For me February 1^st has been a time of reflection for the past 23 years as it marks the day my Mom passed away after a long battle with breast cancer.  I used to dread the day since it always made me sad and now I think of it as a time to celebrate her life and reflect on the many, many amazing moments we shared together.

This year however, feels a bit different due to two specific events - first, a friend of mine died unexpectedly at age 45 and the funeral was a few weeks ago.  As with all funerals, it causes one to pause and consider what's important in life.  In my friend's case, everything appeared well and balanced, but clearly that it was not the case and left all of us wondering about our own lives.  Second, I recently had my annual mammogram - for me, it's been standard operating procedure since age 40 as my Mother died from breast cancer at the young age of 46. This year I went to my appointment as I always do - I was in and out in a matter of twenty minutes.  They are kind and efficient at Arlington Hospital and add that bit of home-style comfort with a cozy waiting room and stylish pink gowns to identify you as a patient waiting for a breast examination, while also signifying the symbol (the color pink & pink ribbon) for hope to one day eradicate breast cancer. Despite the efficiency, kindness and my belief that everything will be fine, there is always a bit of anxiousness to get the results.

This year, I got a call and was told that there was something abnormal in my results which would require further testing.  My mind immediately began considering all of the options including the dreaded obvious.  Now I'm a very strong person and have always approached life with the "glass is half full" attitude, so I marched back in there ready to deal with whatever they said.   They performed a few additional procedures and then they found something.  The pit in my stomach and the heaviness in my heart were indescribable. 

I was told I needed yet another procedure which was performed later that day thanks to the kindness of the morning doctor - he found a way to fit me in the same day which is no small feat. That was followed by more waiting for the results.  I spent the next few days very low key - focusing on my clients, practicing yoga and meditating daily, praying and filling my body and mind with positive healing energy.   During those days I thought a lot about the "what if" - I tend to embrace what I'm feeling these days rather than try to escape it which allows me to release the heaviness much faster.  This gave me a chance to look at my life and see what might be off-balance and contemplate why this might be happening to me given my radical transformation with regard to my health, wellness and life balance over the recent years.  A few days later, I was told that the test came back negative or "benign" and in the world of the Big C - this is a very good thing!  That said, given my background, they recommended speaking to a specialist "just to make sure."  Needless to say I was relieved, like a stone was lifted off of my chest and felt extremely grateful for my doctor and the hospital because they were so proactive taking all of the steps necessary to ensure a rapid diagnosis.

Like all people, I am NOT perfect and while I do for the most part embrace a healthy lifestyle, I too have room for improvement.  So, I made a list of things that I needed to change to better support my vision for 2010 and beyond.  As I was working on my list, I came across an article that discussed the lack of balance and wellness in folks working on Capitol Hill, which was underscored by the recent death of a fellow staffer at age 46 from an apparent heart attack. As I read the article I felt as though I was reading about myself from my previous life.  I completely related to the adrenaline-driven lifestyle where everything must happen NOW. 

I share all of this with you as way of inviting you to consider your life ... your lifestyle ... how are you living and experiencing life?  Are you present?  Are you living your 2010 vision for yourself?   Working towards a work/life balance that supports you and your family?  In a nutshell, are you LIVING the life you truly want?

I invite you to pause right now and ask yourself if you're lifestyle is killing you?  Yes, it's a little dramatic, but the thoughts we think, the way give, the way we receive, the food we eat, the amount of exercise we get ... it all plays into our overall well being.

Take advantage of this moment, identify anything not supporting you and make a plan for change.  As the saying goes, "there is no time like the present" and ... it could just save your life.