What kind of advocate are you?

Since it’s Breast Cancer Awareness Month again (yawn), it seems like a good time to talk about advocacy in general.

Any type of serious illness or other trauma can make a person want to “do” something with the experience. This comes from a feeling of wanting to help others who are, or will be, facing a similar diagnosis or experience. It’s a giving back sort of thing. It gives purpose to what you’ve had to deal with.

Some people start blogs, others set up or join support groups and other organizations, some create new online spaces, some write books, some run in races or organize other events to raise money. Some start traveling attending seminars and conventions, some start podcasts (does it seem like everybody has one these days?). Some begin speaking publicly about their experiences, and the list goes on.

Advocacy in Breast Cancer Land looks different for everyone.

I’m here to tell you that all the above sort of advocacy is wonderful and sorely needed. I’m also here to tell you that it’s okay to not put pressure on yourself to participate in, or to do something big post diagnosis — whatever that even means.

You might want to read: The Pressure to Be an Over-Achieving Cancer Patient.

There was a time, and not that long ago, when I felt pretty darn inadequate as an advocate in Cancer Land. I mean, I wasn’t traveling around the country attending conventions or getting special advocate training to refine my advocacy skills. I wasn’t reading up on the latest scientific findings. And yes, I felt like I wasn’t doing enough.

So, I forced myself out of my comfort zone and attended a Living Beyond Breast Cancer convention a few years back. I was asked to attend and be part of a panel of bloggers.

How could I have said no to that?

Plus, the travel expenses were paid for. That was huge. Advocates deserve compensation, too, in addition to having their travel expenses paid for, I might add. But that’s a different post.

It was stressful for me to get on that plane and find myself in an unfamiliar airport, city, and surroundings. But I did it. I navigated fine. Being on the panel was fun. Sort of.

But guess what?

Once was enough. After that, I decided no more. That kind of thing just wasn’t/isn’t for me.

This introvert prefers to stay home. She prefers to advocate from her keyboard. That’s the way I like it, so that’s what I do.

After that experience, I decided what I’m doing is okay. In fact, it’s totally fine. Everyone does not have to be a stellar, traveling, all-star sort of advocate — whatever that even means.

YOU get to decide what sort of advocacy role, if any, you want to take on in Cancer Land.

This can be as simple as having a conversation with your neighbor or a stranger at the grocery store. (Pinktober sometimes presents opportunities like this.)

All kinds of advocacy matters. Yes, all kinds!

Taking this further still — you don’t necessarily have to become a breast cancer related sort of advocate at all.

What??

It’s true.

Maybe being an advocate in Cancer Land isn’t for you at all. That’s fine! After all, it can be draining — both physically and emotionally. And, let’s not forget, financially. You might be sick and tired of dealing with your diagnosis and all the self-advocacy that requires, which is a lot and way more than enough to tackle.

Perhaps you want to become an advocate for animal welfare instead. Or children. Or sensible gun-safety reform. Or, dare I say it, for a politician or political party you support.

The point is, there is a lot of need out there. There are many causes. There is a role for you out there in Advocacy World if you want one.

Never feel badly or put yourself down for not “doing enough” in Cancer Land. (‘ll try to remember this too.) Besides, living your best life is no small thing.

But remember this too: Your story matters. Your voice matters. Your place in the world matters. YOU matter.

Of course, others matter, too, and helping others in big OR small ways is also important.

There are many niches out there with advocacy openings. There’s always work that needs doing.

The advocacy lane you choose is up to you.

I hope you find one that feels right for you, whether it be in Breast Cancer Land or not.

Have you ever felt like you weren’t/aren’t doing enough advocacy-wise in Cancer Land?

What sort of advocate do you consider yourself to be?

Is there another advocacy niche you are involved with other than, or in addition to, Cancer Land?

Note from Nancy: I wrote about cancer language, cancer worry, survivor guilt, loss, pet grief, COVID-19, DIEP flap surgery, life as an introvert, aging, resiliency, and more in EMERGING. Available at Amazon and most other online booksellers. It’d mean a lot to me if you’d consider reading it.

Click on the above image to order your copy of EMERGING today!

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