How to Put Your Diagnosis (Or Any Traumatic Event) Behind You

FEELING TRAPPED

After a diagnosis, it’s easy to feel “trapped” by its clutches and defined by the label of a disease. It may feel as though you have been totally stripped of your pre-cancer identity. In fact, you may find that you think only in terms of before and after cancer—and you'd do anything to go back to before.

We all know that we should live in the present, totally immersed in the here and now. But sometimes that’s easier said, than done. After a diagnosis, you may find yourself thinking about what it was like to endure treatment, how it felt the day you were diagnosed, or somehow reliving the emotional/physical pain you endured. It is also common to sit in fear of what the future has in store. These types of thoughts can lead to depression, can be signs of PTSD, and can prevent you from enjoying your one brilliant life!

HOW DO YOU CLOSE THE BOOK?

Healing isn’t just about the body—it’s about reclaiming your identity, joy, and future. There are many ways to deal with the stress associated with a traumatic event, which includes seeking out a qualified therapist if need be. But there are also smaller measures to help us “close the book” on a past event, regain our identity, and move forward with a bright future. One of our favorites? A Burning Ceremony & Dream Manifesting Event.

🔥BURNING CEREMONY & DREAM MANIFESTING EVENT

The summer after finishing treatment, we started a tradition that became a yearly ritual—a mix of reflection, release, and celebration. It’s simple, fun, and oh-so-powerful. ✨

1️⃣ Gather your favorite people for a meal, games, swimming, or any fun stuff. FYI: a bonfire is a must!

2️⃣ Write it out: On a note card, list the five things you hated most about the past year (or however long your journey has been).

3️⃣ Let it go: Take turns reading your cards, then toss them into the fire—watching those struggles disappear for good.

4️⃣ Dream big: Write down, on a notecard or cute goal paper (see below), three things you’d like to manifest in the coming year and place them in a Dream Jar.

5️⃣ Get still and say a prayer (or set an intention) for healing, happiness, and the future you desire.

6️⃣ Celebrate! Pop a cork (champagne, Italian soda, green juice—your choice) and toast to health, happiness, and new beginnings. Bonus Tip: Corks make great keepsakes!

7️⃣ Keep the Dream Jar somewhere special (like your mantle) until next year’s event.

8️⃣ Reflect and marvel: At Next year’s event, begin by reading through the note cards from the previous year(s) and marveling at how many dreams have been successfully manifested! Never throw away a note card, just paperclip them together (labeled with the year constructed for future reflection) and leave in the jar. Bonus: Celebrate you’re a$$ off when you need a bigger dream jar to hold all those precious note cards.

9️⃣ Repeat: We luv having a cancerversary celebration every year and setting intentions. Although we have not repeated the actual burning ceremony (#3), if you’re still feeling the weight of the past, feel free to set some notecards ablaze before focusing on the dreams ahead!

The Takeaway

There are many versions of this type of event. There’s no right way to heal—just your way.

So make this event your own! Get creative, add your own traditions, and most importantly, have fun.

You will leave feeling utter gratitude for the opportunity to be popping another cork! 🎉

OUR DREAM JAR

Do you have a creative closure exercise? Tell us all about it in the comments.