My Philosophy
My personal healing philosophy is nicely summarized by the Wellness Doctrine created by the Cancer Support Team at La Grange Memorial Hospital in 1991 when the ICAN program was opened. I am the primary author.
While the Doctrine was created with a focus on cancer, it points to a philosophy that is useful at any time as it teaches that each of us can decide how we will react to events, even if we can't control events. It also points to the importance of maintaining a positive expectancy about the future, the importance of being proactive, and of the power each of us has to take a better direction at any time.
This Doctrine communicates the powerful role that you play in your own treatment and healing. I hope you will embrace this doctrine as I do, share it with friends and loved ones, and find hope and inspiration in its message.
1. Events have changed my life, but that does not mean my life has been changed for the worse. I will decide how my life has been changed.
2. While there may be moments of uncertainty, there will always be reasons for hope.
3. I am the most important member of my health care team. The more active and curious I am about my treatment, the better my outlook will be.
4. I have the power to make a difference in my treatment and care.
5. Physical healing is not the only goal of my treatment. I can also use this time to heal my spirit, relationships and heart.
