This Is What A Fighter Looks Like!

Taking the world on a vivid and very REAL view of my journey as a live daily surviving cancer. I have been diagnosed with ovarian cancer, chronic lymphocytic leukemia and non-hodgkins lymphoma. And Crohn's disease as well. This is not a medical documentary (so you won't see a bunch of hospital picutres and posts about the disease in detail or Dr/Hospital vists unless I feel necessary)  but more a view in my fight and my survival. I want to share my thoughts, my emotions, my prayers, my vision, my work to live "normal" and even my fears. I want to show you how it feels to be Fierce and Fabulous and see that regardless of the disease... "This Is What A Fighter Looks Like!" 

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You Are Enough: A Story of Strength and Self-Acceptance

From the moment you heard that life-altering word—cancer—your world was forever changed. It's a diagnosis that seems to consume you, as every thought, appointment, and decision is colored by it. But today, I want to share something with you. In all the battles you've fought, in every moment of self-doubt, there is a truth that remains: You Are Enough.

Overwhelmed, But Still Standing

It’s natural to feel overwhelmed, even lost. At the beginning, you’re bombarded with information—treatment options, recovery times, the dos and don’ts. Your doctor is telling you what must be done. Friends and family rally around, offering advice, sending articles, reminding you to “stay positive.” And then there's the endless search for answers online, where statistics and opinions add to the storm of thoughts swirling around your mind.

You reach a point where every word, every statistic, and every possible “what-if” weighs heavily on you. Just when you begin to feel a hint of clarity, you’re off to another appointment: another scan, another blood test, another MRI. It feels like you’ve given so much of yourself—physically, mentally, emotionally. And yet, you’re still here, still standing. You’re giving all you have, and it’s enough.

The Tug of War: Life Before and After Diagnosis

After a cancer diagnosis, many people feel the pull between their "old life" and their "new reality." You want to believe that you can keep everything just as it was, that you can go back to normal, and live as if nothing has changed. But then, reality hits, and you realize that cancer has changed you, even if you didn’t want it to. And that’s okay.

You don’t have to do everything. You don’t have to make everyone happy. This battle is not about meeting anyone else’s expectations. It’s about finding your strength, understanding your limits, and knowing that what you are able to give is enough. On days when you feel like you’re disappointing others, remind yourself: It’s okay to put yourself first.

Be Kind to Yourself

In the middle of this battle, the hardest person to be kind to can be yourself. You may feel like a different version of yourself, one who doesn’t have the same energy or resilience you once did. But this doesn’t mean you’re any less than you were before. You are the same person who laughed with friends, who pursued dreams, who loved deeply. Now, you are all of those things and a cancer warrior.

Embrace this journey as part of your story. Yes, it’s challenging, but it doesn’t define your worth. Remember, you are still the same incredible person you were before, and even though cancer is a part of your journey, it doesn’t get to be your entire story.

Release the Guilt, Embrace Self-Love

There will be moments when you can’t keep up with everything, and that’s okay. Say “no” when you need to, without feeling guilty. Release the pressure to take on the world. The truth is, you’re enough for everything that truly matters. Your career, your family, your friends, your life—they need you as you are, not as the version of you that does it all.

So let go of the guilt that tells you you’re letting people down if you can’t be everything to everyone. In reality, taking care of yourself isn’t letting anyone down; it’s giving yourself the grace to be the best version of you, even if it looks different than before.

You Are Enough—Today, Tomorrow, and Always

You don’t need to earn your place in this world by how much you give or accomplish. Your value isn’t tied to your productivity or even to how “bravely” you fight. You are enough just by being you.

Cancer may be part of your journey, but it doesn’t define who you are. Take each day as it comes, breathe in the moments of peace, and know that you are worthy of love and happiness. Your life is meaningful—not because of what you do, but because of who you are.

Let yourself rest. Let yourself heal. And when you look in the mirror, remember those three words: You Are Enough. They’re not just words; they’re the truth. You’re enough for this moment, enough for this battle, and enough for every beautiful day that lies ahead.

