Life after my cancer diagnosis and the successful treatment has quite honestly left me facing a new man in the mirror, so to speak.

I’m not quite sure what to make of him. 

Even though he appears much stronger and looks healthy, he has come to accept not only the fear of a recurrence of cancer; and continues to experience lingering side affects, but he is also consumed by concerns and questions such as: 

• "How do I act as a cancer survivor?"
• "If the cancer comes back, will I survive another bout?"
• "Is there a new life path for me?"
• "What is the best way to spend my free time? Giving back to community? Enjoying the good life? Starting a new hobby? Going back to school?"
• "Am I really contributing to society?"
• "Will I ever feel secure again?"
• "Do my family and friends understand who I am today?"

In spite of this man’s fears of another possible recurrence and the above “persistent” concerns and questions, I’ve become very fond of this new man in the mirror. He is more driven in every aspect of his life: he works harder … he cares more for his community … he is more determined to leave a loving legacy for his family and friends … he has become more protective of his time; making sure he doesn’t waste one hour of his day … and most importantly, he cares less of what others think of him, and yearns more to please Jehovah. 

Yes, I’ve become very fond of this new man, which of course, he is ME.

ajh