To shred or keep........

[Jennymary]

For me the worst part of my cancer journey was returning to work, I went back 7 May 2014, and despite being there over 10 years I didn't fit in. Started job hunting, had some interviews, then.....got my new job!!!! I started 22 October 2016 and I love it to bits, and I feel really settled in and like I've been there for years. After my treatment finished I wrote a wish list, top of which was to get my P45 which I've done, I'm now wondering whether to keep it to tick things off as i do them or to shred it as I've got the one thing that I really, really wanted, so should I keep or shred the wish list????? Stay warm and dry in this horrible weather xxxx

[Lainey66]

Hi Jennymary. I made a very similar list. Just before being diagnosed with cancer I had already decided to give my career another 5 year max then making a change. So after my diagnosis and during my chemo, I made a list. On the top was 'Job Changes'. As it happens, I am looking at early retirement. On my list I wrote - write - Now that spans from blog to book to poetry, I have made in roads here too. I had put down 'Spa breaks'. I had never been to a spa at all, I can now tick that... twice ... lol. I have always wanted to be artistic. I took up painting during my treatment and am now making in roads there too and having a piece displayed in a local gallery, one has been put on display in the RDS during a closed exhibition for psychologists studying the effects of art on cancer patients and its relaxing properties. I have flown to Budapest and had an amazing time. I have visited London and seen the changing of the guards, eaten at the Hard Rock Cafe, Seen the Nutcracker at the Hungarian State Opera House (now that was amazing).

I too have visited work and feel that I no longer fit in, that everybody has moved on and changes have come that have changed my job a lot. I worked there for 16 years and now it is my time to move on. I no longer see my list as my 'bucket list' per say, more of a personal achievement list. There are still a couple of things on my list and I aim to do them and then, all being well, sit back and say... well cancer didn't kill me, it gave me the push to make the changes in my life that I needed. To 'work to live' and not 'live to work'. I have found a new confidence and determination that was previously lacking. Ideally I would have liked to have been able to make these changes without the cancer, but I don't think I would have. I feel I would have just stayed put and allowed one stressful day after another to just roll in and before you know it, time would have passed and doing all these things might not have been possible. Tear up that list? No Way Hon.... Add to it!

Enjoy

Lainey xxx

[Hidden]

Definitely keep it and, as Lainey says, keep ticking off and adding to it. I was just retired when my cancer struck so work didn't come into it. My list is mainly holidays which is gradually reducing but, then, I see some other place that I fancy so the list gets longer. It is getting more and more difficult for me to tick off the list as I have to keep changing treatments but definitely do things while you can.

I think having cancer gives you a different insight to life in general. We probably do a lot more things that we may not have done if we hadn't had it. Start ticking off the things on your list but don't wear yourself out doing them - pace yourself. Enjoy xx

[Hedgesaw]

Life is full of opportunities! I just find I can spot them better since my cancer diagnosis & recovery. As part of my psychological recovery post treatment I undertook mindfulness sessions. Part of this entailed writing down my forward goals in terms of days, weeks, months & years. I am pleased to say that I have so far exceeded my initial goals & am busy enjoying life to the full! My list continues to grow and I just love the challenges that I undertake. My new life guide is "Just Do It!" Hope you can continue to nurture your life goals .....

[craftinglady]

I always find that things are better when you move on and thrive.

Start a new list for 2017 and dont expect the moon you wont acheve it, lots of little things make for a better goal GOOD LUCK.

[louise007]

Keep it.........I might even start one ..ideas running around in head ..the big one is work ...I have been trying to do something new at least once a week so easy to come back from work and be a couch potato .don't want ever to say "I wished I had ......"