4 years ago, I did a series on my blog called “Overcomer.” I asked friends and people I admired to answer 5 questions. I left it open for them to interpret the topic, where they wanted to go with it, and how long they wanted to write. And, I got all kinds of responses. I was overwhelmed by the participation and the vulnerability.
To keep my year-long celebration of being 10 years cancer free going, I decided to run the same series again, including new people I’ve met along the way, some that I know better, or some that were not able to participate last time. Again, I’m overwhelmed by their responses. People were gracious and said, “yes.” You never really know if that kind of thing is going to happen when you just throw it out there.
But, you guys, these people were real and shared real-life struggles.
As questions were asked from my initial request for participation, I realized how serious these people took the topic. For some, it was hard to come to an answer. For others, it was a quick response. Some struggled to determine how honest to be and others were worried they would offend someone. You know I think I realized in the last two months leading up to this, that the exercise might have been the journey. Just pausing and asking, “what have I overcome.” is a hard thing to process.
For me I feel like my answer might have been more of an “overcoming,” always feeling like a work in progress. I think I can declare there are 2 things, well maybe 3 that I’ve resolved to in this life.
- Jesus is the answer.
- Cancer Survivor is something I am, not a label or stigma or mantra to hold me back, but the freedom from which I wholeheartedly live every day and embrace every adventure
- After 30, it just is what it is.
But, I get it, its an overwhelming title to embrace and most of these friends paused long and hard before sending their answers.
I’m really excited about the next 31 days. You are going to meet some brave, fierce, vulnerable, raw, and real people. I learned some new things about many of them myself and we’ve been friends for almost 2 decades. Lean in, join us, come back and read these beautiful stories.
And, I have a little bit of space left in the month, so if you have a story you want to share, email me. The 5 questions we will explore together:
- What have you Overcome?
- What was your Turning Point / Pivot Moment?
- 5 word life mantra:
- Quote you live by (and who said it):
- How can we connect with you – social, blog/website, other links:
