Cancer State Of Mind.........Reaffirming My Path At Life's Crossroads
My dad used to say 'Sometimes in life, we have to step back and access just where we have been and where we are going.' I have been doing that lately, and I can tell you it is difficult. But with my doctor screaming in one ear and reality in the other, I had to do something.
Many of you know me as a breast cancer survivor, but few of you know that there are many sides to my world. It has become a journey in itself to balance my old life and my new one. So recently, I decided that it is time to give 100% of me to being a survivor OF cancer.
Believe it or not, it was not easy to explain why I can't participate in some things or function as others THINK I should be able to. The reality is that my body is aging and I have long term side effects that we are STILL RESEARCHING, all for better quality of life.
Yes! I said it! I am getting older. But...hopefully WISER.
So my new affirmed goal is to live as if today is my last day, be happy and laugh more ....and lean on my FAITH more! I'm going to speak more about Early Detection, Health Care and cancer relationships, both personal and professional. I want my 'Eco Health' footprints to be positive.
A co worker stated that I must be rich to be able to do what I want. I calmly told her no, not in the sense she thought, this was a faith walk. She looked puzzled, but she is young, and no doubt has not been thru life's fire yet. So I explained to her that there comes a time in every one's life that they must go left or right. They must be true to themselves and be able to give all to any direction they choose. Sometimes, the choice is made for them. In my case it was my cancer diagnosis.
The trick, I found, was to follow three steps; 1-To collect and build resources for a solid foundation. 2-Unselfishly reach out and help others the best you can. 3-Keep your FAITH first.
I admit in my earlier years I took my health for granted. I abused my body with the best of them. And even I AM still surprised it keeps breathing. So I am advising each and every one of my friends to reaffirm to do the right thing and take care of your health. Perhaps, you can eliminate potential health issues later on. I believe the Bible says to 'Prepare for famine in times of feast.' That should apply to everything.
Early Detection, people! Stay on your diet, stay on your faith walk. Then perhaps you won't have to reaffirm so many times.
OCTOBER IS BREAST CANCER AWARENESS MONTH
and don't forget to read my book, Behind The Pink Ribbon. Not your usual read on cancer.
Quote of the month:
'Finding meaning in the face of our greatest trials is the heart of it all.'
Michael Lerner, PhD Commonweal Research Institute, Bolinas, California.
Visit: yvonne@yvonneortega.com
