“And in the end, it’s not the years in your life that count, it’s the life in your years.” Abraham Lincoln

Quality of life is mentioned frequently in the context of cancer survivorship. While this is obviously subjective, it demands attention. There has been research indicating that the emotional recovery from cancer may not prolong life, but it will enhance quality of life. I like the definition of quality of life from the University of Toronto Quality of Life Research Institute: “Our definition of quality of life is the degree to which a person enjoys the important possibilities of his or her life. Possibilities result from the opportunities and limitations each person has in his/her life and reflect the interaction of personal and environmental factors. Three major life domains are identified: Being, Belonging, and Becoming.”

Being refers to who you are – not what you do. Being is beyond the tasks, obligations, duties and shoulds of your daily life. Take time each day to check in with yourself so that you can be in touch with who you are, your essence, your being. Belonging is that felt sense that you are connected, that you are related to and with others, that you’re not alone. Becoming means you attend to your own growth and potential, you believe in your own possibilities and make the commitment to become your authentic self.

Here are some questions to help you reflect on the quality of your life.

What matters to me?

What attracts my attention and excites me?

What do I want to learn?

How do I give to myself?

How well do I receive?

How do I give to others?

As always, I am curious about your thoughts and welcome your comments.

Have a great day!