~Coach Leya Elijah-Lyle~

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Finding Light in the Darkness: A Story of Survival and Hope

When I first heard the word “cancer” in a doctor’s office, it felt like the floor dropped out from beneath me. The doctor’s voice faded, and all I could hear was the echo of that word reverberating through my mind. I wanted to run, but I was frozen. It was as if my whole life was flashing before my eyes, and in that moment, I realized I’d just stepped into a new chapter—a chapter I never wanted to write.

If you’re reading this, you may know that feeling all too well. Maybe you’re in the midst of treatment, maybe you’re in remission, or maybe you’re still trying to find a way to make peace with the battle scars cancer has left behind. No matter where you are in your journey, I want you to know that you’re not alone. Your fight, your strength, and your survival are stories worth telling—and living.

Embracing Each Day, One Small Victory at a Time

During my treatment, there were good days and bad days. Some mornings, I would wake up full of energy and optimism, while others made it hard to even roll out of bed. On the tougher days, I’d remind myself that surviving cancer isn’t a straight line; it’s a winding road. I learned to measure success not by the mile but by each step. Whether it was eating a small meal, taking a short walk, or just getting out of bed—I celebrated each tiny victory as a testament to my strength.

There’s no right or wrong way to get through this. Sometimes, it’s about the power of small wins. These little victories, however small, reminded me that I was still in control, even when so much felt beyond my grasp. Remember, every step counts, and every day you keep going is a testament to your resilience.

Learning to Lean on Others

I used to think I was strong enough to handle anything on my own. But cancer taught me that real strength often lies in letting people in. At first, it was hard to accept help. I didn’t want to feel like a burden, and asking for assistance felt like admitting defeat. But one evening, after a particularly exhausting day, a dear friend showed up at my door with dinner. She didn’t ask if I needed anything; she just brought comfort.

I realized that leaning on others doesn’t make us weaker; it makes us stronger. Family, friends, and even neighbors became my support network, lifting me up when I couldn’t do it alone. Whether it was a warm meal, a ride to the hospital, or just a kind word, their support reminded me that I didn’t have to walk this path alone.

If you’re going through this journey, let your loved ones in. Let them be there for you. They want to help, and you deserve the support.

Finding Beauty in the Little Things

Cancer taught me to slow down and appreciate the small joys in life—the warmth of the sun, the beauty of a sunset, the laughter of a loved one. When everything feels like a struggle, these small moments become little pockets of peace. I would sit by the window and watch the birds, listen to my favorite songs, or spend time with loved ones just talking. I found beauty in the simplicity that often gets overlooked in the rush of daily life.

When you’re in the middle of a health battle, these tiny moments remind you why life is worth fighting for. Hold on to these moments. Find joy wherever you can, and remember that even in the darkest times, there is still light to be found.

Becoming a Warrior

Cancer isn’t just a diagnosis; it’s a transformation. It reshapes you in ways you might not fully understand at first. There were days I felt fragile, scared, and uncertain, but there were also days I felt powerful, fierce, and invincible. I began to see myself not as a victim, but as a warrior. Surviving cancer turned my life upside down, but it also revealed strengths I never knew I had.

To anyone out there fighting this battle, you are stronger than you know. Every day you keep going is a victory, no matter how small it may seem. You’re not just surviving cancer; you’re growing, evolving, and showing the world what it means to be resilient.

Moving Forward with Hope

After months of treatment, endless appointments, and moments of doubt, I finally reached remission. But the journey didn’t end there. Cancer changes you, but it also gives you a new perspective. It teaches you to value life, to cherish each moment, and to hold on to hope even when the road is rocky.

If you’re in this fight right now, I want you to know that hope is real. Even when you can’t see it, even when it feels out of reach—it’s still there, waiting for you. This journey may not be easy, but it will make you stronger than you ever imagined.

Your Story Matters

Your journey, your survival, your story—it matters. Share it with others. Let the world see your courage, your resilience, and your hope. You never know who might need to hear your story or who might find strength in knowing they’re not alone. You are part of a community of fighters, survivors, and warriors. Together, we can turn this pain into purpose and show the world that cancer doesn’t define us; it only reveals our true strength.

