Life After Thyroid Cancer – Update

It's been some time since I've provided an update to my life post thyroid cancer/thyroidectomy. Here's a glimpse of it...


LMAO! Yes, a roller-coaster ride; not too bad. It really depends on how you interpret it. Most see a roller-coaster as a thrill and an adrenaline rush. Others may interpret it being up and down - good and bad. For me, it's been both...lol. Not much in the bad department, considering that my body has done some things that I've never imagined doing (will share those stories for later posts). As for bad, the only thing I can reference is that once I think I'm on track with my physical goals and have a good grasp on my body minus a thyroid, then something comes along and changes the direction. Which is fine...really it is...keeps me on my toes for sure. 

Since my last post on the subject, Life After Thyroid Cancer, back in December 2013, I've been on such an adventure of rediscovery. See, I've had to learn so many new things about my body - this slightly modified version...lol. I'm very protective of this "asset" of mine. Besides, it's the only body I have, so why wouldn't I be protective. 






In July of 2015, I was asked to share my story at the VeloSano - Bike to Cure opening ceremony. 

Making this video left me revisiting many of the emotions that I was going through at the time and had me reflecting back on those emotions. It's very humbling. I'm very grateful that I can say that I'm a cancer survivor. You realize that so many others have challenges far greater than yours and it's up to you to overcome your challenges. I am no different when it comes to the ups and downs that life brings our way. But, I tell you what, I will not let things define me or take control over me. As I see it, I have a modified version of myself after having the thyroidectomy. I have to re-learn this body; retrain my mind to let go of how I was and focus on how I am now. Look at it when you upgrade your phone, you have to learn all the new features - good and bad. 

Smile, laugh and be well! 

Never Giving Up!

Taking a moment to reflect on things in my life, remembering the obstacles that life had placed in my path, every bump, hurdle, cliff, mountain, ocean, windstorm, landslide - you get the picture, I just think - WOW! How did I manage.

I see myself as being very determined and I know that life is truly what we make it. Who wants to believe that the situations that we experience, are out of our control. Every challenge has a solution. You have to challenge yourself - to live! Why not? You can truly amaze yourself if you don't become defeated and decide to move forward. 















A few weeks ago, I was invited to share my story, my view, my challenge. I hope that in some way, that you too, are motivated to do more, to be strong, to overcome and to live like you've never lived before. I share this VeloSano Video with you. 

No matter what comes along in your path, never give up pursuing your journey!

Lying Leg Curls

The focus of this exercise is the hamstrings and glutes. The back of the thighs that tend to be forgotten in regular workouts. Grab a moderately heavy dumbbell and a fitness mat and get ready to hit the floor. 

First, get down on your hands and knees and place a dumbbell between your feet. Being sure to have one end of the dumbbell supported by the top of the soles. Hold the dumbbell securely and then lie onto your stomach.  Place your hands under your chin and rest your head on top of them.  

Now, keeping your thighs on the mat, begin to curl your knees up while keeping the dumbbell locked in between your feet. 

Continue with this movement, raising and lowering the weight for 15-20 reps. 

This is one simple, yet very effective move to build those muscles in the back of the legs. Enjoy!!!

When I Started My Yoga Practice

It was in mid-March of 2013, that I would think seriously about making yoga part of my lifestyle. For years, I felt that yoga was “too soft” and “tranquil” for me. I stretched, worked on my flexibility and even had countless conversations with people who swore by yoga. I just wasn't completely captured as it being something that would stimulate my current workout routines. It just wasn't my "yoga" moment.  However, it had always been in the back of my mind.  Especially, when I knew of all the benefits that yoga possessed. 

On March 21, 2013, my time had come. I decided that yoga would become part of my regular lifestyle. Not sure if it was due to my renewed spirit after the thyroid cancer experience or the fact that this time out, I vowed to be a much better resource to my trainees and my network with fellow instructors. Heck, the common goal for us is having a healthier lifestyle and a better quality of life.

I dove deep into my yoga practice and welcomed it into my life like a new found love. Looking back, I’m appreciative that I began my practice at this time of my life.  I don’t think I would have truly practiced it before or made the time. I was all weights and strength building with moments of teaching Zumba. Things happen when they are supposed to...right? 

We have the power over our bodies.  We can either take care of ourselves or not.  We can fuel ourselves with the right nutrients or not. We can stress out over everything or develop a method to controlling that stress.  Yoga brings it all together getting you to start from within – your mind, your spirit, your body. I appreciate that. NAMASTE!

New Year, New Behavior 2014 - Status Check

It's hard to believe that we are approaching the month of May. Phew! Time flies. In January, many of you set resolutions/goals/accomplishments for this year. Well, time for a "2014 NEW BEHAVIOR" Status Check!!! WOO HOO!!!

Personally, I like to plan things out in increments for the year, it's easier for me.  For example, if you had decided to lose 50 pounds by the end of this year, at this time, you should be pretty close to half way towards reaching your goal...right?

This is your status check time. Take a moment to assess your goals. Are you on track? Have you given up and bailed out? If you are victim to the challenges that life tends to bring, you still have some time left. Let's say you may have started with losing 50 pounds, how about changing it to 25 pounds instead? 

It's time! You don't have to forego things for another year. If you have fallen off your 2014 plan so far. Don't let your inner voice convince you that it's okay to wait another year. Not when you can still get something accomplished this year. Now, if you are on course, pat yourself on the back and keep it going. 

Whichever your situation, we are only approaching May and many things can be done from this point out.  Balance is key and whatever your goal is for this year, you can plan on celebrating your success come New Year's Eve!

Need help with getting there? Share what you plan on accomplishing by the end of the year. You will be amazed with yourself when you reach your goal. 

Pause...take a moment!

Life keeps us busy. We are continuously going, doing, planning, texting, talking, typing, reading, eating, blah, blah, blah.  Pause for a moment, no matter where you are. Inhale the beauty. Inhale life. Inhale the appreciation of being in the present time. 

Hotel rooftop in New Orleans

"Happiness is an inside job." ~William Arthur Ward

A Little Dose of Fitness Motivation

In the Moment...Reflecting.

I had a nice amount of "moments" today.  Some may think of them as "Aha" moments, which is fine too.  One such moment came as I was catching up on my DVR recordings of Oprah's Super Soul Sunday.  This episode was with India.Aire.  If you can, take the time and watch.  

It was stated, "You are responsible for your life. Don't wait until you get to the end of your life before you figure it out."

It's like that very statement was told to me many, many years ago.  Not that I'm old or anything, but I realized that I was responsible for my life in 9th grade. But, that realization was more than just typical high school stuff.  It was the very essence of me. 

I reflected today on how I have been following such a powerful and obvious statement for quite some time.  Up to this very day, it's embedded in me like second nature.  I know it's hard for many of us, I speak at women, nothing against the men.  We place so much on our shoulders and tend to nurture everyone else but ourselves.  Why do we let ourselves be last? 

Even on airplanes during the safety instructions before the plane takes off, they instruct us to place the oxygen mask first onto ourselves and then to small children.  Why? Because, we will be no good to our child if we pass out first. Right?

So, why do we not take care of ourselves first?  Why is it that we have to wait until we're approaching the end of life to get it together?  

I'm one to admit, that I've been through a great deal of "challenges" and had found myself slipping into the irresponsible me - that me where I was letting myself go.  The me that I knew  from high school that I better not become.  How would I be a good role model for my own child if I was being irresponsible with my most precious asset - ME?!

A Little Dose of Fitness Motivation