Have you had your annual mammogram this year?

People tell me I am strong. Most days I wonder what that really means. When I googled Strength, it reads, Strength is the property of being physically strong (you can do, say, 100 push-ups) or mentally strong (you can calculate percentages in your head while people are shouting at you).  Well, I surely can’t do 100 push-ups, nor can I calculate percentages in my head, so why do people say I am so strong?

When you are thrown a major curve ball, or when your life takes an unexpected turn, or when you are diagnosed with cancer, you feel alone (at least I did). You have to be strong to deal with the road ahead. You need strength to navigate the journey which you never chose to take. I found this quote which seems to apply to my mantra for the past six months.

“You never know how strong you are until being strong is the ONLY choice you have.”

If you don’t dig deep to find that strength, the loneliness and sadness can consume you. We all are dealing with challenges. We are all warriors fighting to overcome obstacles in our own lives. Warriors need to be strong (especially during COVID-19) to win the battles that can seem overpowering and consume our lives.

“Strength grows in the moments when you think you can’t go on, but you keep going anyway.”

One day at a time, dig deeper. God does not present us with challenges that we cannot handle. Whether it is prayer, family, friends, meditation, or exercise, that help you to find your strength, know that you have the power to handle today’s challenge. Sometimes having strength is being vulnerable and allowing others to help you dig deeper. Don’t hesitate to reach out to others for support so that you can find what is within you.

Ugh...my garden!

Today (for me) being strong is taking off the baseball cap and smiling even when Tropical Storm Isaias just brought a tree down on my new garden. This just sucks…but the garden can be rebuilt and we'll pick the ripe tomatoes tomorrow.

My journey continues…  On July 9, I walked into the surgical center alone (thanks again COVID-19) for a lumpectomy and lymph node biopsy. Pathology results brought good news that the cancer did not spread. Alleluia! I am waiting to start radiation in mid-August, followed by thyroid surgery in early October. Each day, I dig deeper to find the strength that helps me appreciate and be grateful for one more day.

Fellow warriors (no matter what battle you face), join me in digging deeper to find your inner strength. You have the power, whether it is already within you, or by showing your vulnerability and asking for help. You will find the strength you need for today’s challenge.