described as “stress junkies.”
Then there are the type B individuals who, in contrast, are described as patient, relaxed, and easy-going, generally lacking any sense of urgency.
And psychologists have now identified a “type C” (cancer-prone) personality. These people are characterized as people “who respond to stress with depression and a sense of hopelessness.”
Yikes…”depression and hopelessness”!!!
Here’s more: Type C personalities tend to be introverted, eager to please, conforming and compliant.
Treatment options are varied and complex, but you can also start with a detox, for an individual will help them on their way to recovery.
In other words, they are people pleasers who usually don’t express how they really feel.
Then, that lack of expression leads to depression and hopelessness…yeah, that sounds like just the formula to make people sick!
Holy Suppression, Batman! Time for some anticancer expression!
Okay, so here’s the deal: If you haven’t been expressing yourself completely and thoroughly, NOW is THE time to start!
First, it’ll make your relationships, your work and – YES!! – your health better.
But more so, isn’t it just the right thing to do!!??
Can’t see yourself doing this (this is where it starts…between your ears!)!!??
So, take the Communication Readiness Quiz™…Here you go…check those that apply to you:
1.) I avoid talking about things I know I should because I am afraid I will hurt someone’s feelings. ____
2.) I am uncomfortable with receiving attention and/or affection. ____
3.) I deflect praise and compliments by downplaying them. ____
4.) I “bite my tongue” again and again rather than speak my mind, until I finally blow up at someone.____
5.) I avoid necessary confrontations.____
6.) I have trouble setting and honoring boundaries in relationships.____
7.) I find it hard to express how I really feel.____
8.) I have a hard time receiving “constructive criticism”. ____
9.) I feel like people don’t listen to me.____
10.) I have trouble asking for what I want.____
Total Communication Readiness Score____
0-1: You are a great communicator…be a role model for others!
2-3: You are a good overall communicator…keep it going!
4-5: You have some good communication skills, but could use improvement in a few areas…don’t wait!
6-7: You have some rough spots in your communication strategies…start now to avoid future problems!
8 or more: You are VERY ready to improve your communication skills…call me today! (727) 394-7325…I can help you.
And Marry YourSelf First! will help…for example Chapter 7: Communication Poker: Knowing When to Hold `em, Show `em and Fold `em is all about effective communication.
Effective communication improves your relationships, your work and your health. Yes, it’s an anti-cancer tactic.
In the meantime, how about upgrading your health and making yourself an “anti C type” and “Just Say It!”
As Brian was quoted in the beginning of this article, “...But the other four balls – family, health, friends, and spirit are made of glass. If you drop one of these, they will be irrevocably scuffed, marked, nicked, damaged, or even shattered. They will never be the same…”
Be good to you…start today in every way!