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How I'm doing: Positive reflections as I head back to work

My Florida trip brought paddle boarding, crystal clear waters, tequila, sunshine, and laughs with friends. My final few days before work are a wonderful balance of downtime, long walks with Monty, rest, and fitness. I was also asked to be one of the speakers at the hospital cancer center's Survivors' Day of Celebration this year. Yes, there's so much to celebrate! 

And, it's fitting to share my reply to an e-poll question that I answered in a group of former colleagues. The question was, "If you could relive one year of your life, which would it be?" Here's what I wrote: 

"My first thought was age 26. I just remember it as coming into my own and having so much fun. Then I saw [so-and-so's] mention of studying abroad, and my 2001 experience changed my life in so many ways. But my final answer, if I were to pick one year, would be this past year, actually! 

"A year ago at this time I finally, finally just felt so comfortable in my own skin and had a lot of positive realizations. Some of my anxieties finally stopped being anxieties. I had an amazing summer, and I had lots of success at work. I felt like I was on fire in the best way. 

"Those lessons and that energy helped me navigate my diagnosis and set up an approach to tackling cancer that ended up delivering a long list of unexpected positive consequences. If I had to relive the worst moments, I know I could, because I’d have support from so many different people in my life.

"And that’s the amazing thing, right? We can look back and say we survived and got through the worst moments."

Going back to work isn't as unsettling or scary as I would have thought. I'm anticipating my brain and body to need to go slow. But whatever comes my way, I know I'll be able to handle it. 

Wish me luck! Thank you for being there! 


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