I just celebrated another birthday, which I am grateful for. Ten years ago I was given a diagnosis of breast cancer. Scary is the first word that comes to mind when you hear the "C" word. This must be some kind of mistake. After all, I was at the peak of my physical conditioning. Nutritionally, I had a very complete sound dietary regime. In fact, I was a very committed vegetarian. I was also a mother and wife so the fear of not being here was inconceivable. Reality set in with a second opinion and then the many decisions that needed to be made. Looking back, some of it is just a blur, hardly recognizable. But the gripping fear of hearing cancer still grips me at times. Every time the mammogram does not look exactly right and they need to take another picture, the fear creeps in. Experiencing a weird body ache and the fear creeps in. It is almost like you are unable to take a breath. But Pilates continues to help me conquer the fear by breathing.

I use the Pilates breath in my everyday life, not just when I am teaching or taking a class. Breathing is an integral part of our lives, but during stressful times we tend to breathe shallow which serves to increase our anxiety. Pilates teaches us to breathe deeply and fully before exhaling completely. Taking ten breaths that are deep and full and then exhaling calms even the most anxious person down. While breathing is not a cure for cancer it is a way of not letting it control us.

Facing a serious diagnosis knocks the wind right out of us. By breathing deeply it is possible to face the diagnosis in a more calm state. Making decisions when calmer gives a sense of control and helps to insure the decisions are right for you. I know it helped me and it kept me in the game. Taking a Pilates class that focuses on breathing and body control will give back the power to jump even the highest hurdles. I know it helped me and kept me in the game. Cancer cannot define a person. I am a person with many talents and abilities who just happened to have cancer. I am not defined by cancer. Now I am called a survivor. I also tend to hide from this label. Yes, I am living, but I did nothing different than those whose lives were cut short by this disease. I am grateful for my life and sad for those who lost the battle.

So during this month of Breast Cancer awareness, get your mammogram, walk or do some type of cardio 30 minutes daily, take a Pilates or yoga class and just breathe!

If you or a loved one has been recently diagnosed with breast cancer and need a listening ear or just need to breathe please call me: Kay Colgan, Middleburg Pilates and Personal Training, 14 S. Madison Street, 540-687-6995. Remember you are not alone and there is a network of wonderful people that want to help. We have been there and sometimes it is just nice to have someone that really understands.