Mindful Poetic Reflections During & After Cancer: 365 Daily Reflections & Affirmations
By Caroline David-Tostevin
When I was moving through the long, unsteady days of cancer treatment, I often felt the weight of uncertainty pressing so heavily that even breathing seemed an act of courage. In those moments, I turned to writing each day—not just to steady myself, but to catch hold of the fragile thread of hope. On the page, I gathered reminders of life’s quiet splendours: the murmur of leaves stirred by the wind, the golden hush of sunlight, the simple grace of a loved one’s hand resting in mine. Now, as I continue with preventative therapy, I still return to those words. They are echoes from a past self, whispering back to me that even in darkness, beauty endures.
Here is an example of something I have written:
September’s Gentle Flow
Leaves fall softly on the forest floor,
Whispering stories of what came before.
Light filters gently through ambered trees,
And dances along the path with ease.
The wind bends branches but does not break,
A lesson in resilience for your own sake.
Rivers hum under skies wide and clear,
Carrying whispers of hope for those who hear.
Every step you take, every breath you claim,
Adds to the quiet strength that cannot wane.
Even in change, even in the unseen,
There is beauty, patience, and moments between.
Step lightly, breathe fully, embrace the calm,
And let nature’s rhythm be your balm.
September moves onward, tender and bright,
Guiding your heart with gentle, steady light.
Whether you’re currently in treatment, healing afterward, or just navigating the emotional landscape of survivorship, I hope some of my reflections can offer a sense of peace and resilience.
Each page is crafted to be a gentle companion—a quiet place where you can pause, breathe, and return to the present. This book is more than poetry; it is a daily embrace, a soft reminder that even in the midst of struggle, you are not walking this path alone. Within these words lies an invitation to notice the beauty that still surrounds us and to discover strength in the smallest, most ordinary moments. May these reflections encourage you to keep moving forward, to trust that light has a way of finding us—even when the road feels long and uncertain.
If this speaks to you or someone you know, I’d be honoured if you could take a look at my book:
It’s available as an Ebook (https://amzn.eu/d/5rEc55I) from Amazon.co.uk or Apple Store Books.Paperback (https://amzn.eu/d/gYPUwEu) is available from Amazon.co.uk
More than anything, I just hope it brings a bit of light into your day.
With love and solidarity,
Caroline
