What brings you joy in your summer? Weigh in and share your experiences in the topic below.
Going through treatment can make you feel like cancer is crowding out the joys you once enjoyed.
It’s hard to motivate yourself to do much more when treatment takes over your life, but staying connected with people and keeping up some level of activity can offer calm and mental balance. Sometimes, finding a beautiful spot to sit and relax will give you the reprieve you need. For some, you might find joy amid the chaos of treatment through travel. Or it may just be a nice meal out with a friend, meditating in a peaceful space, gardening, or getting lost in a good book that provides positive moments.
So, share with us — what's your favorite way to find joy in your summer?
What brings you joy in your summer? Weigh in and share your experiences in the topic below. 37 votes
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Comments
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Relaxing by water
Sitting by a body of water makes me smile, the ocean really takes me to the highest joyous level
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@jenisabella08, welcome to the BCO community, and thank you for sharing! Sitting by the ocean is such a wonderful way to find joy and peace.
If you need any help navigating the boards or have any questions, please let us know.😊
The Mods
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Gardening
Sitting inside in air conditioning is wonderful as well!!!
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Relaxing by water
I brings me so much joy sitting in my sand chair with my feet in the surf and smelling the sea air and an ocean breeze as I sit in the sun. I live at the Jersyshore and have always gone every day to read annd enjoy being right on the ocean. It’s been a very hot summer, and though that never stopped me before, I’m less motivated to walk from the Parking lot onto the hot sand and make the trek to the water. I feel that MBC treatment makes the difference in what I always used to do easily, now becomes an effort, sadly. On the bright side I love living on the Bay and smelling the sea air when sitting on my front porch. It’s a blessing🩵
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Planning a trip or get-away
Traveling to the beach and just listening to the sounds of the waves is the most relaxing/refreshing thing I can do for myself. Luckily I have an amazing travel partner in my boyfriend as he loves the same type of vacations. Our goal is to visit a new country once a year and take pictures on the beach. So far we are planning our third trip for June 2025 and I can't wait.
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@shanagirl I just passed by the Jersey Shore on my drive down the east coast. I spend some time on the shore pretty far north of you. The sea is the mother of us all . . .
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Attending a group/talking with others going through cancer
I am very limited. I had a bone marrow transplant in 2024 after my breast cancer in late 2021. My MDS and treatments do not allow vacations. My vaccines were wiped out with the transplant. I am doing very well, so hoping my vaccines will come before 1 year. For now, I went to three stores today i had not gone to in 4 months!!!100 days after transplant i went only to Smart and Final.
I am planning on going to the beach next Friday. I am encouraged to get outside. Wear sunscreen and a hat. Remembering to come to BC.org is great.
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Taking in a good book
a good book … ah the joy of a cozy mystery story with characters I care about solving crimes lol… brings me lots of joy.
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Mindfulness and meditation
I am so very thankful to have AC! I enjoy coloring while listening to healing music.
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Relaxing by water
My husband and i spend time each evening sitting by our pool and watching the sunset. It brings us joy to be together and be thankful for every day we have.
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Relaxing by water
The year before my husband passed, he demolished 2 cottages and built 2 new ones on a property down by the Chesapeake Bay. There are around 100 places there. Some are owned and most people rent. It is seasonal from May to mid-October. Super convenient being only 1 hour drive from home. While we were left with just 4 walls and a roof, we decided to finish it. There has been much frustration but the last 2 summers we have been able to stay over and take a break from the work to enjoy it. We are still working on it.
2019:
2024:
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Attending a group/talking with others going through cancer
Love those 2 cottages. What a relaxing, beautiful place. RIP to your husband.
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Gardening
So maybe not so much gardening but really walking in the woods, my happy place. Or is it just breathing fresh air outside?. And lately it's barefoot in the grass. Been doing some serious grounding. It feels SO good.
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Gardening
Wish there had been a pet category here too, but I love gardening in the summer
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