Life After Cancer: Finding Success and Purpose as a Testicular Cancer Survivor

It was one big moment. The part nobody tells you. It was after that shower, a little hotter than usual. It was a few seconds before disbelief, then I paused for half a second and thought, "What is this happening to me"? Discovering a tumor in such a profound way can change you.

It was that September hanging on to the Summer like a lost friend. That shower scene was one I will never forget. Never thinking before of testicular cancer and the pain that comes with it.

What the Water Taught Me About Self-Examination

It taught me to listen to what the water was saying like someone who looks at their blank face in the mirror. Water reflects what is real beneath the surface of your body.

A single discipline of self-examination could change your life. For many this may sound too easy. But have you done it routinely? One day you may feel a compounding energy and realize something is different. Of course, timing is everything. I was successful at catching my cancer early for my survival.

Redefining Success on My Own Terms

My personal measure of success was that I was healthy, still reaching for my goals and no matter what happened, I did it my way. To live a life like those TV and movie stars was to be superficial and not who I was. I did and still do embrace failure. One grows from their mistakes. By not letting the feeling of failure last long, was my key component to my success. Checking your ego at the door and knowing that everything and everyone has their day. I aspired for that.

Learning to Embrace Failure Instead of Fearing It

Many of us grow up wanting to be a success in one area of our life. I would ask myself, "Is that all there is to life? Success depends upon your own willingness to accept what you have achieved. I have never been scared of failure. You've got to be out there. I like a quote from American author Miles Taylor who said, "Be involved in life before you end up in the middle of it!" Believe dreams can be real. I honestly can't recall a time when I've not believed in my own dreams.

Life After Cancer: Finding My Purpose

As a survivor, blogger, and a published author, I have gained moderate success in these parts of my life. Sometimes I wonder if I'm being put to the test. I believe we're on earth to figure out and then do what we are best at. After cancer it took me some time to figure out how to live life to the fullest. Exactly what should I be doing as far as managing life? Should I climb a mountain or go to the park that brought me much joy when I was but a kid?

My success has come from how much I've learned from my parents, wife, and friends. Remember every day that if you can't dream, you can never see other possibilities become reality.

What Vince Lombardi Taught Me About Hard Work

A quote that I have come to appreciate since my cancer:

"The price of success is hard work, dedication to the job at hand, and the determination that whether we win or lose, we have applied the best of ourselves to the task at hand."

Vince Lombardi

Since I was an adolescent my father and grandfathers told me hard work pays in the end. Vince Lombardi said things so straight forward even today its hard not to use his quotes when talking about success. It is sticking with it to do better each time that will make you a success in your own right. Discipline is a key component every athlete, believer and everyday person needs when thinking of their future. Having a vision and carrying that forward demands knowledge, strength, and a bit of compassion. You may struggle at times, but it is a blueprint for life. Success in life is a struggle not always earned through conventional methods

Refusing to Let Cancer Define Me

After my cancer I dreamt big. I said that cancer would not define me. It ate away a piece of me with my lost testicle. I decided quickly not to become trapped in a situation that crushed my belief in a better tomorrow. Your own personal success can be measured by how much you have accomplished for yourself but, especially, how much you have given to others. Never be afraid of looking weak. Asking for help is not a weakness. What you learn from others with a conversation, in my experience, is much better than what the Internet knows!

Keeping Your Balance: An Einstein Lesson on Moving Forward

Another brilliant quote I want to mention is by Einstein. He wrote:

"Life is like riding a bicycle. To keep your balance, you must keep moving."

You must keep your head up straight because the moment you stop moving, you crash. Good advice to all, no matter how difficult your struggle is. Keep your head up and move forward.

Now everyone go out and balance your bike. Remember no matter what you are going through, you got this. Success is yours to achieve.

Ciao Ciao!!

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