Rise 'n Shine

Sometimes we must suffer a devastating blow to realize how brilliant and fragile life really is. A few months ago, I saw cancer as a giant wrench tossed into my turning wheels, but today I see this diagnosis as the greatest opportunity of my life. Everyday I wake up early, journal my dreams from the night and my intentions for the day, drink my fresh pressed vegetable juice, take my herbs, do yoga and meditate. Then I go about my day doing things that feed my soul and nourish my body. Never before have I been so diligent in taking care of myself first, before anything or anyone else. In doing this, I realize that I can’t fully care for anyone else if I haven’t yet cared for myself. This is a lesson I have been handed many times in my life, but have not fully learned until now. As my dad always says, “You must put on your own oxygen mask before helping others with theirs.” Turns out he—and every flight attendant I’ve ever heard—are right.

What’s amazing is that right now I feel the best I have ever felt in my life. I am so connected with my body and my spirit. I am beginning to be able to stand back and look at myself and my emotions in a more objective light, without judgments or criticism. I have come to accept who I am right in this moment, which has unlocked a deep love for myself that I have never felt before. In addition, I have none of the bizarre physical symptoms that I once had. In fact, I have little to no symptoms at all. And I am not taking any medications. I think that says a lot coming from a cancer patient. It’s incredible what a change in diet and lifestyle can do for our health. I am so proud of my decision to listen to my heart and do what I know is right in taking care of myself. It is working. Never underestimate the power of your intuition. If you ever question which road to take, know that you are the only one who has the answer, and you will hear it if you just stop and listen.

The other day I was sitting in my garden drinking sunshine with my heart open and my eyes closed. I suddenly opened my eyes and there, hovering inches from my face was a huge, beautiful dragonfly. There was something so magical about this creature, as if it were a divine gift sent strait to me on iridescent wings. A dragonfly, as a totem, represents transformation and an awakening to one’s own inner light, which is exactly what I am doing. I know I still have a long way to go, but I have finally begun to see my own light breaching the horizon, bringing nothing short of a magnificent day.