For this week's Saturday Synopsis, I found myself gravitating towards past posts that would inspire me as I cope with my latest health setback. Every excerpt I chose from posts written in October 2020, 2021, 2022 and 2023 offered a different way to frame my current situation. I found that I could:

And I could remember—as Cyndie Spiegel said—that "for all its challenges, life is still profoundly beautiful."

Among the good things that came into my life today were a homemade pizza so good that I had to deliver some to my son, a walk along the Ottawa River with my daughter, a glorious chicken pot pie courtesy of my husband, and a family member's photo of her roses, which she dubbed "Jen's roses" and described as "Small in stature but mighty in beauty."

"...for all its challenges, life is still profoundly beautiful."

— Cyndie Spiegel, A Year of Positive Thinking

"After his right leg was 80% amputated, Terry said to me, 'Thank God I have 20% of my leg left. The doctor left just enough thigh muscle for me to be able to swing the artificial leg so I can run.' Most people would focus on the 80% of leg they had lost. Terry focused on what leg he had left and what was possible with it."

— Doug Alward, in his postscript to the children's book Terry Fox and Me

The psychological frame I have chosen to put around cancer is captured in my mission: wring every positive thing out of cancer, grow from the experience, and be an even brighter light in the world, both during and after treatment.

Coincidentally, today's weekly newsletter from Atomic Habits author James Clear included this quote from author Karen Blixen on the healing power of story: "All sorrows can be borne if you put them into a story or tell a story about them." Nadia [Chaudhri] no doubt bore great sorrows. But by putting them in a story, she found a way to uplift others. What an incredible gift.

I have benefited from the healing that comes from humour, community and connection with other people—both those who have had cancer and those who have not. As I've shared my story, so many people have shared theirs with me. Together, we've laughed, commiserated and connected. I've also been well served by writing this blog. Reflecting on the sad, scary, uncertain aspects of cancer has enabled me to acknowledge these emotions and let them go. Celebrating each little victory has made me appreciate all the good in my life. And talking about things that have nothing to do with cancer and everything to do with living a grateful life has helped me to live in the moment.

"I’m writing my story so that others might see fragments of themselves."

— Lena Waithe

"There are hundreds of angels loving you for having touched their lives, cheering you on, and wanting you to realize your dreams."

— Author unknown

In a world where so much is out of our control, I wanted to focus on something that is within our control: our ability to choose our outlook. Some days are easier than others to say, "It's going to be a great day." But even on days when we face an unpleasant task, we can probably say, "Today is going to bring good things."