The Quiet Strength: Finding Calm Amidst Life's Storms

Talaya Dendy
Aug 14
4 min read

Life has a way of throwing curveballs. Whether it's a serious health diagnosis like cancer, the loss of a loved one, a career setback, or any other major challenge, these moments can feel overwhelming, filled with anxiety and uncertainty. In these turbulent times, the concept of "being strong" is often associated with pushing through, clenching your teeth, and powering forward. But what if true strength lies not just in relentless action, but also in the quiet power of calmness?

In the latest micro-episode of Navigating Cancer TOGETHER, I share my perspectives on maintaining calm and using energy wisely, particularly while living with cancer. It's a reminder that calm isn't about being passive or detached; it's about being intentional, present, and focused on what truly matters.

The Misconception of Calm

Many people mistakenly believe that being calm means being emotionless or unaffected by difficulties. This couldn't be further from the truth. Calmness is about acknowledging your emotions without letting them overwhelm you. It's about creating a space within yourself to process what's happening and respond thoughtfully rather than react impulsively.

Why Calmness Matters, Especially During Challenges:

Preserves Vital Energy: When facing a significant challenge, your energy reserves are often depleted. Anxiety and constant worry can drain you further, leaving you feeling exhausted and less able to cope. Cultivating calm helps you conserve this precious energy, allowing you to direct it towards healing, problem-solving, and self-care. As I discussed, being intentional about where you expend your energy is crucial.
Enhances Clarity and Decision-Making: In moments of crisis, it's easy to feel scattered and unable to think clearly. Calmness provides a mental stillness that allows you to see situations more objectively, make informed decisions, and navigate complexities with greater clarity.
Supports Physical and Emotional Well-being: Chronic stress takes a toll on both your physical and mental health. Practicing calm can lower your heart rate, reduce blood pressure, and alleviate feelings of anxiety and depression. This is very important when your body is already under stress, such as during cancer treatment or recovery.
Fosters a Sense of Control: When life feels chaotic and unpredictable, focusing on what you can control can be liberating. Calmness allows you to identify these areas: your mindset, your daily routines, and your self-care practices, and take purposeful action, fostering a greater sense of agency.
Improves Resilience: Learning to find moments of calm amidst the storm builds emotional resilience. It teaches you that you can weather difficult times without being completely swept away by them. This ability to bounce back is essential for long-term well-being, but remember that healing is on your terms and time frame, not a timeline you're pressured to meet.

Ways to Cultivate Calm:

Inspired by what I shared, here are a few ways to cultivate calmness during challenging times:

Practice Mindful Breathing: Even a few minutes of focused breathing can help to ground you in the present moment and reduce feelings of anxiety.
Engage Your Senses: Pay attention to the sights, sounds, smells, tastes, and textures around you. This simple act can bring you back to the present and interrupt racing thoughts. EFT (Emotional Freedom Techniques) or tapping is another tool to help interrupt racing thoughts and bring a sense of calm.
Limit Exposure to Overwhelming Information: Although it's important to stay informed, constantly consuming news or social media related to your challenges or world events can increase anxiety. Set healthy boundaries.
Focus on What You Can Control: As I emphasized, direct your energy towards the aspects of your situation that you can control or influence. Let go of what you can't change.
Seek Support: Connect with friends, family, a cancer doula, or support groups. Sharing your experiences and feelings can be helpful.
Practice Self-Compassion: Be kind and understanding towards yourself during difficult times. Acknowledge your struggles without judgment. Jotting down how you feel in a journal can also help.
Find Moments of Joy: Even small moments of pleasure can provide a sense of respite and hope. Engage in activities you enjoy, even if it's just for a short time. You can never go wrong with finding reasons to laugh.

In conclusion, while navigating life's major challenges, remember the power of calmness. By intentionally cultivating inner peace, you can conserve your energy, make clearer decisions, support your well-being, and ultimately navigate the storms with greater clarity and grace.

Listen as I share why calm is a powerful lesson from my cancer journey. Discover why maintaining a sense of peace, especially when facing health challenges, can make all the difference in your outcomes.

Prefer to read? Check out the transcript for this episode.

We believe in the power of shared stories to heal and uplift. If you know someone whose heart could be touched by these messages, please share this special episode. It's another way we navigate cancer together.💜

Reflection Question

What is your lesson from cancer, or another challenge you have faced? How is that lesson showing up in your life today and making an impact?

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