Healing from cancer or supporting your body through recovery is about far more than treatments, medications, or medical appointments. True healing comes when you nurture the whole person: body, mind, and spirit. But how do we move from simply surviving to actually thriving?
In this episode of the Living to Thrive with Cancer podcast, we explore a framework I call the 3S Method: Self-Love, Self-Care, and Self-Belief. These three elements work together to help you heal, grow, and create a life that feels vibrant and meaningful, even amidst the challenges of cancer or recovery.
The 3 Levels of Thriving
In the episode, we move through three levels to help you cultivate a thriving mindset:
1. Awareness
The first step is noticing how you currently care for yourself. Are your daily routines supporting your well-being, or are you unintentionally neglecting your needs? Awareness isn’t about judgment it’s about gently observing your habits, thoughts, and patterns so you can begin to make intentional changes.
2. Exploration
Next comes the exploration phase, where we dive into practical strategies and mindset shifts. This might include simple daily practices to boost self-love, tools to integrate self-care without guilt, or exercises to strengthen your self-belief. These practices create a foundation for growth and help you reconnect with the parts of yourself that may have been overshadowed by illness or stress.
3. Reflection
Finally, reflection allows you to integrate what you’ve learned and feel empowered by it. By taking the time to reflect on your growth, celebrate your wins, and recognize your resilience, you cultivate confidence and a sense of purpose. Reflection turns awareness and exploration into lasting change.
Why the 3S Method Matters
When you intentionally practice Self-Love, Self-Care, and Self-Belief, you give yourself permission to prioritize your own healing and growth. These practices aren’t selfish, they’re essential for creating a life that feels full, meaningful, and vibrant, even in the face of cancer or other challenges.
Thriving isn’t about perfection. It’s about showing up for yourself, choosing practices that support your body and mind, and believing that you can live a joyful, empowered life right now, not “someday.”
Listen to the full episode here to learn more about the 3S Method and how you can start cultivating a thriving mindset today.
3 Simple Practices to Start Thriving Today
Here are a few actionable ways to apply the 3S Method in your daily life:
- Self-Love: Start a gratitude journal focused on yourself. Each day, write one thing you appreciate about yourself – your strength, your courage, or even a small act of kindness you offered.
- Self-Care: Choose one small act of self-care each day, no matter how simple. It could be a warm bath, a short walk, a quiet cup of tea, or a call with a supportive friend.
- Self-Belief: Identify one area where self-doubt shows up and create a positive affirmation to counter it. Repeat it each morning and whenever you feel unsure of yourself. For example: “I am capable. I am resilient. I can handle this.”
By incorporating these practices into your daily routine, you can start to shift your mindset from surviving to thriving, one intentional choice at a time.
Ready to get support in building a life that feels aligned and healing after cancer? My THRIVE coaching and resources are here to guide you. Let’s walk this path together.
If you would like to know more about the concept of living with cancer, I have written a book all about my personal experience with moving from survivor to thriver. In my book I offer anecdotes and strategies that will encourage you to learn how to thrive with cancer. You can get a copy of Living to Thrive: a holistic guide to living with cancer here.
You don’t have to navigate cancer alone. As a Cancer Coach I support cancer survivors who are looking for more than just surviving day to day – they want to learn how to thrive with cancer. The THRIVE Cancer Coaching Program is a space for you to learn and grow while getting one to one support from a ten year cancer thriver. Let’s talk about how coaching can help you create abundance in your life with cancer. Schedule a free coaching call today to learn more about coaching and how to get started.
Kathryn White is a Cancer Coach who supporting cancer survivors to turn their cancer diagnosis into a thriving story one day at a time.
