My dear friend, Suzanne Lindley, testified before congress last week, telling the story of how she has continued to survive Stage IV colon cancer with various treatments, including numerous radiological procedures that have saved her life. You can read her testimony and/or hear it by going to this page. (You can read Suzanne's testimony on this page and/or watch her speak, click on Video, Part 2, Download Video, and she is speaking at 36:45, roughly).

CURE magazine followed her in D.C. and is writing a story that will appear in their summer issue. They wrote in their blog last week that "for someone who used to hide from college classes that required she speak in front of the class, she can now keep an audience spellbound." Yes, she can! Let me translate that. Suzanne is brave. She is not comfortable in the role of speaker, but with her soft, humble voice, she can transfix an audience into complete stillness as she tells her stories about living... and living despite continuous treatments and challenges that most of us cannot fathom. She does not let fear stop her from sharing her story or helping others. Remember, bravery is not the absence of fear, but walking through it with faith that you will get to the other side!

She describes herself as a little 'ole Texas housewife that never left her state until several years ago. But her bravery to speak out, to push the barriers within and around her, are the reason so many are alive today, by her example and her efforts to go outside of her comfort zone.

What can you do today to cultivate your bravery muscles and push your own personal boundaries that will help others?

More information:
Suzanne's organization "YES" gives a mountain of support to those with liver involvement. Go to www.beatlivertumors.org for more information. Her Liver Symposium is just around the corner, April 8-10 in Dallas, Texas. Go to www.theliversymposium.com.

One of my favorite books is Maria Shriver’s “And One More Thing Before You Go...” . Its based on some of the many life lessons we try to teach our children. There is always ONE MORE THING we want to bestow upon them :-)! One of the quotes I remember most from her book is that “courage is not the absence of fear... its walking through your fear with faith”. I was struck that such a famous, intelligent woman, who had worked as a journalist on television, and spoken in front of millions of people, had fears and insecurities just like the rest of us; that there are times that even she was nervous when speaking in front of a group.

Bravery and valor is another one of those VIA Character strengths I have (www.AuthenticHappiness.com VIA Signature Strengths Questionnaire). In fact, the questionnaire, says its my top strength. I’ve been told I’m brave on more than one occasion, but I have never really felt brave. I think, like Maria, I have walked through fear with faith. Somehow knowing that its OK to be afraid, but then embracing it, and walking through the fear instead of letting it paralyze you, is what has helped me be “brave”. I think it also has something to do with being authentic and true to who you are, speaking your truth even when it may not be popular. Living life in a way that is congruent to your values increases happiness and life satisfaction. Perhaps knowing that life is short (a lesson affirmed with a diagnosis of cancer) helps one be more congruent. Living large or “out loud” as they say, is something a friend encouraged me to do when I was going through treatment. We get one chance in this life, and taking advantage of every moment is important. We need to jump in with both feet!

A close friend of mine who passed away from metastic breast cancer (2 years before MY diagnosis), told me when I was 40, to not put off what I wanted to do. So I took acting lessons, got an agent, and immediately got a SAG (Screen Actors Guild) job. I jumped in with both feet. I was scared out of my mind at times. Who did I think I was? But I just kept on going, because the alternative was to NOT experience my dreams!

Whatever your dream is, DON’T PUT IT OFF! You can do it. It’s never to late to get started!