Never could I imagine that this disruptive, painful, consistently challenging, never-ending and heartbreaking breast cancer journey would give me the unexpected gift of freedom.

Although breast cancer was the biggest challenge of my life, it saved me as a person. I have always had a good life but I have never truly been free.

By free, I mean free to be me, regardless of who it bothers or offends. Free to go after whatever I want, no matter the cost or judgment. Most importantly, the freedom to simply just focus on me.

Breast cancer has taught me what it means to be unapologetically free.

This has shifted my view of life, friendship, and motherhood.

Breast cancer has completely changed how I see life.

In the past, I was always a cautious person who took calculated risk. Now, I feel free to be adventurous and go after my dreams. I have learned to live fearlessly and embrace saying “yes” to things that are challenging, scary, and rewarding. I realized that every time I take on something that is scary, I pull back a layer. It makes me stronger and gives me the confidence that I can do anything I set my mind to. It empowers me to truly believe I can consistently fight and do whatever it takes to remain cancer-free.

Breast cancer has taught me the importance of stress-free friendships. With everything you experience comes change. For me, that change meant not sweating the small stuff, seeing the bigger picture in life, staying away from drama, making a daily commitment to seek happiness, and being in control of my energy and stress level.

Since I am still on hormone therapy and deal with symptoms everyday, I fight every day to be peaceful. If there are trigger moments, I deal with them quickly and let them go. I don’t hold onto anything because that brings stress. This approach to life has affected how I see friendships.

I no longer have the time for friends who are toxic, needy, delusional, or dramatic. I seek friendships that are empowering, uplifting, fun, and supportive. I meet people where they are and expect the same in return. Many people think that because you have cancer or are a survivor, everyone around you is nice and supportive. But that’s not always the case. People who haven’t experienced what you have been through, quickly forget that you are still fighting breast cancer as a survivor.

I recently had to cut off a friend who was toxic and negative daily. This person was completely annoyed by my ability to shake off life’s small inconveniences. My unbothered approach completely offended this person.

Misery loves company couldn’t be more true.

In the past, I struggled with cutting off friends who did more harm than good. I used to feel bad about ending a friendship. But the survivor in me, knew she had to go for my health, sanity, and peace. Once she disrespected me more than anyone in my life, I knew she had to go. Now I can be happy with my core set of supportive friends who match my vibe and heart. Thus, makes me feel free.

Breast cancer has taught me that motherhood is not about sacrificing your health and happiness.

If you had met me before cancer, you would have met a mother who literally put herself on the back burner. My children’s needs came before mine. My thought process was to be a mother above anything else.

After cancer, I learned that in order to be a great mother, I needed to take care of myself first. Taking care of myself means not being afraid to put myself first. Practicing methods of self-care has become a daily ritual. I now live a life where I never put myself last or forego my efforts to enhance my health.

Whenever I feel stressed or depleted, I never miss an opportunity to relax or take a nap. I carve out time for myself and make myself a priority. I make sure that I eat what I am supposed to, even if no one else in the family wants to. I look out for me and by looking out for me, I am better equipped to look out for them.

Although breast cancer has been completely disruptive to my life, it has given me the gift of freedom. Everyday that I am further away from my diagnosis, I feel more free to explore everything this life has to offer and for that I am forever grateful.