On September 16th, 1987, I came into
this world after a painfully drawn out and reluctantly induced labor. I did not
want to come out. When I finally did make my first appearance, my lungs were
not able to function properly, holding me hostage to medical machinery for the
first week of my life. Though my survival may have been questioned at first,
there was no doubt that I was a fighter, strong enough to pull through as a
healthy and determined being, ready to take on the world.
With the arrival of my 25th birthday I
find myself filled with gratitude for the strength and fortune that I was
blessed with in this life. In my short time on this planet, I have confronted
some of the greatest challenges that many humans will face in their lifetime. With
courage I have welcomed the changes that have altered just about every area of
my existence. And I have lived to tell the tale.
Today I have much to celebrate. I rejoice my life in
each moment and I give thanks to the strength and protection that has helped me
fight for my health and happiness. I never for one second doubted that I would beat
this cancer and live to see this beautiful day. I have stood my ground against
armies of people who do not believe in what I am doing because they do not
understand. I have not allowed my fears to ride shotgun on this road trip; I
have listened to my heart and spoken my truth, and I have found more healing in
doing this than any pharmaceutical could offer. I know I am doing this right.
This year my birthday falls on the new moon. This
day is symbolic of renewal and rebirth. A time to stick to our truths and allow
all else that does not serve us to be released. How appropriate that I celebrate
the passing of year of learning to let go and speak my truth and I emerge into
my next chapter of this life transformation. I celebrate this time of rebirth
and welcome it with open arms.
