Facing A Cancer Diagnosis With Courage

October has rolled around again, and we're seeing all of those pink ribbons reminding us of “breast cancer awareness.” This always gets me going, as I know most of us are aware that breast cancer is a real thing, and that some (if not all) of us know a friend, family member, colleague, etc., that has been touched by the disease, myself included.

While we are all grateful that there is a wealth of money raised for research, providing cutting-edge treatments and therapies that saves lives, it is my hope that we don’t lose sight that our everyday lifestyle choices matter.

I’m always approaching this subject through the eyes of prevention. When we look through the eyes of prevention, we begin to take back control of our health. Most cancers are born years before symptoms show up. And most cancers are lifestyle-related, versus genetic predisposition. Only about 10 percent of cancer is due to genetics. That’s why addressing our poor diet, chronic stress, our environment, toxic ingredients used in our cleaning and personal care products, makes a huge difference in whether or not we get sick.

As Dr. Mark Hyman states “Your genes load the gun, but it’s your environment that pulls the trigger.”

During this unpredictable time going through COVID 19, as we spend more time in isolation, it’s a good time to realize that our health and happiness should be a top priority. It’s a time when most of us have stopped the rat race, hampster wheel of our busy lives. We’re seeing so many gifts by embracing not having a long “to do” list.

I wanted to share this inspiring video with Kris Carr, author of Crazy Sexy Cancer. Kris shares her ongoing cancer diagnosis, and how she is handling her diagnosis, both emotionally, and holistically.

Kris has been living with cancer for over a decade, and she's an advocate for the importance of taking care of our emotional, spiritual and physical, wellbeing, and living life to the fullest. On Valentine’s Day in 2003, Kris was diagnosed with a rare and incurable (yet thankfully slow-growing) stage IV cancer. This WTF moment sparked a deep desire for her to stop holding back and start participating in her well-being. Kris's type of cancer can't be cured, yet, she is determined to still be healthy — Her words: "I can still feel better, love harder and have a more joyful life." She hit the road on a self-care pilgrimage and hasn't looked back. More than a decade later, her life is more connected and magical than it was before her diagnosis. Kris states: "Although I still have cancer, I am healthy, and I run a mission-driven business that serves my community and makes me feel profoundly grateful each and every day. If I can pull that off, just imagine what YOU can do!" ​ When watching Kris's video, I was motivated to share it with those who need some courage, inspiration, and healthy insight.

The key takeaways for me were:

1. Our intuition will always lead the way.

2. Loving ourselves through an illness makes a profound difference in the outcome.

3. Embracing our whole-self, our needs, and setting clear boundaries is part of our recovery process.

4. Inner peace, self-love, and compassion are just as important as diet, lifestyle, environment.

5. Are we aligned with where we are in our life, career or relationships?

Kris talks about taking full responsibility for her cancer diagnosis. Instead of waiting around for what the doctor had in store for her next. She decided she would become… her words… “CEO To Save My Ass Technologies Club.”

Kris has demonstrated a radically different approach than most, and this approach took a lot of courage. However, when we begin to use our intuition and inner knowing of what’s best for our body, we begin to utilize our inner doctor when it comes to our health. Kris talks about the importance of setting boundaries, and how that plays a MAJOR role in our health and well-being.

This video is my gift to you this October. I hope you can take 30 minutes out of your day to watch this incredible video; you’ll feel more empowered to make changes towards your inner-peace and well-being. I hope you enjoy: