Turning Crisis to OpportunityAt the time I had my surgery, I read somewhere that, in the Chinese language, the characters for "crisis” and "opportunity” are the same. I decided to look upon my brush with cancer as a wake-up call from God—a reminder that I was not going to live forever. I am grateful to have had this experience because it gave me an opportunity to get my life priorities straight and be helpful to other women. One of my goals in sharing my cancer experience is to remind my readers that while a homebased business is important, one’s health must come first or there will be no business at all. After I wrote about this topic in my newsletter, I received many calls and letters that told me that my words had jolted many to immediate action.
Susan said my story was “a sobering reminder to all of us that we have to listen closely to that voice inside.” Ernie wrote to tell me that one of his daughters was undergoing the same treatment. “Your missive will serve as an inspiration to encourage her in her fight,” he wrote. Support From CustomersWhen I could not manufacture enough energy or hours to publish my fall newsletter, I did the only professional thing I could do at the time: explain the situation in a personal letter to subscribers. If emotional well being helps in the healing process, the many cards and letters I received were terrific medicine indeed. Each time I got another positive message from one of my subscribers, I felt re-energized and doubly grateful to have such a wonderful business family for support. In wishing me a speedy recovery, Maryn made an important point:
Remember this in case you ever find yourself in a situation where you simply can’t do it all for one reason or another. Some people respond to crisis by ignoring the problem, but my mail proves how understanding business associates can be when you’re in trouble. Your Attitude Does Make a DifferenceIt was comforting to hear encouraging words from cancer survivors such as Gini, who said that 31 years ago doctors told her she would die of cancer in six months.
I agree with Ernie who says, “I have long believed that the proper mindset can be 90% of the body’s ability to fight off any intrusions.” Although I took my cancer experience in stride, I learned in talking to the director of the cancer center where I got my radiation treatments that my response to this problem was a bit unusual. I was told that many of the women then undergoing radiation treatments with me either were fighting depression or just too embarrassed by the disease to speak about it to anyone. The director wanted to know my secret, and I told her it was a matter of attitude and that I had an edge because I’m a self- employed individual with many things to think about other than myself. It also helped to have a good husband like Harry who always helped me find something to laugh about in the worst of situations, and would have loved me just as much if I had no breasts at all. Although I was perfectly capable of driving myself to the cancer center every day to get my radiation treatments, Harry insisted on driving me there himself every day (except weekends) for six weeks. When I asked him why he was doing this, he said, "Because it's my job as a husband to be supportive of you in any way I can." I wish all women with breast cancer had this kind of emotional support. What truly surprised me was that so many of my readers thought it was “brave” of me to tell my story. I’m not brave at all; I’m just a writer who writes about what she knows, and a teacher who has learned that the best lessons are those taught by example. As Darla pointed out, “When someone in the public eye can admit to being real, it somehow makes it easier for the average Jane Doe to let herself feel her feelings and be real as well.” Darla has had more tragedy in her life than she would want described here. Suffice it to say that she’s a survivor who operates on faith. “Everyone has a different story to tell,” she says, “but no one gets through life without experiencing surprises, heartache, or illness. We must go on, like it or not. Going on with a positive, upbeat attitude is one of choice, but one that makes all the difference in the world. Life is precious and it is our duty to make the most of what we have in any given moment. I believe there is always a silver lining behind clouds of gray.” Other ResponsesA number of people called to comment on my article while others responded by sending special information or books. A fellow publisher sent laughter in the form of a collection of work-at-home cartoons that had graced the pages of his newsletter in earlier years. One reader sent me a booklet and information package on the health benefits of green barley juice, which was receiving a lot of attention at the time. Many
readers passed my newsletter on to friends, and some of those people wrote
to me. Lois Hjelmstad, who has operated a homebased piano studio for 37
years, said she could relate to my problems regarding treatment and energy
and time. “There is no paid sick-leave or sick-days nor is there
any backup,” she said. She sent me a copy of her self-published book, Fine Black Lines--Reflections on Facing Cancer, Fear and Loneliness Writing as TherapyI fully understand the therapeutic benefit Lois Hjelmstad has received by sharing her experiences in a book. Long before I was a professional writer, I was pouring out my emotions and viewpoints in diaries, journals, and letters to families and friends. The older I get, the more I find myself expressing my feelings in writing, and it’s very satisfying to know that I have at least a small audience of readers who appreciate what I have to say. (For my latest thoughts on writing as therapy, and how this has helped me get through the grieving process after losing Harry, see this article in the Writing/Publishing department.) As one who writes not only for personal satisfaction but money, I find it interesting that so many people who begin with the idea of helping themselves through writing end up helping others and making money, too. Lois, for example, has sold more than 10,000 copies of her book and helped thousands of women by presenting more than 300 talks throughout the U.S., Canada, and England on "Cancer as a Catalyst for Change" and "The Human Side of Cancer—A Survivor's Perspective." She is currently at work on two books of poetry and prose (one on life beyond breast cancer; one on grieving a parent). Anyone who reads her first book will want to read everything she writes. The last time I talked to Lois, she expressed surprise to hear from me at such an opportune time because she had been wondering how to get the word out about a television documentary on cancer in which she was then being featured. (Titled "Living With Cancer, A Message of Hope," this program is still airing from time to time on PBS stations across the country.) Lois was surprised by the timing of my call, but I wasn't. God has a wonderful way of placing me in the paths of people when they need me most, or placing people in my path when I need them. As Lois and I were discussing all this, she told me about a sign she keeps on her desk that explains it all nicely. It reads:
Writers derive great pleasure in writing, but their greatest satisfaction comes from knowing that their writing has meaning to others. A friend's comments brought tears to my eyes. “You are here for a purpose,” said Joanne. “I believe the purpose is far greater than just providing information for entrepreneurs. You have a marvelous gift for understanding people and, as Robert Schuller says, you turn ‘scars into stars.’ You bring people courage and support and we do appreciate it.” The greatest human need is to feel loved and appreciated. As people helped me during my time of trial, I hope you'll help others. As you go about your business this year, keep an eye out for others who need your understanding, encouragement, or message of love. It’s the greatest gift you can give.
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,
which I couldn’t put down
once I began to read it. Through journal entries, poetry, reflective essays
and pictures, this beautifully written book captures the fear, anger,
loneliness and courage of one woman in facing those challenges. Many doctors
and nurses have praised this book, and I do, too. My thanks to Lois for
allowing me to excerpt