Saturday, September 24, 2011

ALIVE

A year ago this week we received the shocking diagnosis.

Damn, what a year it has been.

But you will hear me say it a million times, and I stand by this…

It’s been a year that has taught us priceless lessons about the choices we make,  about our bodies innate yearning to be healthy…  and about what it means to be ALIVE.


For those who NEVER want to walk in my shoes... for those who have unfortunately heard the haunting words "You have cancer"... for those who care for someone who is striving to regain their own health... or even for those who want to honor someone who left this world far too early, it is only prudent that I pay forward the kindness and compassion that was offered me. 

While many folks who face an escalated health challenge need to maintain their jobs, take care of their families and keep the ball rolling, I was humbly provided the luxury of a haven removed from the everyday stressors of life, and surrounded by all the love and support one could dream. 
My husband, my family and friends offered me the freedom to sleep, recover, and most importantly to research... to dig-in and uncover solutions that would contribute to our success in owning each harrowing treatment... to freaking nail cancer to the wall.

Knowledge is POWER. 
We know SO much more than EVER before about cancer, about disease processes in general... and the human body’s natural inclination for health.   

Regardless of your circumstance, regardless of what your well-intentioned doctor says, THERE ARE THINGS YOU CAN DO!! 

Heck, you can even choose to forego the status quo, and pave your own research-based path back to health.  
YOU are NOT helpless, and this is not just happening to you. 

You have every ability... you can choose to gain valuable insight and TAKE ACTION that will be pivotal in both preventing and overcoming cancer, and a slew of diseases brought on by our Western lifestyle.

Your body can and WILL kick its ASS. 

You WILL reclaim the life you so humbly deserve.

Of all cancers, less than 3% are related to a genetic predisposition.  I tested negative for every genetic link.  Like most cancer's, mine was environmental in cause. 
You better BET I have since created a bodily environment that cancer HATES. 

With an immune system that has never been so fierce, and a steep reduction in controllable environmental triggers, cancer despises every cell of my being.
Are my lifestyle changes an absolute guarantee it won’t come back?  
No.  
But I do have the peace of knowing I have done everything in my power to fight for the life I crave.

To be ALIVE in this world, and alongside my beautiful family... to kiss every boo-boo, to celebrate every win, to grow from every defeat... to protect those I love, and to follow my heartbrake by easing even an ounce of this world's anguish.



Do I wish I could go back 5, 6, 7 years and change my habits?  Abso-freaking-lutely.  Prevention is always the best cure. 
But there is nothing to be gained by living in the past, or blaming myself.  When we learn better, we do better.  

Taking responsibility for my disease has allowed for an igniting level of understanding and empowerment, such that can reduce pain and suffering for any person open to learning and taking action

It's time to deeply honor the profound gifts with which Mother Nature has so miraculously graced us, the gift of this one body, this one life, this one planet... 

I spent a year of my life being SICK.  Now it’s freaking time to be WELL. 

Not just well, but to be truly ALIVE... as we know true health isn't merely the absence of disease, but the presence of vigor, vitality, and a profound love of life.

Come be ALIVE with me!!!
All my Love,

Cheers to WHOLE LIVING!! 


Top Photo By Jackie O'Brien