Yesterday while running along the National Mall I saw something unusual; there was a sea of pink everywhere. A large pink archway, signs, shirts, flowers, and more. I happened to be running when many were finishing the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer. It was a moving experience to see the participants complete their two-day journey, knowing many were survivors of the disease. Running is my thinking time so with eight miles of solitude ahead of me, I spent a lot of time contemplating what I just witnessed by the Washington Monument.
Many women are robbed of a cup size or are no longer perky as a result of pregnancies and breast feeding. Some have never been happy with their small size. Others complain of back pain because of their large breasts. Whatever the complaint, there is something to love about self-perceived, less-than-perfect breasts: they are cancer free. Many survivors who have one breast (or have lost both) as a result of their fight to live would probably be happy to have their breast back in whatever shape or size it was before being diagnosed with the disease.
This isn’t meant to be an anti-surgery post; it’s quite the opposite. This blog is based upon the idea of turning life around at any age, embracing it, and focusing on happiness. If a woman is unhappy with her breasts post-pregnancy, then get a breast lift. Back pain that can be relieved with a breast reduction is preferable over chronic pain. And if small breasts are affecting your happiness, then change it. Each of us finds happiness in different ways and for some making a physical change can lead to a greater level of happiness in their lives.
For me, though, my breasts are my greatest asset. But probably not by most people’s standards. What I love most is the faint, one-inch scar on my right breast. Each day it reminds me of the surgery I had four years ago and my close call with cancer. As a result, that scar is also a reminder of something very important:
I remember to focus on what is good in my life, seek happiness daily, and live life fully.
Do you have any “flaws” you appreciate?
Please share.
so glad you’re ok. Breast cancer has sacred two members of my family. Thanks for being so strong to post this.
Thank you Lance. I have wanted to write about it for a long time, but the opportunity came along this week.
Another great inspirational post. LAWD, I have so many flaws how would I be able to list them all here. I’m so very appreciative of my therapist and for actually incooperating her advice into my everyday life.
All those flaws Deb?
Embrace them.
For a post all about the boobie, those 2 big pink things in the background are awfully phallic looking.
But, in all seriousness…good for you and keep up the fight people!
#SupportTheBoobies
And then there’s the Washington Monument too…all kinds of phallic symbols. 😉 Sorry, just continuing my picking on you from Twitter to over here now.
You are funny. Do you hang out with Cubicle Views? He is a bad influence on everyone.
I don’t…yet, but now I will. 🙂
You are funny as usual. Get back to your tequila-swigging breakfast. 🙂
I shoulda taken your advice on the tequila. Instead I came to the office and while normally my work day is the nuttiest thing going, my commute was by far the weirdest part of my day.
And, as usually, I’m doing my best to corrupt the masses. One blog reader at a time!
Rule for CV:
Always listen to the Naked Girl.
This will serve you well in life.
I think it is often our scars that make us who we are and some of our more interesting selves. I have scars from a reckless childhood that I shouldn’t have survived, looking backwards they were really scars from my battle with untreated anxiety and depression. They are a reminder for me that anxiety and depression should not be a stigma to be hidden behind a facade
I completely agree Corey. Our scars tell our life story and remind us of our journey.
My biggest flaw is self-imposed from years in the sun as a child without sunscreen on. I have sun spots all over my cheeks and forehead. While I know they will be horrendous when I am old, and really, they ruin my chance for flawless skin, I have learned to love them. I can’t get rid of them without lasers or pain, so I am keeping them. They make me unique.
Thanks for sharing yours Kate. I am glad you see it the right way: they make you unique.
So lovely to embrace the parts of you that tell your story and embrace them. I struggle with this, but this is such a good reminder.
Well I hope you work on this struggle and you can be more open to your “flaws.” Thanks for visiting.
I used to HATE my breasts. But I’m learning to love them…several friends have struggled with breast cancer. And I’m trying to appreciate what I have.
It’s a great attitude Kimberly!
Well, you know me Kelly – I’m a huge fan of the ta-ta’s. Still can’t get enough of ’em actually. You rock. ~ D
Whenever you leave a comment it always seems to make me laugh. Funny guy. You rock too, David.
I have a little tiny pot belly. A moment I love in Pulp Fiction (a movie I know by heart) is when Fabienne describes to Butch how she wishes she had a “pot”, normal arms, normal legs and face but a perfectly round little belly. Sometimes I look down and cringe “why are you there? you should NOT exist!” then other times I just love to place my hands on my soft belly and simply rub it.
We all have a love-hate relationships with aspects of us. I am glad you are embracing what you have Marie!