If you have ever been called the ‘strong one,’ you know that this title doesn’t just get slapped on, and it likely didn’t become your core personality trait overnight, or after some shocking life event. Here’s the truth about being the strong one that no one tells you, and how you can change your perspective on what it means to have strength, and also take care of yourself.

Whether you’re just diagnosed, in cancer treatment, or post-treatment, trying to navigate a new world as a cancer survivor, finding ways to welcome self-renewal into your life, and emotional recovery as you navigate healing is critical to your long-term health and wellbeing. I’m not here to tell you that you need to “bounce back,” or “fight through” anything that you are experiencing now, or recovering from.

I’m just a mom, who’s navigating treatment and recover from stage four cancer, and wants to share some of the essential things I’ve learned so far.

I’m a mom, and I have stage four melanoma in my pancreas and liver. I’m currently in cancer treatment. This is what I learned as I turned forty-four during the most challenging part of my cancer journey.