You Will Probably Live Longer

Longer than what, you might ask?

I don’t want to overstate this, but there is evidence that assertive people who have cancer live longer than cancer patients with other personality types--for example, people who are passive or fatalistic about their disease.

Researchers don’t understand all the whys and hows of this yet, but it seems to be true.

I know a number of people with cancer who have lived much longer than the prognoses they were given by their doctors. These are positive people who have a talent for finding joy and meaning in life, even when facing a life-threatening illness.

Not only do they do everything they can to survive, but they do everything they can to live in the present moment and enjoy life, knowing that there are no guarantees for anyone. Also, typically, these are people who keep busy helping others and giving back in some way, even while they are living with cancer themselves.

This doesn’t mean putting on a falsely happy face or depleting your resources by taking care of others while ignoring your own needs. It does mean taking charge where you can and living with purpose.

@ Jeanne Sather 2006