When it comes to inspiring Montreal locals, there's one person that comes to mind for me: Nalie Agustin. Agustin self-describes as a "wellness advocate, author, speaker" and "cancer thriver," but she's so much more than that. She's a fighter, a survivor, and a role model to so many. Not only has she earned a spot in the hearts of many Montrealers, but she's also gotten the attention of A-list celebrities including both Rihanna and French Montana. Editor's Choice: The Realities Of Learning French In Montreal That No One Warns You About If you've been following her journey for quite some time like I have, you probably noticed that over the summer, she had been quite silent on Instagram. We all held our breath and sent positive vibrations her way, not sure what was happening. Against all of our hopes and prayers, Nalie announced on September 10 that she was diagnosed yet again with cancer, writing the following on her Instagram: "SUMMER 2020 - By far, the most challenging days of my life. But with all challenges come great lessons... And as hard as it is, I feel called to share." "So I'm back! But I ask, if you are still following... " "I need you to believe in me as much as I believe in myself." In true Nalie fashion, she then expressed her gratitude to her Instagram following. View this post on Instagram SUMMER 2020 - By far, the most challenging days of my life. But with all challenges come great lessons... And as hard as it is, I feel called to share. So I'm back! But I ask, if you are still following... I need you to believe in me as much as I believe in myself ✨ Thank you for your space this summer. Thank you for your prayers. Thank you for your patience. Thank you for your dms and daily comments on my last post (I read them all ♥️). Thank you for understanding that even the strongest most resilient Thrivers need breaks! I won't lie... I am TIRED. But I'm fired up! Full update coming soon xo #thediaryofnalie A post shared by Nalie (@nalieagustin) on Sep 9, 2020 at 9:17am PDT "Thank you for your space this summer. Thank you for your prayers. Thank you for your patience. Thank you for your dms and daily comments on my last post (I read them all )." "Thank you for understanding that even the strongest most resilient Thrivers need breaks! I won't lie..." View this post on Instagram Welcome to my world... 🌎 Where there is yet to be a vaccine or pill to eradicate metastatic cancer [covid]. Where I have no control over the results of the scan [test] I just did. Where the markers [curve] may go down, but who says it won’t go up again? Where life can change instantaneously based on those results. Where your biggest fear isn’t really death... but mostly, no longer being able to hold the ones you love in your arms [lockdown]. ...It’s oddly comforting knowing the whole world is currently experiencing the same fear & anxiety I get every scan... as we all sit in this time-warp, waiting to see what the next step will be while we make up crazy stories in our heads. If the above resonates, then I’d like to truly invite you into MY world 🌎: Where you trust that this is temporary. And where you know, better days are to come. Where you embrace this time as an opportunity, to learn more about yourself and what truly matters. Where you practice patience, surrender and realize, that you cannot force a flower to grow. Where you learn to water it instead, by taking care of your mental and physical health because that’s the key to overcoming anything! Where you acknowledge the storm ⛈ but look forward to the rainbow 🌈 My dear friends, I feel connected to you all more than ever. I believe in the power of collective consciousness... So let’s continue to believe together, that no matter what the results may be... “Ça va bien aller” - Everything will be alright ❤️🧡💛💚💙💜 Sending you a spec of my unshakable faith and love today xo #thediaryofnalie #scanday #cancerthriver #covid19 #quarantinediaries A post shared by Nalie (@nalieagustin) on Apr 17, 2020 at 8:26am PDT "I am TIRED. But I'm fired up," she reassured everyone. The strength it must take to share your cancer journey with 105,000 online followers, I simply cannot imagine. Her positive attitude, strength, charisma, and dedication to the fight are just a few of her admirable qualities. View this post on Instagram *JUNE 4, 2020* (part 3) Did you know that you lose your hair 2 weeks after brain radiation? I didn't! Well, I guess I never really put thought to it because I never really thought I'd need to... This is the 3rd time I'm shaving my head - once every 3 years seems to be the pattern, when the length is finally beneath my bosom where I like it 😒 *sigh* 3rd time's a charm right? The #3 does mean divine wholeness, completeness and perfection. This 3rd time was different. I knew what I'd look like so I wasn't shocked. I wasn't scared because I know it is temporary. I was definitely frustrated however, angry that this was happening again. But even if I wanted to cry, I couldn't because my brothers, dad and cousin (facetiming from TO) decided to buzz their heads with me and made me laugh the entire time! 😂♥️ Like always, the Agustins turned a miserable situation into a celebration. I realized that's a choice! In life, you can't control what is happening to you... but you can definitely choose how to react to it. I choose to celebrate. To transform bad memories into great (hilarious) ones. To laugh after I cry. To own every outcome and seek purpose and meaning in it all. That's how you shift from victim to victor. Cancer or no cancer. Your perception is your reality. #thediaryofnalie To be continued... A post shared by Nalie (@nalieagustin) on Sep 12, 2020 at 1:53pm PDT Her most recent post shows family members shaving their heads with her. With the love and support from the people in her life, as well as her community and fans, we believe Nalie is going to come back stronger than ever.
