Finding My Power of One After Cancer

Once upon a time, I wanted life to not be what it was. My high school days were always long, and the school year went by like a flash. I was a creative guy but vulnerable with a vision often wrestling with an unexpected opponent, myself. My opponent was typically the competitor. As a high school track athlete, I could always spot an opponent across the track. But I did not try more creative pursuits as there was not an opponent.

Without an opponent I would be a bit lost. Confidence in myself is what set me apart on the running track. It’s my power of one. Looking back to my Catholic upbringing, scripture highlights one person's actions can lead to intense changes and affect many others. One powerful example of that is when Moses led the Israelites out of Egypt, demonstrating how one person's leadership and faith can change the course of a nation. By no means, am I comparing myself to Moses. That just made me think going into a new year how the power of one can truly lead to change and perhaps make me a better person.

Competition is what I know. It is what I used to need. That is what to expect from getting a second chance at life. I set the pace from one race to the next. Now I want to win at everything. Not just foot races but win my quest for health. My mission of health and emotional happiness remains at the center of almost everything I do.

I have found competition does not have to be draining to your life. One can be aware of their body and build a healthier relationship with their own power of one. Instead of just telling my readers stories in 2026, I hope everyone will look at the present moment and find their power of one. We must all have faith and confidence to lead positive change in our lives. It may be change in ourselves to do one more thing to be healthier. It may mean taking on leadership roles instead of sitting on the sidelines.

I have always had an interest with calendar dates. I use them as little mental time machines. Like goals and such, often times a date would strike me out of the blue pondering, “Where was I on this day the previous year?” Now I’m going to set a mental date to have fun occasions and do self-empowering things with my new year.

I don’t have to be perfect in everything I do. I declare my resolution is to use the power of one. Sounds like some Audi commercial for a new model. What a new year means to me is viewing life in a more positive way. I promise myself that I will spend more time with family and friends this year and actually do it. From that initial cancer surgery, I was never promised a tomorrow. A power of one is me making a change and working hard throughout the year so that it affects others in a positive way.

The only thing you can count on in life is that everything is going to constantly change. Getting used to a life with one testicle was one such change in my life. Test results were given to me and left me feeling extremely uncomfortable about my position. I remember life revealing the truth of what it was that I had not yet seen or heard in my young life. Cancer, with a testicle gone.

I often remember that traumatic experience of what it was like to lose a testicle at twenty years young and the psychological impact it had on me. Turns out the power of one is good for grief too. In my past I often felt stuck in the new year. It was not because I was lazy but because my brain couldn’t see the finish line. By acting the power of one you are looking at the whole world and thankful at all that comes by knowing you can make a difference.

Now in 2026 I will recognize my potential to have influence. My writing and actions can affect many lives. I always have had an intense fire in my heart since my cancer diagnosis. My journey through cancer, with demanding treatments came with emotional burdens. Years after I was willing to spend hours every day trying to figure things out. Many days I felt weak, but with unfailing faith I made it to where I am today. In 2026 I will continue to speak and write about testicular cancer so that maybe someone will get diagnosed earlier, or know to ask questions, and not feel so alone.

Now go be the power of one and have an influence in someone’s life. Happy New Year and may 2026 be your best year yet.

Follow along with my stories on briansluga.com

This piece reflects the author’s personal experience and perspective. For medical advice, please consult your health care provider.

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