As I pack for another family vacation, I can't help but reflect on one of the most meaningful trips I've ever taken—a vacation that happened right in the middle of my cancer journey.

Just before starting chemotherapy, I asked my oncologist if I could delay treatment by one week so I could take a trip I had earned through my network marketing company. Looking back, that decision wasn't about escaping reality. It was about choosing to keep living in the middle of one of the hardest seasons of my life.

In this episode, I share what it was like to travel with a brand-new ostomy bag, how social media unexpectedly gave me hope by introducing me to young women confidently living with ostomies, and why seeing others embrace life reminded me that my diagnosis didn't have to define my future.

I also talk about the family vacation after my ostomy reversal—the excitement, the fear, the embarrassing moments, and the incredible gift of being surrounded by people who loved me through it all.

Whether you're walking through cancer, chronic illness, grief, anxiety, or another difficult season, I hope this episode reminds you that while wisdom sometimes calls us to rest, we don't have to put our lives completely on hold while we wait for everything to be perfect.

Jesus didn't promise us a life without hardship—but He did promise us abundant life in the middle of it.

• Why packing for vacation brought back memories of my cancer journey
• What an ostomy bag is and how it changed my perspective on everyday life
• How TikTok became an unexpected source of hope during one of my hardest seasons
• The company incentive trip I almost didn't take before chemotherapy
• The blessing of being around people who simply treated me like "Alyssa" instead of "the girl with cancer"
• A friend's emotional hug that reminded me how deeply our struggles affect the people who love us
• The surprising moment someone had no idea I was wearing an ostomy bag
• The challenges of traveling after my ostomy reversal and learning to trust my body again
• Why healing isn't always immediate—and that's okay
• Learning to embrace life without waiting for perfect circumstances

Scripture Referenced

John 10:10

"I have come that they may have life, and have it abundantly."

Ecclesiastes 3:1

"There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens."

Philippians 4:11–13

Learning to be content and find strength in Christ through every circumstance.

Psalm 118:24

"This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it."

James 1:2–4

God can produce perseverance and maturity through our trials.

Key Takeaways

Don't wait to live until life feels perfect.

Hard seasons don't have to steal every joyful moment.

Sometimes hope comes from seeing someone else a few steps ahead of you.

Healing often happens one day—and one step—at a time.

There is wisdom in resting, but there is also beauty in continuing to live when you're able.

Your diagnosis may change your life, but it doesn't have to define your identity.

God is present on the mountaintops and in the middle of the valley.

Practical Encouragement

If you're walking through illness, grief, or another difficult season, ask yourself:

• What does "living" look like for me today?
• Is there one small thing I can do that brings me joy?
• Am I waiting for perfect circumstances before allowing myself to enjoy life again?

Maybe today it's taking a walk.

Maybe it's calling a friend.

Maybe it's sitting on your porch with your morning coffee.

Maybe it's finally planning that trip you've been putting off.

Whatever it is, ask God to show you what faithfulness looks like in this season—and give yourself permission to embrace it.

Let's Connect

Have you ever had a season where you thought life had to be put on hold?

What helped you begin living again?

I'd love to hear your story.

Connect with me on social media or send me a message. Your story may encourage someone else who's walking through a difficult season.

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Until next time...

Keep thriving through the fire.