Reflections On My Sixth Blogoversary
This day six years ago I started Journeying Beyond Breast Cancer with the aim of coming to a greater understanding of the impact of a cancer diagnosis as we journey beyond the treatment phase. I started out by sharing my own story, and it took me some time to find my voice and my place in this community. At first, I thought I was going to write about how the experience had enriched my life (rather than to admit any other darker truths). My intention at the start was for this blog to be about hope for as a young woman newly diagnosed with cancer, I only wanted to hear that there would be a good outcome to all of this. But over the past six years of writing, as I struggled to come to terms with infertility (a legacy of cancer treatment) and the death of my beloved mother from a brain tumor, I could no longer write that cancer was a life-affirming, positive experience. Cancer robs you of so many precious things, leaves your spirit broken, and your hopes and dreams shattered.
And yet today I firmly believe that we should not stay stuck in this place forever. We need to find a way to journey from our dark places toward the light. How we do this will be different for each of us; but do it we must.
Over the past few years I’ve come to understand the universality of the themes of grief, loss, gratitude and compassion which unites us – not just because of cancer, but because of all life challenges. If I was asked to sum up Journeying Beyond Breast Cancer today I would say it’s about sharing our stories in a safe and nurturing space. For me it’s all about community; not being afraid to show our vulnerability and reaching out to each other. To quote writer Sally Brampton:
We get so conditioned not to show our natural frailty that we forget that vulnerability is a precious thing. It’s what makes us human. It is what heals us because it is connection and not separation that makes us whole. Life is about connection. There is nothing else.
And a final quote (you know how much I love my quotes!)
Gravity and sadness yank us down, and hope gives us a nudge to help one another get back up or to sit with the fallen on the ground, in the abyss, in solidarity ~ Anne Lamott
I hope that this continues to be a space for you to find a measure of comfort and support on your own journeys whatever they may be – and my deepest gratitude to all of you who have journeyed with me thus far.
I am so grateful you started this blog and reached out. I’m also grateful that, in that journey, you came to embrace all of life with its lightness and darkness and amazing gifts to us. Bless you, Marie! This is indeed a safe and nurturing space.
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You have developed your blog into something that is making a difference In many lives, mine included. You inform and inspire.
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Congratulations, Marie! Thank you for creating this amazing space for women seeking a safe place to join together to make sense of this blasted disease. You’re an inspiration.
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Your blog makes such a difference for so many. I am glad you have taken your blog is so many directions and helps so many. My blog pales in comparison.
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Such a big great huge congratulations to you on six years of blogging. What you do is connect, without doubt – and yes, you are right, you weave the threads of our stories together, but even more so, our darker and deeper truths. Thank you for all you’ve done. You know I’m a fan. 🙂
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Thank you all so much for being part of this blog community and for all the support and friendship over the past six years
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Happy Blog Birthday Marie. I think it’s wonderful that both you and your blog have grown over the years and have supported so many with your writing and sharing. You’re an inspiration to many.
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Congratulations Marie – I think most people start out a blog with a theme, and of course that is going to evolve – as we all evolve in some way or another.
It’s been enriching reading your blogs over the years, and I admire your strength but most of all your connection with others, and your warmth that keeps people coming back here – empathy, non-judgement and a place they can share there own experiences.
Wishing you every success with the blog in the future years to come.
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Thanks for the lovely comments Dee and Elaine – much appreciated.
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Thank You for Journeying Beyond Breast Cancer, connecting me to other breast cancer bloggers, and sharing posts that have educated, uplifted and inspired me.
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How lovely of you to say so Yvonne. I am so happy to know you too.
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Congratulations Marie! I love your quotes, but I love your voice even more, and the compassionate way you reach out to all of us through this blog. Nearly three years ago when I felt very scared and vulnerable in those dark early days of diagnosis I found you, and I immediately felt a sense of hope, of belonging and of support. So much further down the road and I am proud to call you a friend, and you’ve been there for me every step of the way. Huge thank you. Yvonne xxx
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Lovely, Marie. Congratulations and thank you!
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Marie, congratulations on six years of blogging and wishing you many more!! Over the years, I appreciate your showing us your authenticity and vulnerability. For me, you are a role model and mentor, and what you have to say always has meaning to me. Thank you so much for all you’ve given your readers and congrats again.
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Marie, Congrats on the six years of blogging! You’re definitely a beacon of light and a role model for many. Love this community and I’m grateful to be part of it. I’m trying to remember how I first discovered your blog, but I cannot recall… Doesn’t matter I guess. All that matters is that I did. Thanks for all the work you put into this thing we call blogging. xx
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Happy Blogoversary, Marie! We are so beholden to you for creating and curating this safe space. xoxo
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Congratulations, and Thank You!
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Happy Six Years from another six-year blogger! Hope we both enjoy many more years, Marie. xxoo, Kathi
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It’s hard to believe you have been blogging that long. Your influence has extended far beyond your country’s borders and far beyond your type and stage of cancer. Thank you for faithfully preparing and posting the weekly roundup of blogs. This means so much to your readership and encourages bloggers to keep on writing. Your Monday memes really make us think. Thank you from the bottom of my heart and from the northern part of California. xox
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