“Go Grab Life”

Breast cancer will always be part of me, it changed me, my body and my outlook on life. I survived it and not everyone can say that. I'm one of the lucky ones.

During my treatment I said I wanted to get a tattoo. My first tattoo to celebrate my survival. My first tattoo full stop. It took a while to decide what and where and who to do it. 2 years after I became cancer free, I celebrated it by getting my very own pink ribbon. My permanent reminder that I came through a tough battle and won. It’s on the inside of my left ankle and I love it!

Whilst I was at it, I decided to get a second tattoo.

The story of Nicky Newman touched my heart. I discovered her on Instagram whilst I was having my own treatment. @nicknacklou was known for her catchphrase, 'go grab life'. She shone a light on the importance of making the most of each day, and seizing every opportunity. She had a brave outlook on life despite battling stage four breast cancer. Inside my wrist so I can see it all the time is a lightning bolt, Nicky's lightning bolt to remind me to 'go grab life'. It's a permanent reminder of what I have survived and to live life to the fullest.

This is all tied into my new outlook on life...

Get out and about no matter where or how...

Pull funny faces...

Dress up sometimes even if you're not going anywhere...

Life doesn't need grand gestures or perfection. It’s about living in the moment. Stopping to look around you and notice what is there. That is what grabbing life is all about for me.

JuJu