by Rhonda M. Farrar, Massachusetts, DRWA
Every day when I look in the mirror…especially this month…
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month…
As I look back, I vividly recall my own diagnosis with almost stage 3 breast cancer during Breast Cancer Awareness Month in none other than 2005.
It wasn’t the best news, but it wasn’t the worst either for everyone asking about my biopsy results, I said.
So here I am…20 years later…cancer free and still a thriver as well as a survivor!
So…this is what I know.
There is a lot of interaction between breast cancer survivors and breast cancer survivors. We tell our personal stories of breast cancer, go on breast cancer walks, join breast cancer support groups, and get to know other survivors…and the Slivers…that’s thriving breast cancer survivors…I’m blessed to be a part of!!!
Being around other breast cancer survivors and those who have had breast cancer can prevent the feelings of isolation that many women who have had or have had breast cancer feel. And…you can learn a lot about breast cancer by hearing personal stories about it.
Keep these basics in mind as you read on.
“In the long run, we shape our lives, and we shape ourselves. That process never ends until we die, and the choices we make are ultimately our own responsibility.” — Eleanor Roosevelt
Perhaps…one of the greatest challenges in life is facing one’s own mortality. The development of breast cancer, living with it, and the uncertainty of its outcome can be a time of emotional, physical, and mental upheaval in a woman’s life.
It is often said that you can grow even in the face of great hardship. This personal growth and strength can also bring a sense of accomplishment: “I made it…I finished chemotherapy and radiation, and I’m here to talk about it.”
We reflect on what we have learned. It certainly was! My experience with breast cancer took me to a different place that I had not encountered in my “normal” daily life. It’s an independent experience and separate from everything else that has happened to me so far.
Others say how much they respect me for the strength you have shown in fighting breast cancer.
I not only survived breast cancer treatment, but I embrace and am proud of the wisdom that experience has taught me…and us.
We are now in a position to give back and it feels good.
We can choose to empower others, share what has worked for us in our breast cancer experiences and expressions, and encourage those newly diagnosed with breast cancer.
Empowerment is knowing that no matter what situation we find ourselves in, there is always something positive we can do…we can be!
I call it a gift…a blessing among the not so good ones!
Given a choice…no one chooses to grow in the face of life’s challenges…but this is where empowerment begins…and with personal growth, we emerge as courageous and empowered individuals to become our true selves.
Feeling empowered is subjective and varies from person to person.
But the universal truth of empowerment comes from the knowledge that we have choices and can control our choices, the ability to make those choices, and the responsibility for the choices we make.
Empowerment is the feeling and confidence that arises when you overcome a difficult situation and overcome it. Capturing our “new normal” is about embracing a newly empowered self and using IT to shape a new and improved you.
How you saw yourself in the world and how you lived your days before breast cancer will take on new meaning.
Your perspective may not change at all…but for most women living with breast cancer, the experience is life-enriching and sets them on a new path. No matter where you are in your breast cancer treatment…no matter what season of life you are experiencing…finding empowerment means using it to create a “new normal” for yourself. A new and improved you!
Trust me and believe me…I know!
As an important side note, know that women are naturally attractive. However, cultural programming leads many women to lose their way, leaving us to approach work like men. The Masculine program is all about goal setting and achieving goals. This rarely works out for women in the long run.
Instead, women must first fill our cups with what makes us alive and immerse ourselves in a community of support, adventure, and inspiration.
And we bloom and attract!
His Holiness the Dalai Lama said the world will be saved by Western women. I happen to think he was right.
As a lifestyle empowerment alchemist/coach, author, and speaker who has worked closely with women for decades, I have found that deep down, women naturally want to create work that makes a difference in the world. The most important thing we can do is find and pursue a job we love. This is essential to our well-being, health, and well-being.
Human nature focuses on survival for various reasons. People are busy making plans, setting financial goals, establishing careers, and building family life without worrying about the end. A lot of time is often spent on unimportant things that have value at that moment or period in your life.
