6th Post in My Weekly Series on Living with Cancer.

Having endured more than 100 chemotherapy sessions, I have learned many coping mechanisms for difficult situations. One of them is managing expectations.

Chemotherapy brings with it a whirlwind of nausea, for which strong steroids are often prescribed. These steroids steal away the sweet escape of sleep. Initially, this side effect left me frustrated and longing for a night of peaceful slumber. However, I soon realized that frustration itself was a roadblock to my happiness.

In a moment of clarity, I changed my expectations. Sleep, I decided, would no longer be my goal. Instead, my goal would simply be to “rest comfortably with my eyes closed”.

Voila!

This simple change in perspective was transformative. Suddenly, the pressure lifted, and rest came naturally, ultimately leading to sleep. But the true victory was in overcoming the frustration, and finding peace in the process.

This experience brought to mind the wise words of Tom Magliozzi, the beloved co-host of NPR’s “Car Talk”: “Happiness is results minus expectations.”

I concur wholeheartedly, Tom!