Everyone has a journey to take but sometimes in the midst of the journey we encounter small roadblocks to take us off course. In order to stay on course we have to be focused and determined to fulfill our destiny; the God given road that lies before us. The road can become shaky with unexpected detours but in essence these detours have a great way of changing who we are for the better.
In 2008, a warrior faced a road she never realized she would have to endure however, it not only affected her life but it affected mine as well. My mother was diagnosed with breast cancer in 1999, a small mass that did not spread but stayed in one area of her breast. During the year of 1999 my mom decided to get radiation treatments in order for the cancer to disappear. However, in 2008 it reappeared in the same spot which devastated my mother. My family had already endured a tragedy that left us numb which was the death of my two year old daughter. Now we were faced with another blow of my mother cancer reappearing.
My mother was hopeful, carried her faith like a virtuous woman, and embraced this journey with boldness. My dad stood strong by my mother’s side when she decided to take the doctor’s advice by getting her left breast removed so it would not resurface. My mother was a little worried if my dad would still love her inspite of her deficiency. My dad words were sweet, loving and compassionate stating, “I love for who you are not what you have on the outside.” These words were like sweet honeycomb to my mother’s ears so she took these words to be her motivation to change her life. She made it through surgery well and healed like only a true warrior could heal.
The next time I talked to my mother she told me to eat better and get my body in order. She did not want me to have to endure this later in my older years. My mother’s journey helped me reevaluate the way I treated my temple. So, in her journey she motivated me to change the way I eat and to enhance my workout life. I gave up eating beef and pork substituted fish and chicken in its place. Then I recommitted myself back to the gym. Now in 2013 I am making strides to make this a lifestyle so I can live longer, adding more years to my life. My mother, the warrior, lives healthy at 63 years old wearing a size 12 feeling good and looking fabulous. It was her journey but it was a light that needed to shine and touch the lives of others. Everyone has a journey nevertheless, our journey is not only for us it is meant to inspire, motivate and encourage someone else. October we celebrate Breast Cancer Awareness for all the women who are warriors, standing strong to fight this disease or those that have survived it. I urge you to do your part by eating better, working out and taking care of your God given temple.
You only live once but if you do it right, once is enough! ~Mae West~
Stylicia Bowden
Twitter: @releasethepen
www.theinspirationalcorner.net
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