Thirtyfor30: Live earnestly in the present

It's been exactly two (2) months since my total thyroidectomy and neck dissection (central and left). Q2 this year, a series of medical tests confirmed that a small nodule in my left thyroid is malignant, and just like any well-differentiated thyroid carcinoma, removal of my thyroid was the first step in ensuring the disease won't spread elsewhere. My doctor had to take out a few lymph nodes surrounding my thyroid, too. Many told me "It's the friendliest cancer, nothing to worry about!" But it is cancer; it's the Big C.

I am not easily discouraged. A day after the result of my FNA (Biopsy) result came out, I flew to CDO for work (my boss's even suggested postponing the trip) and ran around CDO every single day I was there. I shared countless stories with friends over lunch and dinner. I went to dinner dates my boyfriend arranged. I celebrated my father's 80th birthday with my entire family. My team celebrated small wins at work. I laughed, laughed a lot! I even ran before I happily admitted myself to the hospital for my surgery, armed with make-up (I couldn't appear dull and sickly in front of cute doctors! LOL! 😂🤣)

I never truly felt how awful my situation was until my boyfriend told me "I don't think you deserve all this!" If you've followed my journey for the past years, you know my passion for wellness. I run at least twice a week. I strength train at least once a week. I practice yoga at home at least once a week. I meditate, too! I have all the reasons to get infuriated at the universe for giving me a disease I didn't deserve. But I have nothing but peace, love and joy within.

If it's time to go, one has to go. All these years of walking my path unapologetic, undaunted by what others think or say about how I live my life gave me the confidence to say that I have lived earnestly until the end. Tomorrow is never promised, be present where you are.