Bend Before You Break

“When the storms of life come at you like a hurricane... bend before you break. Hold on roots. I’m growing and becoming stronger. Stronger in places that once were weak. I’m bending because I refuse to break.”

• Sasha Lay - photo and quote

(This was written in 2020 but felt applicable even today.)

Happy Sunny Sunday! Wherever you are I hope that you have been blessed with beautiful weather this weekend. Here in upstate New York we have been blessed with a weekend of unseasonably warm weather. As I was enjoying my time outdoors I received this picture from my sister-in-law. She said it instantly reminded her of perseverance and me. I’m honored that she would think of me this way and her timing couldn’t have been more perfect.

This week has held a few firsts for me and I have seen the fruits of perseverance. I know that for all of us there is an inner struggle of keep fighting and can’t go on but I also know that the power to keep fighting lies within us all. It may be a long journey but with perseverance we can navigate that journey in a way that is true to ourselves. A journey that shows our courage and strength. Below I share a couple of my “firsts” from the week and why they were important.

• First time brushing my hair since chemo - For some this may not seem significant but for others this will ring all too true. The transition from bald head, no eyebrows or eyelashes to hair regrowth has been amazing. The absence of hair was a constant reminder that I was indeed sick no matter how good I felt on a particular day. Now, 3 months after chemo ended I was able to brush my hair. Granted my hair is still very short but I welcomed the bed head that required me to run a brush through it.

• First Orange Theory workout - Before my cancer diagnosis I could often be found doing yoga or attending an Orange Theory Fitness (OTF) class. The classes at OTF allowed my a high intensity workout in a relatively short amount of time. I gained endurance, strength, confidence and energy. Over the last few weeks I have wanted to try a class but the fatigue and pains won out until this week. I was nervous and emotional when I showed up for class but my wonderful coach, Tara, quickly put my mind at ease. I completed the workout. It wasn’t like it was before but it was my current best and it felt great!

• First Cancer Support Zooms - I have been able to attend zoom cancer support sessions, with the Richard E. Winter Cancer Center and Bravehearts . Each session was unique and each session offered me a place to switch from coach to survivor, even though I still quite eager to switch to coach mode sometimes. It is so uplifting to hear the stories of others and the ways in which they have chosen to fight their own cancer battles.

• First Day Back at Work - This hasn’t happened yet but tomorrow is the big day. Tomorrow I go back to teaching part time. I must admit that in addition to being excited I am quite nervous. I haven’t been back since March 13th . I can’t wait to meet my new students and families and see my wonderful school family. Prayers for a great day would be appreciated!

• First Woman Vice President - This was a first for our country not just me but I didn’t think it could go unmentioned. This an example of perseverance from all women past and present.

Whether it is a cancer battle or another life challenge you are facing, PERSEVERE. Remember I am here with you and for you.

Love and Laughter,

Bridgette