In a time when we often find ourselves divided instead of united,

Be reminded, there is only one force that overcomes fear and hate,

LOVE makes US great!

Welcome to the tenth month of LOVE makes US great! This blog follows a monthly formula. First week – bringing more love to ourselves. Let’s start loving.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness month. This topic is near and dear to my heart, pun intended. 

A little over 7 years ago, I woke up one morning and a little voice in my head said, "Remember, you have to call the doctor." I had felt the lump at some time before – I don't remember when. I must not have been in the headspace to deal with it at that moment. When the time was right, my body reminded me to take action.

I used to joke that if I wasn't taking care of myself, my body would eventually shut me down. Usually, that was just a head cold and a day of sleep. Apparently, I’m a slow learner and needed a wallop to get the message that I needed to change my workaholic ways. The words “you have cancer” did the trick.

I redirected my workaholic ways to my health and built a multi-pronged strategy to get through treatment with intention. I know myself - I had to schedule rest, exercise, massage, nutrition, and yoga.

One of my first questions to my surgeon was, "Can I still take the Hawaiian vacation I have scheduled before having surgery?" That week in Hawaii gave me time to hone habits for healing - fruits and veggies from the organic garden onsite, yoga once or even twice a day, floating in the saltwater pool, silly conversations with my BFF, marveling at the beauty of nature on the Road to Hana, and watching the sunrise over Haleakala. 

The combination of loving company, delicious food, exercise, meditation, and moments of awe helped me shed anxiety and fear, building resilience and strength. I let go of the cortisol and adrenaline. I stocked up on oxytocin and dopamine. I am 100% certain that this accelerated my healing and lessened the side effects of treatment.

You might wonder if my work work suffered when I reprioritized myself? Just the opposite. I was more focused during my work time and let go of the little things that didn’t matter.

Now I joke that I took one for the team, and I don't want anyone to follow my former path to dis-ease. 1 in 8 women will get breast cancer. Want to help prevent breast cancer for all? Start by taking the best care of yourself.

Taking care of your body, mind, and soul is love in action. It is preventative and restorative. It’s not selfish, it’s generous.

Love requires participation. 

Love requires sharing. 

Love requires action. 

Love requires commitment. 

With gratitude,

Joyce Aiko

(Yes, love really is my middle name.)