Starting from the bottom

Since my cancer diagnosis in March 2023, my focus on physical health has intensified in ways I never imagined. While I've always enjoyed staying active through hiking, biking, running, swimming, and yoga, figuring out the right diet has been a bigger challenge for me.

Thankfully, I was blessed to meet an amazing woman named Betty, who played an instrumental role in my cancer recovery. She introduced me to a new way of thinking about food and guided me through a strict regimen—the cleanest diet I've ever followed in my life. While it’s hard to say I felt "amazing" during chemo, I felt better in a way I’d never felt before because I was nourishing my body with the best possible foods.

Here’s what she had me eliminate: sugar, potatoes, rice, corn, tomatoes, processed foods, white flour, soda, and meat. Fortunately, I was already vegetarian and didn’t drink soda, so I had a slight advantage there. But otherwise, it was a complete overhaul of my lifestyle. Today, I still follow much of this diet because it’s made such a positive impact on me. Thank you, Betty—you are heaven-sent! ❤️

Now, for the next chapter in my journey: After my last surgery in June, I was finally cleared to start working out again. While my doctors had always encouraged me to stay active through walking and small movements, I had been under strict lifting restrictions.

But not anymore! As I’ve started lifting again and working to rebuild my muscles—ones that seem practically non-existent now—I’m finding the process far harder than I ever anticipated. It feels like I'm at square one.

A couple of weeks ago at the gym, I attempted to lift 5 lb weights over my head. I was shaking after the first lift. It was disheartening and frustrating in so many ways. I’ve never felt so weak.

Sometimes, after just 10 minutes of exercise, I feel like I've given all I have to give. It's tough, especially when I think back to a time in my life when I could push for three hours without breaking a sweat. But now? I’m weak, and it’s hard to accept.

But here’s the thing—this part of my journey is all about mindset. Every day, I work to strengthen my "mind muscles" through journaling, affirmations, positive podcasts, reading, and more. These practices help me stay focused, optimistic, and push through the discouragement when I’m working on my physical muscles. I know I will get stronger. I know that one day, 5 lbs will feel easy, and then I'll move on to the next challenge—and the next.

You're the best project you're ever going to work on.

I want to be stronger for so many reasons. I want to keep up with my 3-year-old. I want to prevent cancer from returning. I want to live an active life and face tough challenges head-on. Health and strength affect every area of life, and I am determined to take care of myself.

Moral of the Story: No matter where you are in life, you can have as many beginnings as you need. It’s okay to start at zero. It’s okay to feel like you’re at the bottom because the only way to go from there is up. It might be slow, it might be shaky, and it will definitely be hard. You’ll have moments of discouragement. But keep those mind muscles strong. Keep going.

You can control two things—your attitude and your effort. I’ve never regretted having a positive attitude and putting in 100% effort. So keep working. You’ve got this!

Erica ❤️🌺