As you know, I love quotes and am always on the lookout for important messages espoused by others. This one presented itself and says everything, all at once. The quote by Serena Williams, a woman many in the tennis world consider the GOAT, speaks volumes as to how she lives her life. In case you are not familiar, however, with the term, GOAT, it is an extreme compliment and observation…the Greatest Of All Time! And that she is.

Serena says, “Be strong, be extremely kind, and above all, be HUMBLE.” I suppose I love this because we live in a world where so many want and expect immediate gratification and recognition for anything they do. The bare minimum effort or accomplishment seems to warrant applause and bragging rights. Being humble might actually lead to others commenting positively about work performed and accomplished. I suppose doing something because it simply has to get done and one is capable of so doing is considered foolish by some…in my mind, a huge mistake!

Being strong and kind, however, is key, in my opinion, to success in whatever endeavor we find ourselves. Kindness is a gift we give others, and one that cannot be overstated. What will be remembered after an exchange, regardless of the end result? How someone feels. The “good or bad” will last long after the event.

I want to add to this quote something that I have told myself for decades…” Be brave.” None of us know how we will respond in a moment of great fear or extremis. And it may happen when least expected. It may occur in an Emergency Room or in an accident, in a doctor’s office or at a party. Being thrown into an unexpected situation may cause our adrenaline to surge, the stress on our body or our mind beyond imagination. Please remember that nobody is ever born into bravery, and it is within all of us to source it in ourselves. The ostomy community certainly proves, over and over again, just how brave they are. As I always tell those I am mentoring, everyone with an ostomy has been through hell, for many of us, long before our stoma has been sutured to our abdomen. Take that strength and know that facing adversity with strength and dignity is your superpower. I applaud each and every one of you!

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