As this year comes to a close, I’ve been reflecting, especially on these past seven months. What a year.
On June 2nd, I was diagnosed with Stage 3 triple-negative breast cancer. Once the shock settled, I went into action, finding the best medical team I could, while also leaning deeply into Eastern medicine and holistic support.
I went into a deep cleanse mentally, physically, and emotionally. Clean eating, juicing, daily meditation, and going alcohol-free (even though I missed my red wine and dirty gin martinis). I stripped life back to the essentials and focused on healing, trusting…KNOWING that God was with me through every step.
Five months. Sixteen rounds of chemo. And now, a double mastectomy ahead. Saying that still feels surreal, and honestly, there are moments it’s hard to fully wrap my head around, but here I am, held and guided.
What has carried me through all of this is community. I’ve always struggled with receiving, yet my tribe showed up in ways I couldn’t have imagined… relentlessly, lovingly, without hesitation. Alongside that, my faith has been my anchor, reminding me, again and again, that God has me. I will never take that for granted.
a few of many incredible moments from @lafw
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#lafw #lafashionweek #n4xtexperiences #n4xtchats #runway #fashionpresentation #sergiohudson #imitationofchrist #bethannhardison #oyalabs #lafws
flow
as I embark on greater challenges and bigger risks, I’m left feeling extremely uncomfortable.
The older you get, the more success you see, the harder it is to be uncomfortable.
But when I think back, my greatest accomplishments have come after jumping feet first, my biggest rewards followed my biggest risks and it seems I thrive when I’m met with pressure.
So... I’m finding comfort in the uncomfortable and remaining excited and in gratitude for all of the abundance in my life. My biggest problems are nothing short of champagne problems... therefore, not problems at all! Remaining in flow.
#birthdaymonth #piscesseason
I can count the days back, jumping off my red eye...Cali to NYC every other week to see you. Restock the fridge. Take you to your appointments... selfishly stealing moments of one on one time with you. Sometimes city Island, sometimes your fav Italian spot, sometimes me home cooking for you.
We started to lose you to Alzheimer’s, but you fought back, exactly the way you taught me to... but Covid took you and I’m devastated.
You were so humble, so loving, incredibly generous and an amazing father. YOU introduced me to cars and horses... the first bike you bought me came in pieces, you told me to put it together if I wanted to ride... I was furious btw. You threw me in martial arts as a toddler like a crazy person... but you raised a Warrior, with immeasurable strength, focus and commitment... me? A little Puerto Rican girl from the Bronx... YOU did that, and I am so grateful.
I’ve cried all day today.
I still can’t believe you’re gone, but I’m at peace knowing you are reset and beside our creator. I find joy in the thought that you’re with your sister, your parents and my Beli. I smile knowing you’re looking after me, my sister and your grandchildren.
I love you Daddy, I miss you, I celebrate you... Happy Birthday.
To sum us up... Getting from A to B, building C, striking E and planning the rest of the damn alphabet. Looking at your 31 years proudly! Celebrating 13 years in business and smiling at lifetimes of friendship. Happy Birthday mama, Love you forever.
