Twenty-four years ago on March 13, the oncologist called me on the phone to tell me I had leukemia.
My world turned upside down.
The rest of that year would be riddled with shots, transfusions, chemotherapy, wigs, and trips to the ER.
That year was also colored by so much love, laughter, hope, prayer, sunrises, sunsets, dog kisses, and joy.
Whenever I am asked how I became who I am today, I always think about that experience. While I still hate cancer and wouldn't wish it on anyone, I loved the way I showed up during my dance with the diagnosis.
I was more positive.
I said "I love you" more often.
I cut out a lot of the BS.
I noticed the things that I'd so often ignored (Hello, Sunrise!)
I appreciated this great gift of being alive.
I let go of the things that didn't matter and embraced those that did.
For me, the most challenging part of surviving cancer is living those lessons without a life-threatening illness staring me in the face. Sometimes I fall back into old patterns, but when I am mindful I look at the world through the lens of love and gratitude.
The way I show up is always a choice, no matter what the circumstance.
