One Year Anniversary

This last week was my one year anniversary of hearing the words, "you have stage 4 breast cancer". And this week one year ago I had one of my breasts removed because of the breast cancer. So you can well imagine that it's been a reflective week. How do I feel? I feel elated to be alive and fully embracing another year of life. This past year has been full of so many emotions and angst but one filled with so much love and support which was essential in getting through the challenging year. What's ahead? I have resigned from BP as of Friday... I have started a new company manufacturing and distributing fit for purpose PPE work wear for women... and am trying to stitch up my next role. What I've found when talking with other people that have dealt with similar challenges is battling depression, lack of energy, extra weight gain, etc. So the battle of staying positive and healthy is an important one to talk about!

In going forward...

When speaking with the Breast Care nurse last month she again noted that the statistics show that after people go into remission from cancer many of them still do not change their lifestyle. When reading all about the effects of our environment on our bodies and then the things that we all should do...and things that cancer survivors must be aware of it's a wonder we don't change? So the things that I will look at doing in 2014 include: 1. Continuing to drink the green gunk: brightly coloured vegetables is one of the best things for the body 2. Drink less caffeine: tea and coffee have 3. A routine diet of Exercise: Physical activity is not only an essential compenent in maintaining a healthy weight but has been shown to directly reduce the risk of cancer returning by reducing the levels of hormones such as insulin and oestrogen in the body. 4. Regular doctor check ups 5. Drink more water. Drink less alcohol. 6. Keep a healthy and happy outlook on life: Having a positive attitude is essential to keeping on track. This doesn't mean being "happy" all the time but it does mean keeping check on keeping the negatives out as much as possible. Sometimes easier said than done but if practiced it becomes easier. Here is a video to encourage you to do just this: Cancer Council puts out a great booklet called, "Living Well After Cancer". If you know of someone who may like this book you can get it at: 13 11 20 or www.cancervic.org.au I leave you with this video:

2014 - nine months on...and in remission?

I have been thinking a lot about 2014 and how it will be full of happiness and laughter. I've been reading a lot about authentic happiness, what makes people negative vs. positive, how the brain reacts to fear and challenges, etc. It's not necessarily an easy thing to do to keep positive through the challenges that life throws at us as we all know but the more we do so the better off we will be in the short and long run...scientifically proven. It's so easy to get sucked into the negatives...cancer, obesity, death of our loved ones, loss of jobs, etc. But the more we work on having a positive view (glass half full) attitude the easier it is to move on from those situations. I'm not sure when is the "right" time to call into remission but I am going to take a step out of my comfort zone and call myself into remission. So my affirmation for 2014 is about continuing to remember to: 1. Strive to make a difference each day 2. Strive to positively impact the environment around me by staying positive myself I'm blessed to have my life, my family and friends.