Fire In My Veins For 2021

I think we can all agree that 2020 was one heck of a year, right? It felt surreal on many levels. For me, it went from an awesome spring break relaxing in an oceanfront house to being quarantined, to becoming a teacher for my 3 kiddos all at once. I remember thinking at one point, “Is this really happening right now?”. “This can’t be my life?”

Once I let everything sink in from the pandemic, I got into a nice daily rhythm. I embraced the changes and developed a greater appreciation for everything I once took for granted. I also decided that it may be time to finally get my health back on track. I focused so much on my business that I had to sacrifice something along the way, which was my workouts and eating right. So on August 3rd, 2020 I decided to change my lifestyle. I would make better food choices and make exercise a priority again. In 3 months I lost 13lbs and felt the best I had felt in years. I was feeling like my old self again and it felt incredible!

Then I went to my cardiologist who found something on an ultrasound and wanted me to follow up with my endocrinologist for a biopsy. I truly didn’t think much of it since I felt incredible and I knew I was going to be ok. I never even said anything to my husband about it since I didn’t want to add stress to our family during a pandemic.

I really thought I had finally got a handle on 2020 but then I learned of something that sent me to my knees.

I had the C-word. No, no, no. Not covid. I was told I had Cancer.

Talk about a sucker punch to the gut. And this all came after John and I started working out and losing weight and feeling the best we have felt in years. So when I got the news I was stunned. How was this possible? I don’t even have cancer that runs in my family.

Because my life is somewhat public, it was so hard not to immediately be able to share something like this with all of you but I knew I needed time to digest it. I needed time to understand what this was going to mean for me and my family. I also needed time to research and understand what this meant.

I have never been one to do what the doctor says right off the bat. I like to make an educated decision based on my body and what I feel is right. I don’t want anyone to make any decisions for me. I have always been like that with everything in my life. Ask my parents, they will tell you. LOL.

At first, when I got diagnosed I was so scared and nervous. I actually ignored it and continued on as nothing happened. I was definitely in denial. It’s been weeks now, and I’m feeling way different about my diagnosis. I am no longer afraid. I feel confident on how I want to handle this part of my life.

I respect how others may approach their journeys with cancer but mine will be my journey and may look different. This cancer will NOT define me. It doesn’t own me and it sure won’t be the shining star of my story.

So what does this mean??

I believe in the power of your subconscious mind. I believe that want you think and feel can be spoken into existence. I don’t want to ignore my cancer but I really don’t want to give it much attention. It’s a very small part of who I am and I have far more interests in my life than to focus on this one area.

I want you to come to Life Of Alley and still see all the things that I love to share with you all. Like all things relating to home, fashion, food, and wine. With maybe a little chatter about my cancer journey here and there. But again I don’t want cancer to take center stage because I won’t let it. 

2021 will also be the year I become UNAPOLOGETIC for who I am and what I want in my life. That includes taking more risks in my content. You may see a slightly different Alley immerging 🙂

This year, I will continue to focus on my health but most importantly my diet. Will also make sure to surround myself with people I love and that love me back. I really won’t be wasting my time with anyone that is just superficial anymore. If cancer has given me anything is a whole new perspective that time is limited and you really shouldn’t waste it on anything or anyone that doesn’t bring you joy.

I also want to travel more and be more involved in different organizations I’m passionate about this year so you will be seeing that in my content.

2020 wasn’t the best year for me but I have fire in my veins and I am determined to show 2021 what’s up and what I’m made of. I also want to honor my mom and dad, they raised one hell of a strong cookie. 

I have been through a lot in the last several years and have overcome so much. I’m ready to fight but also be there for all of you like I have been in previous years.

I know many of you will have questions but for now, let things just be. My goal is to share as I go when I feel necessary. You all come to me for different reasons and I don’t want cancer to be the focal point of my life. One-because I won’t let it be and Two-I want to focus on things that bring me joy instead.

So grateful that each of you even takes the time out of your day to connect with me online. I don’t take that lightly and you are the reason I get to have the life that I literally have dreamed of.

Cheers to 2021 sweet friends and to a wonderful ride with Life of Alley!

Much LOVE to you today and everyday.

xo

Photos by Banavenue Photo