Q&A: Lauren Mahon, Being Courageous

Posted: by Jo Wednesday, 27 September 2017 @ 12:18

We caught up with Lauren Mahon, author of the GirlStoleLondon blog, earlier this month, about being courageous. Lauren was in her 30’s when she was diagnosed with breast cancer, and writes about it to educate and inspire others.

What encourages you to be #mybestself?

I don't know about you, but when I do right by me, I feel so good. That feeling alone makes me want to do the things that make me happiest. Good out. Good in.

What does courage mean to you?

To me, it's facing things head on. Before I got ill, I would tend to back away from things that scared me or overthink them too much. Now I know that just doing it, facing up to it, confronting whatever it is and being honest with yourself and others is the most courageous thing to do in life.

How have you managed to maintain a positive outlook, with the challenges you have gone through?

I haven't always, to be honest. There were many MANY times I felt defeated and wondered how the hell this was going to get better, if I was going to be able to do this. I guess the positivity came from me being grateful when things were okay and I was feeling okay and realising that as bad as things were I am here, alive, and that may not last long, so I do my best to not let things get me down that aren't worth it.

What advice would you give to your friends if they were in a situation where they needed to dig deep and be courageous?

That you have survived 100% of your worst days and this one will be no different.

What more do you hope to achieve with the Girls vs Cancer T-shirt collection?

To make sure that ladies everywhere become familiar with their lady lumps, so if something changes they'll spot it right away and to raise LOTS of money for some fabulous causes.

Do you have a daily routine that you draw strength from?

I speak to my family every day. They make me feel happy and strong.

Who inspires you to be brave/courageous?

My mother. She is one hell of a woman and has been through so much in her life but remains fiercely 'f*ck it'. Her ‘stress less’ attitude awes me and I'm so grateful for the woman she has made me. My queen.