For Belinda, who walked beside me with honesty, tenderness, and light.

Some people come into our lives quietly and leave an imprint that never fades. Belinda Gramonte was one of those people.

We met through a shared journey of stage IV breast cancer, one none of us would choose, yet one that brought us into trusting friendship. Across miles, oceans, and time zones, we walked alongside one another with honesty, tenderness, and a commitment to finding light, even on the hardest days.

As I was writing RISE, Belinda was one of the voices who walked with me. Our daily check-ins became a place of truth. There was no need to show strength or offer reassurance. We showed up as we were, two women living alongside uncertainty, choosing connection over isolation.

Belinda had a way of seeing the world that continually reminded me to stay human, to lose my teacher voice, and to remain vulnerable. She challenged me to think beyond my own surroundings, to consider those living without access to nature’s comforts, and to remember that resilience does not always look like rising, but often looks like resting, trusting, and loving.

What I will carry forward is not the loss, but the gift. The gift of being seen. The gift of shared courage. The gift of friendship that knew no borders.

Though Belinda no longer walks beside me in the way she once did, her presence remains. In the work I do to live life over cancer. In the words I write. In the way I continue to seek pockets of light and love.

May her journey now be free of pain, fear, and struggle. May she be held in peace, and may her light continue to watch over all who loved her.

God speed, dear Belinda.

RISE: Bringing Women Together Through Book Clubs and Conversation

I had coffee and a chat with a friend this morning, and she brought along a hard copy of my book. Her first words echoed what so many readers have shared in reviews of RISE. This is not a book just for those living with cancer or cancer survivors. It is a book every woman can relate to as she builds a life rooted in resilience, hope, and joy.

She shared that she has encouraged her friends to buy the book, and plans are now underway to include RISE in their Book Club selections. What touched me most was seeing her copy filled with large sticky notes, each one holding reflections and insights. She chose the larger notes, she said, because this is a book you return to, a book for reminders, reflection, and even recipes.

I left that conversation feeling deeply grateful. Not only was she supporting the reading of my book, but she was also using it to build community and foster meaningful conversations among her friends. One of the main reasons I turned my research into a book was to offer something living and practical. A book you can write in, return to, and make part of your everyday life.

For those of you who belong to Book Clubs or are thinking of starting one, consider RISE as part of your shared reading. It can be a way to support one another in cultivating optimal health, connection, and a sense of joy in living.

A Green Light to Live

This morning, I woke with gratitude. I have a green light to return to Costa Rica, a place and a people I love.

This time, the journey looks a little different. I am travelling on a new medication. It comes with new questions and new responsibilities. I need to stay out of the direct sun, watch carefully for side effects, and pay close attention to my body to be sure the dosage is correct. These are not small things, and I take them seriously. And still, I am willing to do this so that I can return to a place that brings me peace and joy.

During a recent conversation with my general physician oncologist, we discussed more than just medication. We talked about life. About the importance of living each day, until we cannot. That conversation stayed with me.

Today is the 8th day of the new year, and I am reminded of a quote by the Dalai Lama that has long guided me:

“There are only two days in the year that nothing can be done. One is called yesterday, and the other is called tomorrow. Today is the right day to love, believe, do, and live.”

We often say we believe in Carpe Diem, seize the day, yet we quietly place limits on ourselves. They show up in our thoughts and our words.

But it is not the right time.

What if something goes wrong?

I will do it when things calm down.

I am too tired.

It feels selfish.

I should be more practical.

These thoughts may sound responsible, but over time, they can hold us back from fully living. Carpe Diem does not mean ignoring reality. It means preparing with care and choosing to live anyway. It means holding responsibility and joy at the same time.

So today, I offer this gentle reminder to myself and to you.

Do one thing that brings you joy.

Reach out to someone you love.

Move your body in a way that feels kind.

Take a chance you have been putting off.

Prepare thoughtfully, without letting fear take over.

We cannot change yesterday. Tomorrow is not promised.

But today is here, and today matters.

Today, I choose to live.