You Don't Always Have to Be a Warrior
Briefly

There are many emotional levels when living with cancer. Common metaphors such as "fight," "warrior," and "battle" can empower some people but can also pressure others who do not want or cannot sustain that role. Individuals decide whether to pursue aggressive treatment, move toward palliative or hospice care, or simply sit with their feelings without shame. Feeling defeated, scared, or sorrowful is allowed. Music and music therapy can meet changing emotional needs, offering comfort, expression, and empowerment at different moments. Group music therapy settings can provide a space for shared listening, reflection, and personalized coping strategies.
But what if they don't want to be "strong"? What if they're about to lose that "fight"? What if they are at the point where they are accepting their fate and making a decision to move towards palliative or hospice care? What then? Did they lose? Did they not "fight" hard enough? And does that mean, perhaps, it's their fault?
There are many emotional levels when working through "having cancer." And yes, sometimes there are moments when one wants to fight and may find empowerment in it. But that journey is personal to those who are on it. And if the idea of being a warrior or fighter is not helping at the moment, well... okay. (And who are we-those of us who are fortunately not working through that journey-to suggest to someone that they should, or need to, "fight"?)
Read at Psychology Today
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