My last day of chemo. Even the girls at my favorite shop celebrated with me.
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month
I cried today.
In the middle of doing all the marketing and writing things, checking things off my to-do list, and being an overall kick-butt author girl, I stumbled upon a reel on social media with a heavy metal cover for "Golden" from KPop Demon Hunters. You can listen to it here:
I'd never heard the full song, so I thought I'd give it a listen while sitting at my dining room table.
Given the throne, I didn't know how to believe
I was the queen that I'm meant to be
I lived two lives, tried to play both sides
But I couldn't find my own place
Called a problem child 'cause I got too wild
But now that's how I'm getting paid
Those words gave me head-to-toe chills over and over again until my entire body tingled. The rest of the world faded into the background until it was just me and that song.
Oh, I'm done hidin' now I'm shinin' like I'm born to be Oh, our time, no fears, no lies That's who we're born to be
Waited so long to break these walls down To wake up and feel like me Put these patterns all in the past now And finally live like the girl they all see
Tears filled my eyes as the rest of the lyrics washed over me. I felt it all to my very core. I now understand why this song has gone viral. Why it means so much to so many people.
I love how empowering it is. How it validates everything I've been working towards. It encapsulates everything I feel. How I long to feel.
I've been through hell and back. I continue to fight every single day, slaying my dragons so I can chase my dreams. I write this battle into my characters. I want them to rise above and overcome their obstacles just as I have done. I want them to be who they're meant to be. I want my readers to be who they're meant to be.
Just like I want you to be who you're meant to be.
Oh, I'm done hidin', now I'm shining like I'm born to be Oh, our time, no fears, no lies That's who we're born to be
Who we're born to be.
Stay strong, my friends.
At the beginning of my cancer journey. I didn't yet know how difficult it would become.
Instead of an update on my writing, I'm asking you to do something - anything - to celebrate this month. Donate to a good cause. Get that checkup you've been putting off for far too long. Reach out to someone who is going through their own cancer journey. Express your love and gratitude to a survivor.
Cancer sucks. It's ridiculously hard, and it's stupid. Too many have lost their battle with this ruthless disease. Too many try to fight this alone.
So please, help in any way you can.
Thank you.
Keep chasing your dreams and slaying your dragons, my friends. I believe in you.
Regency culture in an ice age environment. Magic that drives men mad. Secrets that could unravel society. Truth that can’t be…Revealed.
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