By skyforbes 
Before being diagnosed with breast cancer, I used to criticize my body and personality traits whenever I looked in the mirror. I wasn’t satisfied with what I saw and would dwell on things I wanted to change. Dealing with breast cancer made facing my reflection even more difficult, especially after experiencing hair loss, losing both breasts, bearing scars across my chest, and feeling a significant blow to my confidence in all aspects of life. I engaged in a lot of negative self-talk before and during my cancer journey. However, there was a moment during the later stages of treatment that marked a shift for me.
I’ll never forget the day I noticed my new hair beginning to grow back. It felt like my first real victory after enduring a continuous string of losses. This moment was pivotal because it was the first sign of what I was fighting for and served as a reminder of what I was capable of. Surviving cancer in my twenties taught me how different life really is when you practice self-love vs when you don’t. I learned that loving myself is fundamental to experiencing joy and living a fulfilling life. It influences how I speak to myself, how I carry myself, how I approach challenges, and how I interact with others.
Now, when I gaze in the mirror, I thank my mind, body, and soul for what they endured. I acknowledge that I am still a work in progress, but instead of completely neglecting self-love as I did before cancer, I now make a conscious effort to prioritize it in my life.