Day 3 - Breathe Bravely Challenge

Finding beauty in every breath. 

Cystic Fibrosis is an ugly disease, but I strive to find the beauty in every breath I am given. This year I will spend roughly 850+ hours doing VEST treatments: 3-4 treatments every day at about 40 minutes per treatment. These treatments involve inhaling nebulized aerosols (4 medications) and my VEST (a vest that inflates with air and shakes at progressing high frequencies). Treatments help break up the mucus clogging my airways where bacteria and infection love to live.  As CF progresses, the higher the need becomes for more treatments during the day.

I spend 2 + hours every day doing treatments: fueling the deep hope that lives within every breath I take at the chance of more beautiful tomorrows. 

I am so thankful for every lifesaving treatment that has given me another day. Another day to love, to hope, to sing, to make memories, to laugh, and to breathe bravely: each is truly a gift. Love to all. 

Hope is a beautiful thing. 

Become a part of the Breathe Bravely 60 day challenge. 

Take a moment every day and capture the beauty that fills every breath.

1. Capture a beautiful moment every day for 60 days.

2. Each day share your picture with us: 

          Facebook - Ashley Ballou-Bonnema

          Instagram - breathe.bravely

          Twitter - @breathebravely

3. Add the hashtag #breathebravely60 to your post and tag Breathe Bravely in your photo! 

Day 2 - Breathe Bravely Challenge

Finding beauty in every breath. 

Teaching has brought so much beauty to my life in so many forms, but most of all by the meaningful relationships that have formed through a love of music. 

I am so grateful for the teachers that have impacted me so greatly, the students that have filled me with so much joy, and my colleagues who have become such a significant part of my life. It's hard for me to even fathom the possibility of losing it all just a few short months ago because of CF. I am so truly grateful for the beauty in every breath.  Love to you all. 

Our lives are surrounded by those who help make every breath beautiful.  

Take a look around.

Become a part of the Breathe Bravely 60 day challenge. 

Take a moment every day and capture the beauty that fills every breath.

1. Capture a beautiful moment every day for 60 days.

2. Each day share your picture with us: 

          Facebook - Ashley Ballou-Bonnema

          Instagram - breathe.bravely

          Twitter - @breathebravely

3. Add the hashtag #breathebravely60 to your post and tag Breathe Bravely in your photo! 

Beauty in Every Breath - 60 Day Challenge

"Today is the day"... the few simple words that would change my life more than I could have ever imagined. 

A year ago, those 4 simple words began 60 continuous days dedicated to sharing something I had strived so hard to hide for 27 years. It was time to allow people into my life, exposing a world I had always meticulously kept concealed from everyone. It would expose my life with Cystic Fibrosis and all its harsh realities.  Most of all though, those 60 days were dedicated to showing how truly grateful I was for every relationship, opportunity, and beautiful breath I had been given.  That immense gratitude has only grown and made me more aware of just how beautiful my life is, CF and all. 

Today begins a new 60 days. Each entry will be leading up to the Great Strides Walk on Saturday, May 30 in Sioux Falls, SD.  Each post will be a reflection of the beauty that lies within every breath of my life.  

The Challenge

Look around. Take a deep breath. Whether it is a day filled with endless sunshine or one of the more difficult days we've endured, they are all connected by the beauty that lives within every breath that sustains them. There is so much beauty that surrounds each of us, we just have to open our eyes and realize it. 

This 60 days is for you, for me, for seeking out the beauty that fills every breath. I challenge you to join me in intentionally living every day to its fullest.  

For the next 60 days I challenge you to take a moment every day and capture the beauty that fills your life.

Become a part of the challenge. 

1. Capture a beautiful moment every day for 60 days.

2. Each day share your picture with us: 

          Facebook - Ashley Ballou-Bonnema

          Instagram - breathe.bravely

          Twitter - @breathebravely

3. Add the hashtag #breathebravely60 to your post and tag Breathe Bravely in your photo! 

Can you imagine all the beauty that will be shared every day? What will the end of 60 days look like? Each picture will be as unique and as beautiful as you: filled with so much life. 

For You

This blog has always been and still is for all of you who have so greatly impacted my life and selflessly fought for me: for every beautiful breath. Thank you. Love to you all. 

Find the beauty in every breath today.