Andrea Berkowitz is a two-time breast cancer warrior, entrepreneur, and friend! On a mission to help women build strength, confidence and thrive through a cancer diagnosis. Owner of Warrior Girl Gifts.

Life After Cancer: Finding Purpose and Lasting Happiness

Cancer has a way of turning your normal life into a roller coaster ride with more twists and turns than a tornado! It’s all about survival and just getting through all of the appointments and treatments. But once you are done with treatment, you’re left with a loaded question: How do I move on? As a two-time breast cancer survivor, I’ve grappled with this question over the years and discovered a new and unsuspecting perspective on happiness and what truly matters in life.

Finding a New Purpose

When you’re fighting cancer, beating the disease and surviving all of the side effects of treatment is all you can focus on. It is your sole purpose. But after treatment ends, many survivors, like me, find themselves feeling lost, scared and anxious about the future. The “what ifs” take over your mind and the thought of a recurrence weighs on you both physically and mentally. This feeling of isolation and fear is like a tour guide leaving you alone in the middle of nowhere, with no map or compass to lead you in the right direction.

For me, this was a time to redefine my purpose. I realized that life is short and living in constant fear was unproductive and self-destructive. This meant finding new ways to shift my mindset to more positivity and away from actions and behaviors that kept me in a vicious cycle of fear. Finding a new purpose was pivotal in my journey and has helped me foster a strong and empowering mindset. Purpose gives your life meaning. It allows you to distract from the negative aspects of cancer or other debilitating life events and focus on connection, resilience and true happiness.

I spent a few years blogging about my cancer journey and was overwhelmed with how many women were inspired by my humility and honesty. This marked the beginning of discovering what my purpose in life is.

Letting Go of External Sources of Happiness

Before cancer, I would often seek happiness from external sources. A new pair of shoes, new clothes… just anything new. But after cancer, I realized that these ‘highs’ were short-lived. They didn’t bring me the deep, lasting joy I was yearning for.

I learned to search for happiness from within, embracing my faith, family, close friendships and helping others. Lounging at home watching Netflix or spending quality time with family and friends now brings me so much more LASTING joy than a new car. Inspiring and helping others has also deepened my self-worth and fostered a more positive outlook on life.

Embracing the Unknown

If I learned one thing from cancer, it is that life is unpredictable, and things don’t always go according to your predetermined plan. This was particularly difficult for me to navigate during cancer. I found myself focusing on the ‘what ifs’ instead of the ‘what could be.’

I realized that life is too short to live in fear every day. I found myself asking, “How do I want to remember my life, constantly worrying or LIVING each day to the fullest?” Embracing all that life has to offer has been liberating. It has allowed me to try new things, find my inner strength and overcome some of my innate fears.

Building a Supportive Community

One of the key lessons I learned throughout my two cancer journeys is the importance of community. I was fortunate to have close friends and family surrounding and supporting me, but many people do not have that luxury. Finding a supportive community is essential and there are many avenues to utilize in your search. Join a support group either in person or online. Attend religious or community gatherings in your area. Volunteer your services at a place that aligns with your values. The opportunities are endless!

Having a sense of community is comforting and pulls you out of the isolation that has kept you feeling so alone.

Conclusion

Life after cancer is a journey of self-discovery. It is about finding purpose, joy and happiness from your inner strength. It is an uphill battle but in the end, you will not just survive, you will THRIVE!