quotesbyannedennish

“On A Winters Day”

/ Anne Dennish / Leave a comment

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Yesterday seemed to be one of the coldest days this winter here at the Jersey Shore. Wind chills were blowing way below zero and everything was freezing over…even my “happy place.” Most people would choose to stay indoors, seeking refuge in the warmth of their home. So many of us wait for that first day of sun and warm weather, yet there is beauty to be found here, even in the dead of winter.

The trees haven’t bloomed yet, no flowers are sprouting from the earth, yet if you open your eyes and  mind you can see something magical even in the winter. It’s not a time of “greens and florals,” but a time of frozen tundra and icicles. It’s a beautiful and magical time of year, if you can believe it to be.

“Beauty” is a funny thing; most have a pre-conceived notion of what “beautiful” is, and that usually entails near perfection. Beauty makes us feel good, brings a smile to our face, and allows us to feel joy, yet I can tell you that beauty is to be found everywhere. It can be found at the edge of a frozen river; it can be found in the blue skies of a cold day; it can be found under a tree not yet bloomed, but is perfect to see a sunrise through.

I’ll admit, I love the warm weather and all that it brings, yet until it takes up residence at the Jersey Shore, I choose to embrace the winter and all the beauty that this “once a year” season has to offer. The view is different than it will be in a few weeks, even months from now, yet that is the beauty of the seasons: the distinctive change in the things we see every day. And that’s the perspective I’m talking about: the ability to see the “beauty” in everything.

Here’s to a day of finding “beauty.”

Wishing you love and light,

~Anne Dennish~

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Photos by Anne Dennish – copyright 2017

“A Gift From My Mammogram”

/ Anne Dennish / Leave a comment

 

love-your-life-back

I was diagnosed with breast cancer in July of 2013, began chemo in August, and had my lumpectomy in February of 2014. Everything came out great and I was “cancer free!” What happens next is a mammogram every 6 months. Yesterday was my 6 month mammogram, and after all was said and done, everything was fine. The best news of all is that I only have to go once a year now, just like everyone else who never had breast cancer. It’s a funny way to think about it and as I left the hospital today I felt relief.  I felt like this was a gift of feeling normal again because in the first time in three years I didn’t have to have a mammogram every 6 months…I was back to “once a year” like every one else.

It feels like a lifetime ago that I was diagnosed with breast cancer, yet the reality is that it was just three years ago. It’s funny how life can take all those memories of a journey and tuck them away, only to come out when needed. I thought when the cancer was gone, so would all the thoughts of it, yet I’ve used that “journey” to help other women battling the disease. I’ve made some amazing “soul sister” friends throughout my journey, and throughout theirs. I’ve been able to share my stories of faith and a strong, positive attitude. I’ve laughed with them over chemo stories and given them a safe shoulder to cry on when they needed to let it out.

I never want to have breast cancer again, yet if my having it meant I could write about it and help other women through it, then so be it. If I’ve helped one person through their journey, then my journey had value, and more importantly, a reason.

I’m grateful for the outcome of my mammogram and look forward to that same gratitude once a year. I want you to have the same, so please, get your mammogram. Get checked once a year because while you can’t prevent breast cancer, you can catch it early.

My life may not be perfect, but it’s perfect for me and today I sit in immense gratitude for the gifts that God has given me…and two healthy breasts are at the top of the list this week!

Love your life and let it love you back!

Wishing you love and light,

~Anne Dennish~