Celebrating New Birthdays & Starting Life Off Fresh

Surviving illnesses like cancer can feel like being given a second chance—in essence a new life. Many survivors feel as though they are being reborn when they are given news of remission or hear the words “cancer free” roll off their own tongues for the very first time.

While life is a celebration enough, such success should be rewarded beyond the day-to-day rituals and self-care. New Birthdays, are becoming more and more popular amongst cancer survivors wishing to truly celebrate this “second chance” and also hoping to start fresh.

Conquering illness really makes an individual reevaluate what is important in his or her life and assigns new value to the people, places and things we encounter in a lifetime. Here are some ways both big and small to celebrate a new birthday and the wonderful things you or a loved one have to look forward to as a survivor.

1. Visit a new place.

There is no time like now to travel, explore, and take in the world around you. Whether you plan a road trip across country, visit a new park in your state, or splurge on a European vacation, you are bound to learn something new about yourself and your surroundings. Traveling with friends or family can make for an exciting, energetic trip, while journeying alone can be relaxing and give you a chance to reflect back on your experiences, and work out a plan for going forward.

2. Book a spa appointment.

After battling with illness one becomes hyper-aware of his or her body and what it means and feels like to be healthy. Treating yourself to a day or a couple of days at a spa promotes health and wellness, something that is important for those in recovery. With the hustle and bustle of every day life it can be hard to remember to relax and take care of ourselves, so sometimes it is best to allow others to do it for us.

3. Try a new sport or activity.

Channeling our inner daredevil can make us feel truly alive, whether it is by trying an extreme sport like skydiving or mountain climbing, or simply challenging ourselves physically. While illness may take its toll mentally, it’s physically that we truly feel tested. By taking up a new sport or activity, even if it is a one-time-only deal, is a way of celebrating the body for both its limits and its abilities.

4. Throw a "New Birthday" party for yourself.

When you celebrate surviving cancer you are in essence celebrating success, and every kind of success deserves a party big or small. Hosting a get-together will not only help to boost self-confidence, but can help raise awareness about the illness you’ve conquered, which can be equally rewarding.