Thank YOU Cancer

By  Sofia Reino

I

always had an interest in health, diet and exercise. Much as so many other women, once I got married that side of my life took a standby. I was working full-time, had two children to take care of, and in a way “forgot” about myself.

As a family, we moved around from one

State to another and always far from the family, which was hard for me. Life went on and slowly was losing my Mediterranean upbringing in terms of the diet, general well-being and the importance of life and our community.

Then something happened. A loud bell woke me up. That bell was cancer. Triple negative  breast  cancer,  to  be  exact.  A type of cancer that is extremely aggressive. It felt as if a wake up call. From the moment that shocking news settled in, my mind started rewriting my life. From that moment onwards, along with following the conventional western treatment  with  surgeries  and  chemo,  I also started finally taking care of myself. Meditation and other alternative therapies became staples for me.

Prior to cancer, most would say I was a strong  person,  but  I  always  put everyone’s needs prior to mine, I was seeking approval without even realizing. Out   of   fear,   I   would   do   what   was expected of me. I allowed myself to lose myself. In my own head, I always felt short. Too often I would give in, out of fear and comfort. I had lost myself.

Now I am changing on a daily basis, I am allowing the future to lead itself, but always making sure to choose the course that will better myself.

Everything I do is from love, I just follow my own heart. I am so much

more liberated and happy. Unconditional self-love. Now my biggest rule, is for there not to have rules. I just do what feels right at the time. We are all unique. What works for me may not for another. And that is ok.

Cancer brought me back to myself. The person that always wanted a simple life, a  person who thrives by the warm weather,  by  the  ocean,  close  to  family and helping others. I am creating my own path, a path that is my own guidance. I feel at the center of my own love.

Here is my motto for life. For me, my daughters and ALL I encounter. Create daily memories as tomorrow is not granted!