Having breast cancer brought my mortality to the forefront.
What my beliefs were before may now be questioned as the reality sets in that our life on earth is only temporary.
Life is meant to be lived. You are a unique partner in life…you have purpose and meaning to your existence!
So…why not try living from a participatory perspective?
I truly believe… when you deal with difficult situations directly, it becomes easier to prioritize the important things, experiences, and people in your life… breast cancer being one of them.
You can choose to waste less time or waste more time. Spend less time on jobs and experiences that have no purpose or meaning, and more time enjoying your family, friends, nature, and the things that really make your tail wag.
Here’s another must-have to ponder…
It’s just a way of living… but living with the end in mind is a way to participate in life with an enthusiasm, awareness, and appreciation that you may not have realized before you had breast cancer.
Being diagnosed with breast cancer is not a gift in itself, but the wisdom I gained from the experience was a gift that continues to enrich and enrich my life. Trust me, believe me… I know… As I said before, I’ve often mentioned my own breast cancer diagnosis… “It’s not the best news, but it’s not the worst either!”
When we face our challenges, the bad, the ugly, and even our mortality, we can truly live.
In that spirit, Debbie Mazza-Taylor, who lost five years to breast cancer just days before her 41st birthday, wrote the following poem:
What is death other than standing naked in the wind?
And melt into the sun. And what does it mean to stop breathing, to free it from its restless tide, to rise and expand unhindered in search of God?
Only when we drink from the river of silence can we truly sing.
Then, once you reach the top of the mountain, start climbing.
And when the earth takes away your limbs, then you will really dance.
My philosophy includes that life should be lived with the mindset that…Life is not a rehearsal — we only have one chance at IT, and yes…the show must go on!
About this…I’m sure!
Today…I invite you.
Become the source within yourself…now!
Remember…have a great and healthy day…every day!
Let’s work together towards our health, well-being and empowerment!
And…in case no one told you today…
Lots of I love you…
and i believe in your abilities
Please fix your reflection first…and Live your best life ever!
Blessings!
Rhonda??
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Rhonda M. Farrar, MA, DRWA, Lifestyle Empowerment Alchemist, Coach, and Celebrity
In personal development, she has dedicated her years of insight as a psychotherapist to serve as a guiding light for women facing unique challenges, helping them embark on transformative journeys of self-discovery and empowerment.
In a world where external issues often grab our attention, Rhonda Farrar stands out as a catalyst for inner growth with her mantra of “first fix your reflections.” A ray of hope for women suffering from personal turmoil in their relationships, careers, and daily lives.
Throughout her extensive career and deep dedication, Rhonda Farrar has pioneered the Fix Your Reflection First method, which recognizes that life’s joys and setbacks can be for your benefit if you are able to move past your immediate emotional reactions and use self-awareness to grow, rather than pushing yourself down. Farrah’s holistic approach focuses on self-reflection and restoring self-love as the foundation for personal growth and change.
As an experienced author, empowerment alchemist coach, speaker, entrepreneur, spiritual teacher, and educator, Rhonda has developed an extensive toolkit designed to help individuals address the challenges that are holding them back and embrace the joy of moving forward. Working with clients and companies from the International Center for Spiritual Living to the U.S. Open Wellness Team, Rhonda’s teachings emphasize harnessing self-awareness and using life’s setbacks as opportunities for growth rather than obstacles.
Rhonda’s mission is to empower women to prioritize self-love and self-awareness, cultivating a deep harmony that positively impacts every aspect of their lives. Her work inspires a powerful journey of self-discovery, fostering new confidence and a thirst for personal growth. Rhonda has written several e-books and is a contributing author to “American Heroes, Leaders, Legends, The Power of the Human Spirit, and America’s Leading Women Who Positively Impact the World” featuring Oprah Winfrey and Melinda Gates.
please click here For Rhonda’s group coaching.
Source: Spiritual Media Blog – www.spiritualmediablog.com
