I declare today my brave day.  Everyone has one of those days, right?

Today is the 4th anniversary of being a breast cancer survivor and taking charge of my health and future.  What a journey it has been and today I reflect on the day.  I wonder…when you go through something major in your life does it add a protective shield or a layer of “I can do anything” to who you are?

Four years ago, I underwent a thirteen hour procedure.  Today I think about the timing of it all.  The prepping for surgery, removal of my cancer, and reconstruction lasted half a day.  Pretty amazing when you think about it!  I think of the competent surgeons and nurses, and my friends and family on the sidelines.  I think about how I was treated during the day.  I have very clear memories of everything that happened before I went under anesthesia.

I had a team of people present with me before going into surgery.  My team consisted of my sister-in-laws, Tobi and Linda, my Dad and stepmom Gail, my godmother Joan, my oldest high school friend Rachel, and of course, my supportive husband Steve.  I would have loved for my mom to be there but she was not healthy enough to be at the hospital with us.  My mom had been battling ovarian cancer for ten years prior to my diagnosis – a huge milestone for anyone with that type of cancer.  She was my model for bravery.  Now it was my time to fight!

As I reflect, I wonder…Why was I so brave and relaxed?  Let’s see:

• My support team of family and friends by my side
• My competent surgeons and staff on hand
• My own positive mental attitude

My fight was planned from the start when my mother and I were diagnosed with the genes associated with hereditary breast and ovarian cancer called BRCA1.  I had a 50% chance of carrying the mutation, so it wasn’t a total shocker to test positive for it.  In fact, my breast cancer detection was caught early.  I was at stage zero.  It doesn’t get better than that!

My surgery lasted 13 hours but really this event of mine will last a lifetime.  I think when you’ve experienced something of this magnitude you earn the right to have a brave day.  That’s how I see it and why I declare today that day for me!

Do you have a day you can declare your brave day?

Just weeks ago I did something brave at our Wholistic Woman Adventure Retreat – Be Courageous.  I faced a new challenge called The Leap of Faith.  The picture you see in this post is me at the top of The Leap of Faith.  As I climbed a 22 foot pole, one step at a time, to reach the top and stand tall, I was reminded of my brave day.  The same components were in place.  I had a supportive coaching team and community, a competent staff, and most of all, my positive attitude!

Four years ago I underwent a major, life changing event.  I think about the protective shield that I now carry with me as a result of “my brave day”, and realize it is what prepares me for all the challenges ahead.  Challenges like The Leap of Faith as well as challenges still yet to come.  If you’d like inspiration to declare your brave day, check out our photo gallery of brave women participating in ‘Be Courageous’ by clicking here.

Today’s author: Kelye Rouse-Brown, CHA, CHT is a business owner, joint venture partner, HR expert, certified coach and training professional. Her 3 components: Educate, Motivate, and Cultivate are what help her clients develop, spark action and grow a successful career/business and life from the core. Kelye can be reached at 301-371-9300 or by visiting her website: krbtrainingsolutions.com

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