International Women’s Day…

Today is a day of contemplation, meditation, reflection and recognition. I have always been eager and committed to honouring, promoting and celebrating the women that have inspired me. Some are famous. Some are titans of business. Some are just incredible women that I have met over the years; friends, mentors and family.

Since my diagnosis with breast cancer, I have made it my mission to share everything I have experienced, in the hopes of helping other women deal with this horrific disease. I’ve held nothing back; writing about my fear, pain, self doubt, mental health and the courage it takes to persevere. It has not been any easy journey but I have chosen to look at the positive things in my life rather than dwell on the negative. That’s not to say that there have not been some very dark days, where I’ve felt anything but brave or courageous.

As a woman, one of my biggest hurdles has been regaining my confidence. I’ve struggled with body image my whole life. Am I thin enough, pretty enough, smart enough, accomplished enough? Add losing your breasts to this equation and the hurdle becomes Mount Everest. Should it matter? Am I less of a woman thanks to cancer? The answer should ne NO…but it’s not that easy to believe and accept that.

As an Ambassador for the charity “After Breast Cancer”, I have had the privilege of meeting some beautiful, dynamic women who too have survived breast cancer. I look at them, and hear their stories and am in awe of them. They all appear strong, confident and beautiful; both inside and out. I am one of them. I was featured in a calendar with them. I have shared my story with them and I am counted as one of them…and yet….

Am I enough? It’s a question I ask myself a lot. And what exactly is enough? Maybe I will never fully know. But I intend to keep reminding myself that I am. Whatever “enough” is. I am so committed to this, that I had it tattooed on my forearm. I see it constantly. I can’t escape it…and I am glad. It is my commitment to myself to never forget what I have overcome; what I have achieved; and what I am worth. Happy International Women’s Day everyone. Let’s celebrate each other. Let’s lift each other up. Let’s be proud to be women…because we ARE ENOUGH!