As most of you are aware, October is Breast Cancer Awareness month. While I have had a mammogram each year since turning 40, I will admit they get pushed back a little more each year due to my procrastination and busy schedule. It is far too easy to put it aside and use the excuse that life is just too busy or I can’t make the time to break away from work.

As I get older, my health and taking care of myself becomes more and more important as I want to enjoy life, free from any medical issues. I try to eat cleanish and only indulge on the weekends or holidays, but I also believe anything in moderation is okay.

While eating right and trying to exercise are great, it’s getting to the preventive doctor’s appointments that I know I need to work on. Currently, I have two medical orders from my last check-up for both a mammogram as well as blood work. Both have been sitting on my refrigerator staring at me for months. Every time I get to work and think about calling to schedule the appointment, I realize I left the paperwork at home. With October and the heightened awareness around getting screened, I have taken the papers down and plan to make my appointments first thing tomorrow.

I’m guessing all of us have been affected, either directly or indirectly, by breast cancer in some way. Whether yourself, a loved one, friend or just a connection you know, the stories are all so eye opening and a wake up call that early detection is key.

I remember my first encounter with breast cancer when I was younger. My mom’s best friend in the world was diagnosed in her early 30’s, long before mammograms were ever even considered for most women. After a hard fight, she lost her battle and left her young son and husband wondering how that could have happened. From that moment on, my mom was faithful in getting her mammograms and always encouraged me to do the same.

In recent years, it has touched my life through friends and family again. My aunt was diagnosed a couple of years ago after already beating another cancer. I also had a friend who was diagnosed early in stage 1 and is now in remission as well. Both found their lumps through self-detection and then a follow-up with their doctor. Both are alive and thriving today.

As I write this, I am reminded of a post I saw earlier this week on Instagram about a young woman battling a rare type of breast cancer that was difficult to cure. The message struck me so hard because it was not about the sadness of her disease or her anger that she was selected to have it, but rather it was an important reminder that every single day is a gift and nothing is promised in the future. As she battles to save her life, she is also remembering to live it while she can.

So, to all of my fellow women out there, let’s take away two things from this post. First, early detection and preventive care is a simple way to hedge against late stages of cancer. Second, let’s live each day to the fullest and know that whatever God’s plan is for us or how much time that involves, we should maximize our time on Earth and live with no regrets. Have a blessed day and don’t forget to make those appointments!