This article is continuing on my previous post “What my cancer diagnosis taught me about life and leadership (Pt 1). To read it first, click here.

To continue, what my diagnosis & treatment of cancer, taught me about life and leadership:

There were people in my life & workplace that were such a support. I will never forget that. I remind myself of this when other people in my world are going through a challenging time.

Fear is inextricably linked to a cancer diagnosis and the biggest internal battle for those diagnosed.

For me personally, the scariest time was when I was first waiting for conclusive results from the biopsy. One afternoon while waiting, I felt an internal peace that although it was going to be cancer, that everything was going to be ok. At this point I really resolved my conflict between fear and faith. 

During my season of treatment I wasn’t effective in my leadership role – obviously! It was just a major achievement if I just went to work.

It doesn’t matter what season of life you find yourself in, what is most important to longevity and impact is that you maintain your desire and passion for leadership.

My sense of drive and wanting to accomplish things are a leadership gift. But this side of my gift becomes negative if allowed to get out of control. My adrenaline would be in constant overdrive and I wouldn’t have grace for myself in difficult seasons of life.

All of us have gifts and talents that build towards our calling, but we must make sure we monitor the negative side of them.

Although I resolved my fear or faith challenge early in my cancer journey, it shocked me the affect that other people’s reactions had on me.

During treatment, I was emotionally and physically drained. I became highly sensitive to people in my life who were positive and giving, and those who were negative and draining. I made a decision to make room in my life for life-giving people.

After 12 months of treatment for thyroid cancer, I can proudly say that I am in remission. It doesn’t matter if it is a major health diagnosis, a death of someone close, or other life altering event. It reminds us that life is truly a gift.

It is important to treasure the important things and go after what is really in your heart. Treat people with dignity and respect because you never really know what they are really facing.