This time last year, I was preparing to close the book on 2023 and excited for what was to come in 2024. 🥂

Winter brought the tremendous loss of one of my bestest friends, my godmother and my husband’s best friend, all within a few weeks. As spring beckoned, I was holding onto every last ounce of mental health strength I could pull together until the unimaginable happened: I was diagnosed with breast cancer.

Following a nine-month battle against the “beast,” I recently celebrated the end of my cancer journey and the start of a new life in remission on the steps of Leominster City Hall to ring the Bell of Strength. I was joined by the members of “Lauren’s Legion,” including family, friends, colleagues, clients and community leaders.

This year taught me that I never really know what the next day will bring.

As we enter the holiday season and look ahead to a New Year, I encourage you to find a few moments in the chaos of work, family, kid sports (and just life in general!) to give yourself the gift of time by doing something YOU enjoy.

Read a book. Take a walk. Go on a bike ride. Do yoga. Just breathe. (And please book that mammogram you’ve been putting off!)

Life is worth living, and I’m motivated more than ever to live it the fullest.