All I Want for Breast Cancer Awareness Month Is … Day 11

October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month in the US. What’s on this survivor’s mind? Check back for a bite-sized insight every day from now until Halloween.

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October 11 — All I want for Breast Cancer Awareness Month is … to say No.

Cancer is a fantastic reason to say no to stuff.

I’ve unapologetically declined invitations to events I didn’t want to attend, roles in shows I didn’t want to do, road trips I didn’t want to go on and business propositions that didn’t interest me since my diagnosis.

I’m loving it.

I used to have a tough time with trying to be all things to all people, trying to do everything and be everywhere. I agonized about turning stuff down because I didn’t want to hurt feelings.

Cancer helped me to really be clear about how and where I want to invest my time, physical energy and my emotions.

If something isn’t really making a positive impact on my psyche, if it’s taking away precious time when I could be with my family, if I’m not feeling passionate about it, I’m saying no.

No is a complete response all on its own.

It doesn’t need a follow-up explanation.

Best of all — you don’t even need to have cancer to use the power of No!

Life is short. If something doesn’t roll your socks up and down, just say No.

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