In our lives, we generally tend to focus on the negative experiences we encounter. When the washing machine breaks down, when we are stuck in a traffic jam, when it rains on our days off… I’m not any different… I have always loved walking. It was a sort of exercise for me. I would often … Continue reading Cry me a river – how NOT to fall into the self-pity trap
Author: annasbrainstorm
The amazing human body
I often marvel at the astonishing abilities of us. Of our bodies. How we can learn new skills and heal. I wrote about this in various different ways in the context of the brain tumour. For example in this article about neuroplasticity. There are plenty more facts and capabilities that are simply fascinating. I recently … Continue reading The amazing human body
How has mindfulness literally saved my life
The brainstem, where my tumour hides, is right at the bottom of our heads, above the spine. It controls all the essential, automatic functions, including heartbeat, breathing and swallowing. As all these functions have been affected, in my case, in order to survive, I had to modify the way I breathe, and swallow food and … Continue reading How has mindfulness literally saved my life
People in my life for a season, a reason and a lifetime
In our lives, we meet unbelievable number of people. Some encounters are pleasant, others not so much. We can classify all the relationships we made into three categories: those for a reason, a season and a lifetime. The principal notion behind the phrase “reason, season, lifetime” is that all relationships, regardless of their duration, have … Continue reading People in my life for a season, a reason and a lifetime
9 key factors of a long-term cancer survival
Since entering this VIP oncology universe, I've come across the "cures" and "guaranteed routes to follow" and "people who have all the answers". Most would ring the alarm bell, raise all the red flags and make me even more skeptical. I am a very pragmatic person. One who questions both the mainstream and alternative treatments. … Continue reading 9 key factors of a long-term cancer survival
Can you ever know enough?
Short answer is NO. A slightly more long-winded response is: Claiming that you know it all and have all the solutions is arrogant, ignorant, pig-headed, narrow-minded and, to be frank, makes me skeptical. You can be a renowned expert in your field. However, if you are unwilling to keep evolving or being able to admit … Continue reading Can you ever know enough?
Gift of a brain tumour
Not everyone would call their cancer/tumour a gift. I suppose it's within one's approach to a disease; some fight it, while others live with it. I wrote about this quite extensively. How I'm grateful for my tumour and dislike the war rhetoric used in oncology. While reading The Myth of Normal, I came across Will … Continue reading Gift of a brain tumour
Role of confidence
I often think where I would have been if I wasn’t self-confident. Idea for this article came when I was sitting alone in a coffee shop. My mind went to the beginning of December, month ago. The weather was really cold and it snowed. As a result of that I didn’t leave the house for … Continue reading Role of confidence
My two saviours
I wrote extensively about managing my mental health and how extremely lucky I am, being surrounded by loving, supportive and understanding people. I also shared the struggles, such as my aim to live a meaningful life, seasonal depression, ... I believe your environment is an important variable on the long and winding road to tranquility. … Continue reading My two saviours
15 articles I’m most proud of writing
Sometimes, there is a bit of a discrepancy between the articles you are most proud of and those, which are the most read. This is often due to one's inflated ego, presuming people would find your work fascinating. And the general truth is that most people are attracted to private, clickbait-y, dramatic/emotional content. That's how … Continue reading 15 articles I’m most proud of writing
Anna's Brainstorm 