About Story
Meet Brianna
Brianna Oas Strand, my late wife, courageously battled Cystic Fibrosis throughout her life.In May 2017, she passed away, leaving behind a legacy of living each day to its fullest and prioritizing quality of life over quantity.Brianna never allowed her disease to restrict her; instead, she embraced it, using it as a source of empowerment.Her limitations became her fuel as she fearlessly advocated for others, speaking before vast audiences and sharing her remarkable bravery and vulnerability. She enlightened everyone fortunate enough to cross her path.
How We Met
Back in 2007, destiny brought me together with the extraordinary Brianna as we collaborated on constructing the WA State FFA Convention. I assumed the role of Production Manager/Technical Director, while she served as the State Officer Secretary. Throughout the year leading up to the convention, we toiled side by side, dedicated to crafting an exceptional event. It was during one of our meetings, focused on enhancing her retiring address, that I truly glimpsed Brianna's exceptional nature, hidden beneath her relentless battle with CF. In her remarkable speech, she delivered the profound message at the core of "Choose Your Attitude, Create Your Life."Her resilience and unwavering spirit shone through, leaving an indelible impact on everyonepresent at the convention.
A life of inspiration!
Brianna was an unparalleled source of inspiration, and I consider myself truly blessed to have spent 11 incredible years by her side. She was not only my everything but also my best friend and the love of my life. Witnessing her endure the immense challenges of her disease during the night, only to embrace it in front of the world during the day, instilled unwavering strength in the face of any obstacle.Quality triumphed over quantity in her life's philosophy.She lived each day with the belief that fulfillment was the ultimate measure, rendering the number of days lived insignificant.Embracing every moment and adopting a perspective where life unfolded for her, not against her, defined her outlook.
In 2011, I experienced the devastating loss of my mother to Lung Cancer, foreshadowing the challenges that lay ahead. Recognizing the importance of leaving behind more than memories, Brianna felt compelled to create a lasting legacy. As someone who adorned her surroundings with quotes, whether it be on the fridge at home, her office cubicle, or the hospital room,she desired to inspire the world through her words. It was in those moments when she penned and sealed the phrase "Choose Your Attitude, Create Your Life."While she understood its profound significance, its true impact had yet to fully resonate within me.In May 2017, Brianna passed away, leaving an irreplaceable void in our lives.Nevertheless, her legacy continues to thrive, perpetually reminding us of her indomitable spirit.
Loving Someone Who Is Dying
In July 2017, for our first wedding anniversary following Brianna's passing, I made a decision to etch her quote onto my right wrist as a perpetual reminder of her unwavering presence, particularly during my most trying times. Little did I know that two years later, in August 2019, I would wake up to find the entire left side of my face paralyzed. As if losing my mother and Brianna wasn't enough, the sudden paralysis served as a wake-up call, urging me to stop waiting and start writing.For five consecutive weeks, from dawn till dusk, I poured my tears into words, transforming memories into pages. Thus, "Loving Someone Who Is Dying" came to life—a testament to our entire journey together. Amidst the typing and crying, I would glance down at my wrist and read her quote.A surge of emotions engulfed me, intensifying the pain and tears. Yet, in that very moment, the pain transformed into joy.I experienced the profound impact of her quote firsthand, as it transcended mere words on my wrist tobecome a catalyst for transforming my emotions into a state of profound joy.
BUY BOOK
Turning Pain into Fuel
Since the completion of the book and my personal realization of life's brevity,"Choose Your Attitude, Create Your Life" has become the guiding principle by which I live each day.It is now my greatest aspiration to share this message with the world, to carry forward Brianna's incredible legacy and continue the impact she made. With the creation of the brand Choose Your Attitude, The Premium Encouragement brand, our mission is crystal clear, and our logo embodies bravery and authenticity.We dream that through this inspiring message, you are constantly reminded of your own strength and empowerment, within your own unique story and journey. We believe that you too possess the extraordinary power to CHOOSE YOUR ATTITUDE towards life and create the life you have always envisioned.
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