43 years of existence. And I couldn’t be any more grateful!

As I sit here writing this blog in a private cabana overlooking the warm, saline pool with green scenery everywhere, the warm energizing sunshine, the soft breeze in my skin and the sound of running water from the fountain nearby, I can’t help but feel so fortunate despite a very challenging health diagnosis.

I was gifted by the Fighter’s Fight Foundation to enjoy a relaxing spa day at The Spa at Rancho Bernardo Inn. They are a non-profit organization that granted exactly how I wanted to welcome my 43rd year… a refreshing facial, an invigorating massage, healthy yet tasty lunch, a private cabana by the pool and a day access to the spa amenities that includes the sauna, indoor jacuzzi and the outdoor heated saline waterfall whirlpool.

I always visualized my life to be something as special as this as I hit midlife. And ironic as it may seem that it happened because of that sh*t called cancer, it still happened! But maybe next time, I should be more specific in asking God to grant me my vision in a positive light, not through a disease! But then again, maybe I appreciated all of this much much more because I came from so much physical and psychological chaos the past few months.

Here’s a little backstory: I’ve never been a big fan of celebrating my birthday especially since I hit 31. They have been attached with bitter memories in the past even as a child. Even if certain birthdays were celebrated well, the bad ones were too painful that it left some permanent scars in my heart. So for some reason, I become extremely vulnerable and melancholic days leading up to it. But not today.

Today, I choose inner peace. Today, I choose to stay fully present. Today, I will never stop silently thanking God, my medical team, my support systems, and my body for keeping me alive. My life is far from perfect and there’s definitely room for more blessings to come but I have to remind myself that I’m still so lucky to be living a life that other people could only dream of.

Today, I embrace being treated like a queen! 43 years ago, I was born and given the chance to experience this crazy thing called life… and as I sipped my cucumber lemon spitzer while staring at the clear blue San Diegan skies, I really couldn’t ask for anything more.

NOTE: Major shout out again to the Fighters Fight Foundation for this awesome birthday treat and also to The Spa at Rancho Bernardo Inn for a relaxing experience I will never forget.