Of Brighter Days and Bliss...

The months before my latest diagnosis were filled with laughter, love, fun, and a feeling of success in "beating" cancer. I moved forward in the direction of my dreams with more confidence and clarity than I've had in years. I felt fearless and filled with a renewed appreciation for life that I longed to share with others at every opportunity. 

Now, I'm drawing on all of those memories - reliving the feelings they inspired in me - and staying aligned with that sense of confidence, success, wellness and appreciation for life. You see, not only does that feel good, but it keeps me aligned with all that I desire to have now and in the future. It reminds me that I KNOW how to get through cancer - I've been there, done that! I know how to survive and thrive. I know how to find little glimpses of bliss on the darkest of days - and I know how to expand that little glimpse, until it becomes a ray of hope - a light that leads the way to brighter days.

This is a reminder of the value of experiencing life aware, present, and with all your senses!! When you do, you'll be able to recall those moments of bliss in a richer, fuller way. That leads to alignment and aligning with good, brings more good. Simple as that!

So...in the spirit of sharing, here are just a few of moments I will be remembering in the coming months...For me, they represent fun, ease, love, happy surprises, connection, friendship, confidence, clarity, and fearlessness. 

In mid-October, I was asked to be a runway model for local boutique, Portobello Row, at an event sponsored by Lourdes Hospital called, Spirit of Women. What fun!! Especially for a "ham" like me! I also had the opportunity to catch up with a few old friends & PR colleagues from Lourdes after the event, which was an unexpected pleasure that brought much joy to my heart. My dear friends Christine & Karen joined me there (my own personal paparazzi, they took the photos!). Afterwards, Christine had Chinese food waiting for me at her house - one of those simple gestures that mean so much - especially since I was starving! Modeling is hard work! Hehe ;). It was a night filled with laughter, old friends, new friends, and lots of  high vibes! 

Looking back at late August...a whole group of my BFFs, along with my sister, got together in secret and threw me a fabulous surprise 50th "do-over" birthday party. They had been planning it for months and somehow managed to keep me 100% in the dark, right up until the moment I walked in! While I think I looked better that night than this goofy picture in the birthday hat would depict, it gives you an idea of just how "all out" they went for me - tons of food, wine, balloons, theme decorations, friends & family. I was thrilled just to have another birthday to celebrate - age wasn't even a factor.

The next day, my parents hosted a big family dinner and we celebrated all over again. I have the BEST friends and family in the world!!
 
I was part of a different kind of family celebration in early October, when I toasted to my Goddaughter's future as she prepared to leave for Army basic training...At that moment, it seemed like just yesterday I was 18 years old, with all the hopes and dreams that go along with being a young adult. But you know what? 33 years later (yikes!!) I think I enjoy my life more and certainly appreciate it more, than I ever could have then...and I couldn't have gotten here, without the contrast of challenging times - or even the tragic ones. In fact, in many ways - I wouldn't change a single thing about my life right here, right now.

And finally, something that was very cathartic for me...a story that aired locally on Fox40 News, about my journey with triple negative breast cancer. It was a success story - told from the perspective of a survivor. I felt a sweet sense of closure after it aired. Little did I realize that just a few short weeks later, I'd be battling this nasty disease yet again.

So here we go...in many ways a familiar path - and that's okay because just like with anything else, experience is a good teacher. I've grown over the past year and a half - I'm better, stronger, more resilient, and more aligned with my desires than I was then. I know the value of keeping my eyes on the road and my hands on the wheel as I navigate through turbulence. And most of all, I know the value of savoring life - moment by delicious moment - something I fully intend to keep doing - no matter what. No conditions. No bargaining.

Thank you with all my heart for letting me share my thoughts with you!

Bliss & Blessings,
Lisa