After 3 tests at the Miami Breast Institute (screening and diagnostic mammograms, and an ultrasound) revealed “abnormalities in the tissue”, I was instructed next steps were to schedule a core biopsy. More than anything else I’ve ever faced, fear growled loudly at my Upside attitude and left me wondering for weeks, “What if…” Donning a white gown, I anxiously waited for the doctor to see me at the South Miami clinic. My decision to share this with you comes from two places – 1) The question I’ve been asked hundreds of times, “How do I stay Upside?” and 2) Our human connection. Let’s start with #1. Living Upside is a choice. I cannot emphasize this enough. Upside Thinking isn’t about life always working out as you planned or living a life without challenges. Upside Thinking is about unlimited possibilities in and around us. Regardless of what happens to us or what happens around us, we are exactly where we choose to be. Whenever I’m faced with something in my life that overwhelms me, I pause and remember to be grateful for at least three things made possible because of the challenge. I actively seek out the Upside. 4

For example, regarding my procedure, I exclaimed –

  1. I’m so grateful that technology allows for early detection and saves lives.
  2. I’m so grateful to have a loving and supportive husband who listens to my concerns without judging them and willingly reworks his schedule to sit and wait with me throughout the procedure.
  3. I’m so grateful for my girlfriends who willingly offered to take me to my appointment and checked in on me.
  4. I’m so grateful for the many prayers that came from unexpected people and places.
  5. I’m so grateful for another opportunity to be transparent and vulnerable.
  6. I’m so grateful for my gifted NP Michele Broad who has been with me every step of the way.
  7. I’m so grateful for the outpouring of support and love from the small handful of people who knew what I was going through.

(Did I mention I rarely stop at three?!?) Now for the second reason I’m sharing this — #2, the human connection. The fabric of life is our connection to one another. You never know what your neighbor is going through so tread lightly. As for my biopsy, hallelujah, the mass is benign! And, have I mentioned that I have an incredible Upside family to lean on if I need them?!?

Remember, what we see is what we get. Choose to see Upside. Choose to be Upside. Choose to live Upside.

Lisa Marie Platske
LisaMarie@UpsideThinking.com

www.UpsideThinking.com