Final Thoughts

Cancer is a battle that none of us ever asked for, but it’s one that we can choose to face with courage, hope, and resilience

[thisiswhatafighterlookslike]

The Pressure To Be Brave

"You Are So Brave!" How often have we heard this said to us? Most times, people truly mean well when they say this. They are doing their best to be encouraging from their perspective of things. However, for many of us who are surviving cancer daily, those four words are filled with so much pressure and expectation.

When people see us maintaining our lives, managing families, enduring all the craziness that comes with living with this disease, they see bravery! Well, there is truth to that. But the real truth is we are just giving our all to live every day and live our best! It takes a lot of work just to maintain our "normal" lives.

Am I a superhero?

Indeed, we are strong and courageous. We fight uncommon battles for our lives absolutely every day. However, knowing that people can see you as this 'cancer superhero' and being given this subconscious permission to be brave, #BeatCancer, #KickCancersButt, #FightLikeAGirl, and all the other awesome hashtags can be overwhelming!

We didn't choose this fight

We definitely appreciate the love and encouragement! But the reality is that some days we are just SICK! There is nothing we can do about it and to be honest, we don't even have the energy to do anything. We get weak. Not tired but fatigued; downright exhausted! We have mood swings. We battle depression and sometimes it actually fights back...and wins! LOL!!!!

We deal with feeling isolated and alone. We are oftentimes in pain. We are in agony, and it doesn't always go away. Some of us live in pain. We lose weight and we gain weight! We lose our hair, our precious hair! Until you have experienced this, you just have no idea what this does to someone. We think about our mortality more times than the average person does.

Tell me it's going to be okay!

So, it's not that we don't want to be told we are brave. Here is the thing, we know living with cancer requires a special measure of bravery. We know we are brave. But it would mean so much more if we heard, "It's going to be okay", "it's ok to feel how you are feeling", or "no matter how you feel today, I will be here to help and support you!"

Our loved ones believe they keep us strong by coaching us through this and pushing us. If they just speak positively and keep us thinking about how we "should" think then we will feel and live how we are supposed to. Please remember we are human beings with real feelings, who happen to be surviving cancer daily. Just let us be that that's how we are Brave!

Leya R. Elijah

This Is What a Fighter Looks Like

CEO/Founder

[deeperconnections]

I am Love

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It’s so important to remember that Love Heals! If I am Love then I am a Healer! 🙏🏾🙏🏾❤️🙌🏾

[deeperconnections]

[globalriseofblackpeople]

Men are in a place of surrender. They are willing to do something different than they have traditionally. Men want to break free from the box that men have been put in. They want to redefine what it means to be a manly.

There are facets of a man that doesn’t get expressed because of what society dictates a man is supposed to be. It negates much of who he truly is.

He is emotional sometimes, insecure sometimes and fearful sometimes. However, he can never express that based on society’s definition of a man.

All that he is dealing with on the insides get bottled up. Pushed down. Unexpressed.

He needs to express these negative thoughts but he can’t. And that expression needs be heard and seen. Or it will show up in other ways that are not so positive.

Unless there’s a safe space for a man to be vulnerable, he will hold it all inside and suffer in silence.

Men suffer in silence, holding on to pain because safe spaces are rare or nonexistent for men to share without judgment.

That’s why we were adamant about bringing the work of @manhealthyselfprogram into the @qawellnessinstitute.

Over the course of the last few years it has truly become a safe space for the men in our community. MHT is unique community where men share authentically freely what’s going on inside without the fear of how he’ll be perceived.

If you or someone you know is in need of a space to evolve and grow in this way, register for the

12-Week online holistic rites of passage training:

Man HealThySelf 🤲🏽🌿 Only a few spots left 💯

https://manhealthyself.queenafua.com/courses/man-heal-thyself

[thisiswhatafighterlookslike]

Men especially black men are in great need of healing too!! My sisters, I’m sure we can agree that there is nothing sexier than experiencing the strength of a man.. but once you witness it, I must tell you, the sexiest and most beautiful thing is experiencing the healing of a broken man… THEN you will feel the real strength of a man…YOUR man! Nothing like it!!

