In September, 1995 the surgeon looked me in the eye and said, “You have breast cancer and we have to take care of this right now.” I felt like I had been kicked in the stomach. How could this happen? I didn’t need this! I had a thriving small business, an active social life, many friends and a wonderful family that were the center of my universe. I did NOT have time for surgery and chemotherapy!
            But I did. My life depended on it. I had a wonderful staff and we quickly put systems in place for the business to run smoothly. My family came together to love and support me
            One week after learning I had cancer I had a mastectomy on my left side. This was followed by six months of rigorous chemotherapy. I was tired. I lost my hair. My thinking wasn’t as quick and sharp as usual. But I got through it!
            Recently, I had three hernia surgeries within an 18 month period. I had pain for all of the 18 months. But I got through it!
            As I went through these life altering experiences, I realized good things actually came from these painful events. I began to look for what I called “the gifts of adversity” and now I want to share them with you from both a personal and professional perspective. I know I’m not the only one to go through rough times and find the gifts in them so I invite you to share some of the gifts you have received from the difficult times in your life.
            I will describe one gift a week on my Blog site. Please share yours!
            Gift #1. This moment is all we have. When they took me in to surgery, I wasn’t thinking about the marketing I need to do for my business. As the powerful chemo went into my body through the IV, I wasn’t thinking about the past. I was concentrating on sending positive thoughts to guide the chemo where it needed to go. I was living fully in the moment. What a good lesson for me! When I live in the moment, I release regrets from the past and I don’t worry about the future.
            Professional application:  I don’t have to repeat my mistakes or worry needlessly about my plans for the future. When I totally focus on this moment I can see and take advantage of its opportunities while I smell the flowers.
 

In September, 1995 the surgeon looked me in the eye and said, “You have breast cancer and we have to take care of this right now.” I felt like I had been kicked in the stomach. How could this happen? I didn’t need this! I had a thriving small business, an active social life, many friends and a wonderful family that were the center of my universe. I did NOT have time for surgery and chemotherapy!
            But I did. My life depended on it. I had a wonderful staff and we quickly put systems in place for the business to run smoothly. My family came together to love and support me
            One week after learning I had cancer I had a mastectomy on my left side. This was followed by six months of rigorous chemotherapy. I was tired. I lost my hair. My thinking wasn’t as quick and sharp as usual. But I got through it!
            Recently, I had three hernia surgeries within an 18 month period. I had pain for all of the 18 months. But I got through it!
            As I went through these life altering experiences, I realized good things actually came from these painful events. I began to look for what I called “the gifts of adversity” and now I want to share them with you from both a personal and professional perspective. I know I’m not the only one to go through rough times and find the gifts in them so I invite you to share some of the gifts you have received from the difficult times in your life.
            I will describe one gift a week on my Blog site. Please share yours!
            Gift #1. This moment is all we have. When they took me in to surgery, I wasn’t thinking about the marketing I need to do for my business. As the powerful chemo went into my body through the IV, I wasn’t thinking about the past. I was concentrating on sending positive thoughts to guide the chemo where it needed to go. I was living fully in the moment. What a good lesson for me! When I live in the moment, I release regrets from the past and I don’t worry about the future.
            Professional application:  I don’t have to repeat my mistakes or worry needlessly about my plans for the future. When I totally focus on this moment I can see and take advantage of its opportunities while I smell the flowers.