The Link Between a Broken Heart and Cancer
A global study conducted across 26 medical centers has uncovered a significant link between broken heart syndrome and cancer. Published in the Journal of the American Heart Association, the research indicates that one in six people suffering from broken heart syndrome also faced a cancer diagnosis. Moreover, these individuals had a higher mortality rate within five years following their diagnosis compared to those without broken heart syndrome.
Recognizing the influence of emotional trauma is vital in the journey to heal from cancer. Addressing only the physical symptoms is insufficient. Healing a broken heart requires patience and dedication. In my journey, confronting and resolving deep-seated emotional wounds from past traumas emerged as the most critical component of my recovery.
In the face of adversity, we possess the remarkable ability to uplift one another. From dealing with the heartache of divorce and the sorrow of loss, to navigating the complexities of custody disputes, our capacity to extend support and comfort is invaluable. As a life coach, I aim to empower women by fostering self-compassion and aiding them in healing from past traumas. Throughout my interactions with numerous women, I've observed a common paradox: while they readily exhibit compassion toward others, many find it challenging to practice self-compassion.
Over the years, I've come to understand that for the first forty years of my life, I lacked self-compassion. Reflecting on my past struggles, I often harbored feelings of guilt and shame, believing I could have managed situations better or prevented them entirely. Sadly, I overlooked the healing of these emotional wounds, allowing them to evolve into scars that never fully healed. In an attempt to protect their children from similar pain, some individuals suppress their emotional turmoil, leaving it unaddressed for years. Yet, such pain cannot remain buried forever and is likely to emerge over time.
Psychotherapy and other clinical techniques can be beneficial, but controlling triggers that bring joy and happiness is also crucial. Whenever my clients are anxious before a doctor's appointment or in a flashback, I offer them an exercise that has proven effective.
I'd like to introduce you to a transformative technique from my life coaching course at "One Wildflower Life Coaching." We explore the concept of Post Happiness Triggers. While it's widely recognized that traumatic events can leave individuals with post-trauma triggers, leading to symptoms like flashbacks, nightmares, and depression, my program offers a novel approach. Inspired by the natural human response to life-threatening situations, I've developed "Post Happiness Triggers" to help those who have experienced trauma incorporate positive triggers into their daily routines. This concept fosters peace and joy, offering a beacon of light during challenging times.
Dive into nostalgia for a moment. Think back to the happiest time in your life. Have you ever heard a song that took you back to a particular moment? List the songs that remind you of the happiest times in your past. My Spotify song list makes me want to dance when I listen to it. I'm taken back to those days when I walked to school with my girlfriends and chatted the whole way! From the time I was 15 years old, I was carefree, and my only concern was when I would get to see my friends again!
A number of my clients also purchase fragrances from that era. PTSD sufferers know that a smell can evoke trauma, so we should focus on scents that bring us joy. It was "Love's Baby Soft" and strawberry lip gloss for me! I purchased the strawberry, cherry and grape Lip Smackers, which I kept in my pocket. I also have a rose-scented candle that smells like my Kiddle’s doll in a heart-shaped clear case; whenever I opened it up, the rose scent would fill the air.
All of this process I refer to as "Post Happiness Triggers," and it works!
