There is Hope, Always

Hey guys - welcome back! If you’re still here, i’m sorry that last post was a bit depressing. I promise i’m usually an upbeat, optimistic person but I felt like I needed to give you the full story first. Today’s blog is about my favorite word - hope.

I’m going to tell you a bit more about myself and my heroes and share some wisdom they provided me. The moral of this story is of course, you are not alone and there is always hope!

I’m also going to talk about some of the things i’m currently doing to feel better. They are current so I cant promise they work but we all have to start somewhere. I will also talk about my happy places and all the happy things today :).

You might have guessed it based on the design of my website but the beach is my happy place - specifically Jacksonville Beach, FL - because thats where so many of my heroes live and i’ve grown up going to this beach since I was a little kid. Its always been my safe space in the midst of chaos. I am actually here right now writing this blog! A little more about me, other than the sickness stuff, because I am a firm believer that doesn’t define us and actually its the least interesting thing about me.

I love the sunshine, ocean and really anything outdoors. I’ve been splitting my time between where I currently live and work, San Francisco, CA and where I grew up, Florida. I love California and Florida because both places are absolutely beautiful and have gorgeous nature scenes. In San Francisco, I love to hike, walk, go to the park, go to wineries, go to Yosemite, go to Big Sur and Carmel or really do anything outside - especially farmers markets (more on that later)! In Florida, I love spending time with my family (pictured below). I love going to the beach (and I am sorry to say but Florida beaches are definitely better). I love swimming in the ocean and getting a little sunburnt (oops). I love plants and gardens, especially my aunt’s (ill interview her in a later blog to learn more about it, but trust me it is gorgeous). I love going to coffee shops and writing - hence my new hobby and this website!

I also love sports. I played basketball in college at the University of Missouri and met some of my best friends there. I grew up playing basketball my whole life. These days I am more of an observer of the game but it will always be a big part of my story. I learned toughness, determination and how to never give up. Turns out these life lessons have served me well during this whole journey (pic below).

Okay, enough about me. Lets talk about some insights and wisdom my heroes taught me about getting well (in my words). These things are hopeful I promise and they have brought me a lot of happiness on the other side of my diagnosis.

1. Follow your heart. Your heart is your moral compass to get you through life. - Dad

2. Don’t be too hard working, add a little spontaneity and spice. Life is all about balance. - Sisters

3. Work hard and don’t stay down for long. Life is a fight. - Little (not so little) Brother

4. Life (wellness) is a marathon, not a sprint, don’t be too hard on yourself. - Friends

5. Gardening and doing something with your hands is a healthy escape. - Aunt

6. Your smile is your best weapon. - Doctor, Mentor and dear friend

7. Vulnerability is your superpower when you aren’t afraid of it. - All my fam

8. Patience & perseverance will serve you well in life. - Momma

9. The ocean is your safe space, when it gets too much, go outside - Momma, Grandma, Aunt

10. Dear friendships heal the soul. - Doctor, mentor and dear friend

My family last summer when I was recovering in FL.

Beach days with my grandma:)

Summer nights in my Aunt’s garden.