Month: February 2018

Zumba was EVERYTHING today!!! As I continue to stretch and change my mindset, I went to my first Zumba class. Being in remission has its ups and downs: You celebrate a win and how you conquered one of the worse demons on Earth, however, you face years of medication, uncertainty, and limitations. You also have to be mindful that you are building your body’s strength and endurance while trying not to over do it. Your mind may tell you yes, go for it, but your body is asking, “Are you crazy?!?” Sit it down!!! Well if you know me, I listen to my heart AND mind despite what my body says! Sometimes that’s a good thing and sometimes… well, you know the rest.

Zumba class was at ATL-Sports in Lake City, a fundraiser for the American Heart Association. The instructors were great and I had the best time. I met so many women of multi-ages and ethnicities, shared my journey with one, and was able to fellowship in the spirit of good heart health. There was a point when I felt a calmness and coolness come over me. It was like God was letting me know it was ok to let go and let God! Don’t just survive, thrive! I’ve been in a constant debate about when to start reclaiming my life, not wanting to start things and not finish. Afraid that if I begin something, my CANcer would come back and then I would be defeated again. Then I realized, God did not intend for me to survive and then sit around and wait for my demise. HE intended for me to stretch, live, love, laugh. Do things I’ve never done, see things I’ve never seen. Who would have thought a Zumba class, across town, EARLY, again I say EARLY in the morning, would bring me such affirmation and joy! Of course, this is not by chance,  but ordained by THE MAN himself! I continue getting my Zumba on, taking breaks, hydrating and eating all the bananas and nutrgrain bars they had to offer. Not realizing, this class never stops… YOU may stop, but the music keeps going, the instructors keep instructing, and everyone else  “Zumbas” on! Such is life… we may stop and take breaks, sometimes to refresh and unfortunately sometimes to quit. But we have to keep going, change our mindset, and keep up with the music 🎶

It’s funny how everyday life events can bring you to such profound realizations. From cancer to a Zumba class, from music to hydration, everything, every moment has its purpose. That’s the intention of life, purpose, don’t just survive, thrive.

As I share my thoughts with you, I am tickled at myself and my new found revelations. We went into our cool down and I wondered if I would even be able to drive. Although energized and pumped, I was done! Then the cool down song came on, “I Shall Live and Not Die”, by Darlene McCoy. I became so overwhelmed as if The Lord whispered in my ear to let me know HE has me! I know HE does, but we all need that affirmation that let’s us know our faith will keep us in his favor!

My CANcer Wisdom to You, are some profound lyrics from that most beautiful cool down song:
“I will fear no alarm,
And escape this unharmed,
Because I stand here knowing I’m never alone.
I just believe that I’ll have what I say,
So I speak to my life and call forth a new day…

“I’ll finish strong
I’ll finish strong
I’ll finish strong
I’ll finish”~”I Shall Live and Not Die”, by Darlene McCoy

 

Yesterday, I hit the track for the first time since my diagnosis of breast cancer in October of 2016! My husband and I did a mile!!!! I was so proud of myself as I watched our son at track practice with his team. I felt like I stretched…I was walking the walk… I was setting the example for our son. As Coach Jimmy Valvano said right before he lost his battle with cancer, “Never give up! Don’t ever give up!” I have to admit, there was one moment when I did. I did not give up on life, but I gave up on living. I stopped running, I stopped dancing, I didn’t even want to leave the house unless it was for treatment or work…familiar faces and places. As I walk through this journey, or RUN through this journey😊, I realize that you have to keep moving. There is a huge difference between having life and living life. No matter what hand you’re dealt, nor what your future holds, you’ve got to keep your head in the game.

So many things have changed in my life some good some not so good, but everything that has changed has helped me to be better, to do better, and want better for myself and my family.  The first time I touched a track was when I was 8 years old, the same age as our son now.  The track was the place where I felt free, able to enjoy the weather, the breeze against my skin, the sun on my face.  I was able to think, reflect, sing, be with my friends and just simply be.  Running and walking always made me feel good!  Yesterday brought all of that back.  It reminded me of what once was and what could be again.  It reminded me that I had gotten through a part of the journey that had humbled me and built me up.  A journey that reminded me that HE is able so that I am able.  Yesterday was a pivotal point in my life.

If you have struggled or continue to struggle through your cancer journey, remember to live life in the best ways you know how.  Do your best to keep a level head and a positive outlook.  Even in your darkest days find something to cling to that you love, that gives you energy, that allows you to be human but be present in the moment.  “Don’t give up, don’t ever give up!”

Jimmy Valvano was an inspirational college basketball coach, most memorable coaching at North Carolina State University.  In April of 1993 shortly after his infamous speech at the ESPYs, Coach Jimmy Valvano lost his battle with adenocarcinoma.  He was such an inspiration to many and continues to bring hope to all who hear his message  25 years later.

Jimmy Valvano Espy Speech

My CANcer Wisdom to You:  In the words of Coach Jimmy Valvano, “Cancer can take away all of my physical abilities. It cannot touch my mind, it cannot touch my heart, and it cannot touch my soul. And those three things are going to carry on forever. I thank you and God bless you all.”

For more information on The Jimmy V Foundation, please visit www.jimmyv.org/

All open doors are not meant for you to walk through.  Some are just meant for you to see what’s possible.  Today was the Hot Chocolate 5K/15K in Atlanta.  I’ve always wanted to participate in this run.  It’s for a good cause and they always have hot chocolate at the end!!!  Well, I was encouraged by some friends to register and participate this year since last year this time, I was going through my chemotherapy treatment.  I registered and that was that.  This past week, I began to think…I will be returning back to school after several and several weeks, can I even do a 5K walk or run, am I able to get up at the crack to even get to my girl’s house?  Yes I can and yes I will!!! I got my packet with my cool shirt, I bought all of the necessary items to keep me warm and I was ready to go.  Then I looked at the weather…cold…cold and rainy…cold and freezing rain.  Good Lord, what have I gotten myself into???

Well, if you follow my posts, I recently spoke about stretching.  God intended us to stretch, HE intended me to stretch even though the tension could be great…stretch, do things I wouldn’t do, challenge myself, take risks.  Weather report…cold, freezing rain!  Well, maybe Sunday will change and be cold, but not rainy.

I woke up early Sunday ready to stretch myself, no training, no working out, no exercising, just get up and go stretch.  I looked outside, looked at the temperature, looked at the weather channel, my hubby looked at me………maybe we can walk at the mall!  My dream of The Hot Chocolate 5K/15K would have to be deferred.  I could not risk catching the flu or pneumonia just so I could “stretch”.  Sometimes, God opens doors so we can see what is possible.  He clearly did not want we to walk through this door and undo the healing he placed upon me! I need time to prepare myself for the next 5K/15K.  The Diva run is coming in March.  maybe God intended for me to see the possibilities…..but in a couple of weeks when it is warmer!  I love my Hot Chocolate shirt though!!!

My CANcer Wisdom:  Sometimes, God opens doors for you, but that doesn’t necessarily mean he wants you have to walk through them.  Sometimes, it’s just so you can see what’s on the other side, the opportunities that await so that you can prepare yourself.  HE is preparing you for the next door of opportunity, the one you will knock down!