If you think you can...

It's ironic how consistent themes play throughout various stages of your life. I always been a believer in mind over matter, and the power of positive thinking. It had been challenged in the past, but certainly not to the extent of the past four months. One of my favorite quotes had long been "whether you think you can or think you cannot, you are right" (or something like that). I still do believe this is true.

What I love even more is that my son is learning this same lesson. One of his favorite books is the little engine that could, and he's shaping up to be one tough little cookie. But I digress.

I believe that you are as strong as you think you are. I believe that the only real stumbling block is the ones we put in front of ourselves, typically built out of fear, fatigue, or stubbornness. I believe that we are able to accomplish anything if we put our mind to it. Every successful person in life had common denominator: they believed in themselves enough to try whatever it is that made them successful. It doesn't matter to me if they are a child learning to read, a cancer patient making a way through treatment, an employee working under a tight deadline, the head of a large company, or the President of the United States. It's about believing in yourself and not stopping until you achieve your goal, whatever that goal may be.

Take for example Nancy Brinker, the head of the Susan B. Komen foundation, but not because of her organization's affiliation with breast cancer. She is inspiration simply because she was one woman who promised her sister to do something great, and she did! She was "just" one woman 30 years ago, now her organization has international reach, has impacted the survival rates of this crazy disease worldwide, and partners with some of the largest companies in the world. Just yesterday, they announced a partnership with GE. Yes, that GE, the humongous corporation we all know.

The truth is, everyone hits brick walls now and then. Everyone runs out of steam and feels like they can't go on. Everyone gets to a point where they feel like they just can't do it anymore. And regardless of what "it" is, that is a very real issue for them. So how do we overcome it? Sometimes, it's ok to say we just can't do it as long as we recognize that as a temporary condition. Sometimes we need to really recharge before we can push on. But push on we should, as long as what we are pushing for is a worthy cause.

Here is what I know to be true about what I can do. I can keep taking treatment. I can do the best I can once I have energy to get myself healthier. I can be the best mother, wife, daughter, sister, friend, etc. that I know how to be. I can continue to pray like it's up to Him and work like it's up to me. I can keep working to be the best HR Manager I can, even if it's only part-time for now. I can keep thinking positive, smiling and laughing. I can keep writing and hoping that my words will help someone else in some way.

Speaking of which, I am currently in the #9 slot in the Reader's Digest contest out of literally more than a thousand entries. THANK YOU and please keep voting!! My goal is to be in the top 10 and be published. I want people to realize that this disease can happen to any old average girl living a normal life. I want to spread awareness, and perhaps maybe warm a heart or two of other survivors to know that they are not alone. And I want them to know that life is good, even with cancer.

So how's that for upbeat? It's the truth as I know it. And for anyone who find it irritatingly positive, I share with you my second favorite quote, "A positive attitude may not solve all your problems, but it will annoy enough people to make it worth the effort!" Enjoy that!

One last note, a friend of mine is having some followup tests to rule out breast cancer and is asking for your prayers. She will hopefully learn good news next week. In the meantime, could you please all say a quick one to the Big Man upstairs and ask that she is ok? Thanks!