Those impacted by cancer gain strength and resiliency from their experiences, which carry them from year to year and remain present throughout their lifetimes. As we enter a new year, reflecting on the past can help us recognize and appreciate the lessons that will stick with us and guide us in the future.

Life on Pause is a podcast created by and for young adults living with cancer. In this end-of-the-year podcast episode, our speakers welcome 2023 by taking a look back on 2023. Part of knowing where you are going is knowing where you are coming from, so listen as our guest speakers share the impactful and transformative experiences from their past years. Thank you for tuning into our last podcast of the year, and we look forward to you joining us as we release new episodes in 2023.

Introductions and Reflections (0:26)

Our host Corene kicks off this episode by asking the guest speakers about the most significant lesson they learned in 2022. Guests Taylor, Kasara, Corene, Tony, and Hailey each reflect on their experiences over the previous year regarding their health, growing up, life with cancer, and the wisdom they gained along the way.

A Message in Hindsight (5:07)

While the new year brings promises of change and transformation, for young adults with cancer, their health journey will always remain a present theme throughout their lives. Corene asks guests to describe the one thing they would choose to tell themselves at the beginning of their cancer experiences. From words of reassurance to advice and encouragement, our speakers discuss the messages they would give their past selves, knowing all they know now.

2022 Highs and Lows (8:59)

Throughout the course of a year, everyone has their hits and misses. This is a part of life, and the positive and negative experiences we face help us grow along the way. Our guest speakers discuss their own highs and lows from 2022, sharing transformative stories surrounding cancer journeys, moments of realization, and personal life experiences.

Resolutions and Goals for 2023 (16:16)

Looking toward the future can allow us to form positive resolutions and changes to strive for. Our guests discuss what they expect of their upcoming years and the things they hope to improve on and accomplish going forward. Additionally, they discuss life milestones, the personal pressures and fears that come with aging, and the misconceptions surrounding entering your thirties.

Not Forgotten (21:26)

For young adults with cancer, the ever-present aspect of their diagnosis eventually becomes a normalized part of their life. Corene discusses how cancer has become such a consistent theme in her life that she sometimes forgets she has it, whereas other times, it is at the forefront of her mind. She and the guest speakers discuss the experiences and lessons they will never forget regarding their cancer journeys.

Lifelong Mantras (36:09)

Regardless of how someone is impacted by cancer or how they live their lives, everyone has their own guiding principles that help them navigate through life. To wrap up the episode, Corene and the guests share their personal mantras that they say year after year. Our speakers provide their impactful sayings and beliefs that have been influential within their lives.