Parallels in life--Be a Badass!

I have been navigating a health journey that, until now, I have chosen to keep private.  I decided it might be time to share because it is my truth and I am stronger for it, and also this is a similar journey of emotions when facing divorce.

Divorce is something I went through, and when I chose to open up and share authentically, I was able to help women in this journey and transition in life.  My pain became my testimony to help others and I continue to focus my energy on growing my business.  This is also why I was hesitant to share my medical journey, as I want my coaching business to continue to thrive.  However, the truth is, there are many parallels in my journey.  

I was diagnosed with breast cancer on June 1.  I have been facing this head-on with an attitude of “I got this”!  Cancer does not discriminate, and 1 in 8 women are diagnosed with breast cancer.  PLEASE do your diligence in getting your yearly mammograms.  Early detection is key.  

So, now I have cancer, a big word, and a lot of emotions.  Fears were prevalent at the beginning, but the more knowledge I gained the more confident I became.  Not one time did I fear not surviving.  I know I’ve got this.  My fears come in the fact that I don’t know how muddy my journey will be.  I will get through this.  I am strong and healthy.  Game on!

I have continued to grow my coaching business, attend networking events, and also still work on the ramp at the airport part-time.  I also continue to do my strength training sessions with my personal trainer who continues to be a friend and cheerleader to my strength in this health journey.  Cancer doesn’t have anything on me! 

I have had 4 rounds of immunotherapy which I am grateful is less of an attack on my body.  I did not lose my hair, or have a lot of symptoms that were difficult to navigate life.  I am grateful as it allowed me to share my story with those I feel I want to share and not just put it out there for the public to know.  I am private, but also, I know this story can help others, much like my divorce journey has.  I am currently on my second round of chemotherapy.  

The chemotherapy has symptoms that make it more public for me and difficult for me to steer my story.  I have been losing my hair and this is more emotional than I expected.  Partly because I can’t control my narrative anymore.  Hence, the reason to share my story.  I had my hair cut into a pixie cut to help me transition this last weekend. I worked at the airport on Sunday and Monday evenings, after my hair cut. I got dressed in my combat boots, cargo pants, and work attire and put my beanie on over my pixie cut. It was a little unnerving to head into work with my new look.  My daughter said to me, “Mom, you are a badass!”  I needed to hear that, and this is the mantra I tell myself as I face uncomfortable situations.  My co-workers supported me and can’t believe I am still working with the treatment plan I am on.  But it serves me as a distraction.  I feel productive and capable.  I am a badass!

I don’t want to sit home and wallow in cancer.  I am a doer and a fighter.  Mindset has everything to do with your journey.  The mindset you have in divorce does too. The parallels are all over the place in these two journeys.  You know you will get through divorce, you just don’t know how muddy it will get.  The same! This is why I share.  I am not looking for pity, but I will accept your prayers and good vibes.  

I intend to continue to serve my clients and look to increase my coaching business.  The beauty of working for myself is I can select the hours that work for me.  It serves me to focus on helping others and I hope you can continue to trust that I can help your referrals as well.  I don’t want my clients to feel sorry for me but to be inspired by my attitude of nothing will get me down.  I can only control what I can on this journey and my outlook on life is huge.  I do have cute wigs that are fun to help me navigate this new journey, and maybe soon I will confidently rock my shaved head.  

I am out living my life and enjoying my kids.  I had my first round of chemo on a Thursday and flew to San Diego on that Saturday to celebrate my family as my boys received their awards from a summer internship.  Then 1 week post chemo I went to the MN Vikings vs LA Rams game at SoFi Stadium with my son and boyfriend.  My doctors encouraged me to go and enjoy myself.  They said, “You are a mom of 4 kids, you can power through”.  I am grateful for my doctors supporting me and encouraging me to do life.  My work, my family, and my friends have been a huge support system I am learning to lean on as needed.  

If you have continued to read to this point, thank you.  I hope this encourages you as you navigate whatever life is throwing at you.  We all are going through our own thing and have no idea behind closed doors.  Be kind to one another and let’s lift each other.  I hope to be a positive voice in your corner.  I will use this journey to help others.  God isn’t done with me yet.

Please do your exams and stay ahead of this diagnosis so you too can be a survivor. We are not alone.

Love and hugs,

Christin