[deeperconnections]

Leave her alone , she's healing

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Source: Pinterest

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August is #nationalwellnessmonth and one of the most important keys to our wellness is Happiness! This is also #nationalhappinesshappensmonth 😊😊 Your happiness, your joy and peace are emotions and feelings that you INTENTIONALLY Choose! No matter what’s going on in your life. And the best part is that you get to choose to make that choose what happens in your life and how your life blesses others! I’m reminded of the children’s cartoon, “Winnie the Pooh.” Winnie had this light and joy inside of him that affected everyone and everywhere he went! Nothing could change that because he chose that happiness and that outlook on life. However there was the donkey Eeyore! Omg he just was the dark cloud in everyone’s day!! He was set in how he was and how he saw life and people. As you go through your day, your week, your month and life… evaluate what you have chosen for yourself! What is your intention emotionally and mentally? What do you choose? How do you want your life to be and what do you want to receive from this life? Whatever you want is inside of you to create! Now let’s Make It Happen!!!

~Leya~

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All Insurance Is Not Created Equal | AdvancedOvarianCancer.net

"We are all in this together, so remember to Research, Ask, and Relax."

There is nothing like being diagnosed with cancer to find out that all insurance is definitely NOT created equal!! LOL!! I swear the first 2 years, I went through so much! As soon as I would feel I got it all figured out, here comes the next prescription or procedure to prove I didn’t!! The bottom line is cancer is not just hard on the body, it’s hard on the wallet… perhaps even harder at times! Just the frustration of getting what you need covered and paid for takes a harder toll on you than the disease itself. I must admit I have to decide what to get and what to get later and even worse… do I get treatments/meds or do I eat or pay bills? NOBODY should be in that position but it happens… I hope some of what I learned helps loves!

Leya

[thisiswhatafighterlookslike]

Today is World Multiple Sclerosis Day!! I’m thankful that I am a #mswarrior!! I was diagnosed 4 years ago. I am standing with all the incredible warriors who courageously fight this auto-immune disease and it’s often debilitating challenges. Never forgetting the family and caregivers who give their unconditional love, support and assistance. Sending life, light and love from my heart to yours! You are not fighting alone! We got this!!

[thisiswhatafighterlookslike]

[thisiswhatafighterlookslike]

This disease WILL knock you down... but never let it keep you down. On our journey we are going to take some very hard hits. But it's how well we can face them, take them, get back up and keep fighting that helps us SURVIVE

[thisiswhatafighterlookslike]

For all my friends courageously Fighting! This song means so much to me... I first heard it a few months after my second cancer diagnosis..when the pain was getting worse and I was getting weaker and being told with too many appointments... "We don't know"...."We aren't sure"... "This doesn't look good, BUT..." I was just told after having RADICAL HYSTERECTOMY that was supposed to at least drastically if not totally remove the ovarian cancer... it Metastesized... to other organs! And that "basic back pain" was not so basic... LEUKEMIA... my L4 & L5 were degenerating (don't even ask now!) , my hips (particularly my right and right leg were affected (thankfully not the bone marrow) For months i was in and out the hospital and doctors offices... Did I trust and believe God for my HEALING? There is no other way to live, be, think, TRUST.... But did I need to increase my FAITH? Yes... I had ovarian previously... this was recurrence. BUT a second diagnosis... ANOTHER cancer....BLOOD Cancer.... My body was going through so much. I wasn't however prepared for the increased bloodwork, treatments, tests, MEDICATION.... and the hard, often agonizing hit to my mind, emotions, finances, relationships... It would take more courage for me to fight this battle and SURVIVE.. I need God and the wonderful support of REAL family and friends to be BRAVE!

[thisiswhatafighterlookslike]

[thisiswhatafighterlookslike]

[thisiswhatafighterlookslike]

Lovely Lady in White! I think has got to be my favorite shoot ever! The natural light was in favor with @agent31photo work this day. It's so beautiful!!!