Here’s the truth.
This blog was inspired by a song written and performed by Kris Kristofferson, who passed away September 28, 2024 at the age of 88.
While I wasn’t a huge Kristofferson fan, given that I’m a lifelong music junkee and was a 1970’s teenager (duh, A Star Is Born), there’s no way I wasn’t aware of his music – it was kind of unavoidable.
After his death a BBC article highlighting his “best” five (maybe 10) songs included “Why Me?”; it caught my eye.
I was unfamiliar with the song, but the story goes Kristofferson wrote it “during an emotionally low period of his life after having attended a religious service.”
So what does that song have to do with a breast cancer survivor nutrition blog?
This line: “What have I ever done to deserve even one of the pleasures I’ve known?”
As October was looming, “Why Me?” triggered a thought in my brain; “How is it that I’m so lucky to be doing the work that I’m doing and have the opportunity to help so many women – why me?”
No doubt you know Why me? was long associated with breast cancer, courtesy of Susan G Komen. When I was diagnosed I didn’t ask that; I asked “Why?”
I like to think that asking “why” helped me find not the answer, but some peace.
I felt called to blend my professional experience as a dietitian with my personal experience of breast cancer and 10 years later, here we are.
Let’s face it. A breast cancer diagnosis doesn’t always come with a silver lining, but I consider the work I do to be just that. . .the silver lining to the most difficult personal experience of my life.
I hope Mr. Kristofferson doesn’t mind me taking a bit of liberty with his lyric as I ask, “What have I ever done to deserve the opportunity to do the most rewarding work I’ve known?”
I may never know the answer, but hear me when I say that regardless of what it is, I’m eternally grateful.
____________________________________________________________
Thanks for reading my blog post! Inspired and/or enlightened by what you read? Be sure to subscribe so you never miss a new post.
Subscribe by CLICKING HERE to get your FREE copy of The Five Foods Survivors Should Eat
CLICK THIS LINK and watch my 2-minute Peaceful Plate program video!
Follow me on Instagram @hormone.breastcancer.dietitian
This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Please consult your dietitian or doctor for guidance specific to your needs.
_______________________________________________