I have been thinking about what I wanted to write about, and how to go about it, when I received some terrible news. A friend of mine, Dana, was diagnosed with breast cancer a second time.
It was about two and a half years ago, when she was almost nine months pregnant that she was diagnosed the first time. She gave birth and then a couple of days later went in for surgery and started chemo. Never have I witnessed a stronger, more resilient, more positive person.
So it was with much excitement when she went in over a year later and was cancer free. She kicked cancer’s ass, as she liked to say. We even jumped out of a plane at 18,000 feet, to celebrate in August of 2008.
But yes, it has returned and thissurgery was definitely more invasive. But again, her attitude astounds me. She sends out mass emails to update every one, and it is this attitude that is going to get her through this once again.
We all can learn a huge lesson from Dana. While the rest of us are complaining about being fat, or being too tired to exercise, or whatever ailment or excuse is plaguing the mind currently, I know I need to take a lesson from her. I do not have cancer, I have not undergone a drastic surgery, and yet how many times, and how many things do I complain about on a daily basis?
In my quest to be better, I have come to understand that every day is a gift. I need to try and make the most of it and be positive. I need to send out love and good energy. And I need to realize that being healthy is not something to take for granted. So even if I am tired, or sore, the reality is that I can’t even begin to understand what being tired really is: like when doctors are putting chemicals in your body to kill all the bad cells, along with the good cells.
So no more excuses. Whether it’s doing yoga at a studio or taking a class online at YogaVibes, such as breast cancer survivor Katheryn Harlan's class geared toward survivors which will be up on Recovery Vibe next week. Or you can hit the gym or go for a walk. But just get out there and do it and take the time to appreciate it. -YogaVibes Ambassador Laura K.