10 Everyday Changes I Made After Cancer That Actually Improved My Life

When life takes a drastic turn, like it did for me when I was diagnosed with cancer, you start to reevaluate everything. You begin to question what matters, what brings joy, and how to make the most of the time you have. After being diagnosed with cancer, I realized that making everyday changes helped me get through some of the roughest days of my life and I’ve decided to share in the hopes that they can help someone who’s experiencing the same thing as I did. 

1. Take the Trip (Because You Can’t Take the Money With You) – My mother taught me this before she passed: “You can’t take the money with you when you die.” This was taught not by her actions or words, but by the aftermath of her death. She had a lifetime of savings but never got to experience the things she had planned or wanted to do. When I got sick, I had to cancel three vacations back-to-back due to surgeries, chemotherapy, and radiation. No more horseback riding, no more tennis, no more gardening. Everything just stopped while I went through the healing process. The feeling of losing that time was heart-wrenching. Now, I’m determined not to put off the experiences I want. If I can afford it and it’s safe to travel, I book the trip. After all, the memories are priceless, and you never know what tomorrow will bring. Life is for living, not for hoarding.
2. Talk to God – I believe deeply in the power of faith. Every day, I dedicate time to pray, reflect, and read devotionals. It has grounded me in ways nothing else can. I also try to pass on blessings when I can, whether it’s through kindness or sharing the good things that God has done in my life. Talking about faith doesn’t have to be intimidating; it’s simply sharing your journey in a way that resonates with others. It might just help someone open their eyes to their own blessings, too.
3.  Find a Hobby You Love – Before my illness, I didn’t realize how important it is to have something that brings joy to your day. After cancer, I discovered that finding and nurturing a hobby is one of the best things you can do for your soul. It doesn’t matter if it’s gardening, painting, or collecting rare books. Make time for it. Do it just for you, without any expectations. It’s one of the best ways to stay connected to your joy.
4. Laugh Lots – Surround yourself with people who make you laugh. The kind of laughter that comes from deep in your belly. Not the fake, forced kind, but the belly-aching, “I-can’t-breathe” kind. Avoid negative, drama-filled people. They’ll drain your energy and affect your health. Trust me, your body reacts to the stress, and it’s not worth it. Instead, find those friends who lift you up, make you smile, and remind you how much fun life can be.
5. You Only Have One Body, Take Care of It – Your body is your home. It’s the only one you get in this lifetime, so treat it with respect. Eating healthy, working out, getting enough sleep—these are non-negotiables now. I’ve cut out processed foods, sugary snacks, and other junk. You’d be amazed how much better you feel when you fuel your body properly. And don’t forget strength and flexibility matter. Even simple yoga or stretching helps keep you limber and able to do what you love.
6. Find Joy in the Little Things – You’ve heard the saying, “It’s the little things in life that count,” but it’s true. After cancer, I began to pay attention to the tiny joys I had been overlooking. The sound of birds chirping outside, the way the sun hits the tree branches, the smell of fresh flowers, or the way my dog wags his stub of a tail when I come home. Life is so much more enjoyable when you can appreciate the present moment. Put down the phone, look around, and simply live in the moment.
7. Do Better Every Day – Don’t wait for tomorrow to be a better version of yourself. Do it now. Even if you had a rough day, or you made a mistake, try to do better the next day. Whether it’s being kinder to others, taking care of yourself more, or simply being more mindful, improving just a little every day adds up. It’s the small steps that lead to big changes, and you’ll find yourself living a life you can be proud of.
8. Live for the Moment, Not the Future – It’s easy to get caught up in what’s coming next. The next vacation, the next promotion, the next big thing. But what about today? Focus on living in the moment. The future is uncertain, and as I’ve learned, anything can change in an instant. Enjoy today. Make memories. Don’t let future plans or anxieties rob you of today’s peace.
9. Surround Yourself with Positive Energy – I can’t stress this one enough: the people you surround yourself with have a huge impact on your energy. The negativity of others can drain you in a way that you won’t even realize until it’s too late. Stay away from people who bring you down. Spend time with those who inspire you, encourage you, and make you want to be better. And trust me, the right people will make your life infinitely better.
10. Be Grateful for the Journey – Life may not always be easy, and we all go through hard times. But when you look back, it’s not the pain that shapes you—it’s the way you choose to respond to it. I’ve learned to be grateful for my journey. Yes, even the cancer. It has taught me lessons I never would have learned otherwise. You see, it’s not about the challenges you face; it’s how you rise from them that defines your life.

I hope these changes inspire you to look at your own life and see where you can improve. Life is too short to waste on negativity, missed opportunities, or bad habits. Every day is a chance to start fresh, and I’m here to remind you that you have the power to make the change. Keep moving forward and embrace the beauty of each new day.

With love,
Tiffany