As usual, I've spent the past few weeks thinking about how to celebrate my birthday, reviewing the past year and plotting for the next year. Health-wise, I am fine. Generally speaking. My blood pressure is a little high -- but that means that I need to exercise more. Okay. I need to exercise period. But no cancer on the horizon and no worries from my doctor.
For that... I am grateful.
I've been dating a really sweet man for the past couple of months. And its so peaceful and comfortable, that I've been surprised and pleased. For awhile, we were moving a little faster than I was comfortable with but we've slowed into a nice groove and it feels good. He makes me smile. He makes me think. He believes in me. And he finds me enchanting. Imagine that? Now... he doesn't enjoy my favorite joke
For him, I am grateful.
My parents are well. My brother is happy and in love. Even the puppy is cool -- slightly crazy and a lot spoiled but cool.
For all of them, I am grateful.
My best friends... are still the most wonderful people I know. Some have been experiencing some deep tragedies. Others have been experiencing some great highs. And for all of them... I pray hard and often. I could not make it through this life without them.
For my inner circle of besties... I am always, always grateful.
My writing is coming along. I have a business manager who is helping me to focus and to envision the future in a grand way. My book should be published by the end of the year. The blog is doing well, but I have larger goals for it and will be rolling them out soon. My work on my startup has stalled. I think most of that is fear -- so that is an area I have to work on.
My family is great. Friends are doing well -- love seems to be in the air all around me; plenty of weddings, happy marriages, new babies, new world adventures and new business ventures are all around me. And to have the privilege to be able to witness all of that... I can't tell you just how happy and grateful I am. I am very blessed.
I still have issues with my lymphedema and I feel that I'll be going back in for some more plastic surgery. Nothing is wrong but I want to get a little cosmetic work done. Some stuff has shifted a bit and I want to tweak it and get it looking awesome again. I am slowly getting very comfortable with my life. Today on the eve of my birthday, I am cool with my new normal.
I didn't think that I would get here. I still have days where I wonder if life after cancer will ever feel "right". But for the most part... it does feel alright to be a survivor of breast cancer.
And for that most of all... I am really very grateful.
