Celebrate and Honor YOUR Health & Wellness
When I was diagnosed with Stage II breast cancer in July, 2006, my first reaction was fear; it had only been six years since another form of cancer took my mom.
Almost immediately fear was replaced by shame. I thought of any and every unhealthy behavior in which I had engaged during my life: beer and wine, birth control, exercise (or not), unhealthy food, and even personality type.
Fear and shame had no place in the days, weeks and months that followed. I was focused on test results, accessing research, joining a support group, scheduling surgery, preparing for chemotherapy, 2 hour daily drives to radiation and learning about complementary treatment.
Three years later, I am a cancer survivor. Fear and shame occasionally creep into my mind, but they are pushed aside by deeper, more grounded emotions like gratitude and exuberance. I still enjoy beer and wine, think more about diet and exercise and don’t get hung up on personality (sure makes me more interesting!).
We have all been touched in some way by cancer. Fortunately research on cancer prevention, diagnosis and treatment has contributed to a world in which many more survivors are living and loving life.
In honor of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month I share the lessons that I learned.
Celebrate and honor the health and wellness that we have – our strengths and victories will help us to overcome whatever health issues come our way.
Do something today about concerns that are hanging over our heads – they don’t go away on their own.
Prevent the illnesses we know we can – invest time, energy and necessary resources in the services, education and products that promote health and wellness. We are so worth it.
Join a community of support – no one can do it alone.
If you would like to discuss your own health and wellness concerns, I invite you to call b.Well today - 208.921.1044.
