On this first day of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and every day, I celebrate survivors.  For me, you become a survivor the moment that you are diagnosed with cancer; the moment that you become aware that cancer is in your body and make the decision to battle, to survive.  Not when you begin or finish treatment, not after surgery, but the moment that you are diagnosed.  That’s my definition.  Surviving is hard, no doubt, but truly a blessing. I draw strength and encouragement from my survivor sisterhood.

Your strength is unmatched. Your grace is remarkable. Your courage is unquestionable. Your faith is unshakable.

The soul of a survivor is that of the phoenix rising from the ashes. The incomparable and unconquerable spirit that is imbued with fortitude.

Beautiful and radiant.   You have spread your winds and soared to heights that most never reach. You are standing on a peak that belongs to you and you alone.  Dance, sing and praise yourself! You are a breast cancer survivor!

Melanie A. Nix – Triple negative breast cancer survivor.  Resilience Coach, Reconstructionist™ and Health and Wellness Advocate.  Always striving to color outside of the lines when defining your new normal.