December 21, 2017
4 Ways To Give Back & Heal During The Holidays
READ TIME: 3 MIN.
The holiday season is a time to give and a time to heal. Sometimes the healing comes through the giving.
For example, someone afflicted with a serious illness, such as cancer, makes time to volunteer and support others who are sick. The acts of compassion translate into raising public awareness, bettering one's self outlook, and becoming an inspiring example for all.
"Whether you're a cancer fighter, survivor, or a healthy person, it's powerful to be out there in the community working for the cause -- or any cause, for that matter," says Melissa Palmer, a breast cancer survivor and author of "My Secrets of Survivorship" and of the upcoming book, "Survivorship: Breast Cancer at 40."
"You can impact other people to want to give of their time as well. When you go through and survive health challenges, you're inspired to give back, help others and let them know they're not alone.You remember so well how people reached out to you when you were sick, and you want to do the same."
Palmer co-founded a support group for cancer fighters, Soul Survivors, shortly after being diagnosed with breast cancer.
"Life does not stop because you have cancer," Palmer says. "In fact, it's great therapy to get involved with charity and to give of your time. And there's no better time than the holidays to give back."
Palmer suggests four ways to give back during the holidays:
"There are many ways to give back," Palmer says. "And we all can. Having a serious illness prompts some people to change their thought process about many things. Instead of thinking sadly about themselves, they think of others in need. The holidays are the right time for everyone to think of others."
Melissa Palmer, author of "My Secrets of Survivorship" and the upcoming book, "Survivorship: Breast Cancer at 40," is battling a rare genetic disorder, Pompe disease. A mother of five, she has an M.A. in Professional Counseling, created The Survivorship Foundation, is active in the American Cancer Society charity "Relay for Life" and co-founded a support group, Cancer Soul Survivors.
For more information, visit www.mysecretsofsurvivorship.com