Cancer Care Coaching

THIS IS 58!!!!

Today I completed another trip around the sun. I am using this day to share with you what I am grateful for.

* I am grateful for my wife. She is my biggest supporter and best friend. I am so lucky to have met her and to have had the opportunity to share adventures and life.

* I am grateful for my kids (including inlaws) and stepkids. They are amazing adults who make me proud of the lives they lead and the caring people they are.

* I am grateful for my extended family. Although I have lost both my parents to cancer, I can still find joy when we are together. They have embraced my wife and her family has done the same with me.

* I am grateful for my health - physical, emotional, and spiritual. I prioritize self-care daily and feel younger and more energetic because of it.

* I am grateful for the calling I received to use my cancer experience to work with others to help them overcome obstacles associated with serious illness.

* I am grateful for all the amazing people I have met while on my coaching journey. Your stories of how you have faced adversity and moved forward inspire me. You are all amazing in your ways.

* I am grateful for the inspiration I have recently gotten to start writing my book. I hope to share my story and program with others to help as many people as possible.

I could add many, many more things. Most of all, I am just grateful for each day.

If you were to ask me what my wish is for my birthday, I would say that I hope each of you find gratitude wherever you can. It keeps you humble, it grounds you, and most of all you find joy in it.

May your next trip around the sun, be one where you embrace the gifts you have and give thanks for them.

Are you familiar with daily affirmations/mantras?

Positive affirmations are short, empowering statements that can help you reframe your thoughts and improve your self-esteem. They can help you:

💠 Change your thinking. Affirmations can help you replace negative thought patterns with positive ones.

💠 Improve your mood. Repeating positive affirmations activates the brain's reward centers, releasing chemicals like dopamine and serotonin that can make you feel good.

💠 Boost your confidence. Affirmations can help you recognize your strengths and feel more confident.

💠 Improve your well-being. Affirmations can help you feel happier, more optimistic, and more satisfied with your life.

💠 Improve your mental health. Affirmations can help you reduce stress, worry, fear, and anxiety.

To make affirmations work, you should:
✔️ Be specific and creative
✔️ Be realistic
✔️ Believe in what you're saying
✔️ Repeat them daily
✔️ Say them with feeling
✔️ Use present tense

Here are some examples of affirmations:
⭐ "I will not compare myself to others"
⭐ "I am strong"
⭐ "I can overcome all challenges"
⭐ "I am unbreakable"

I have used affirmations for a while now. They help me set the tone for my day.

Find affirmations that work specifically for you. Make them about the issues you want to overcome. Establish a routine for yourself. One suggestion is to write them on Post-its and put them in a place where you go each day. Read them and let them permeate into your psyche.

If you have a practice already, please share if you would like. You can help someone else get started on the road to thriving!

I want to pose a question to those who have overcome a serious illness, are currently fighting a serious illness, or are acting as a caregiver for someone with a serious illness.

What are/were the biggest issues you faced/are facing that you feel you can't handle by yourself?

It can be just one or a multitude. There is no right or wrong answer.

Please be as specific as possible.

I have very exciting news to share!!!

Today marks the release of "Perspectives on Invisible Illnesses," a powerful collection of stories that shines a light on the experiences of those living and thriving with unseen challenges. This book features the heartfelt stories of eleven incredible authors who bravely share their journeys through invisible illnesses — from cancer and infertility to depression and anxiety and more.

In a world where many battles go unnoticed, this book aims to foster understanding, empathy and advocacy. Whether you’re personally affected, know someone who is, or simply wish to deepen your understanding, these honest and inspiring perspectives will touch your heart and mind.

The book authors, including myself, are Tim Sohn, Katy Simpson, Nancy Barrows, James Kiesewetter, Dee Burrell, Michele Bielik Tschirhart, Bertha Winston, Nicole Drost, Dr. Gina Anderson and Andrea Sanchez.

Join us in celebrating resilience and raising awareness for the complexities of invisible illnesses. Every experience matters, and every voice deserves to be heard!

All proceeds from the book go to the nonprofit Showing Up: Perspectives On Cancer, which supports cancer patients, survivors and supporters.

Purchase the book at https://lnkd.in/ey-vk2i8

I would love to hear your thoughts on not only my story but the others as well. Please send your comments to [email protected].

PerspectivesOnInvisibleIllnesses

A few months ago, I was introduced to Tim Sohn and the amazing work he does with survivors, getting them to share their stories of hope and inspiration. I purchased Volume 2 of "Perspectives on Cancer" and was so moved to hear the stories of people like me. The authors shared about their cancer journeys and how they overcame the obstacles that were in the way of thriving at that time.

When Tim announced that he was assembling a new book about invisible illnesses, I knew I had to be part of this. Cancer is not the only illness that people face and reading their stories gave me a new perspective on how strong people can be.

I took this opportunity to dive back into what I faced and how to work through it during my cancer treatment. The experience brought back up things that I had forgotten and just didn't want to think about. But, it helped me heal again and strengthen my commitment to helping others.

The official book launch is tomorrow. I hope you will support us authors and use it as tool to help you with what is blocking you. Remember, there is strength in numbers! When we hear other's stories, we realize we are not alone in overcoming invisible illnesses, whatever they may be.

I will post more info about the book and how to get it tomorrow.

Thank you so much again to my fellow authors:
Tim Sohn, Katy Simpson, Nancy Barrows, James Kiesewetter, Dee Burrell, Michele Bielik Tschirhart, Bertha Winston, Nicole Drost, Dr. Gina Anderson and Andrea Sanchez.

You are all amazing. I am so humble to be part of this group.

Hello all. I know it has been a while since my last post. I was on vacation and came back recharged and recommitted to telling my story and helping those who are struggling with cancer!

I am so excited to share that I am part of an amazing collaboration of strong and inspirational people who have shared their stories in the below book. Each contributor has shared about their struggles and victories over various illnesses.

The experience has been an incredible one for me. It allowed me to go back and look at my cancer journey from 2017. I recounted the struggles I had a hard time with and how I could move past them.

Please use the QR code to add your email address to get information about purchasing the book. It should be out at the beginning of November.

I hope you get the inspiration you are searching for to overcome what is blocking you from getting what you want in your life.

Thank you, especially, to Tim Sohn, for giving me the opportunity to join this amazing community of warriors!

How can you as a survivor help others? By sharing your story of what your cancer journey was like.

Many cancer patients are overwhelmed with negative feelings such as:
▪ Fear
▪ Depression
▪ Anger
▪ Despair
▪ Loneliness
▪ Apathy

These emotions can hold back a patient from fighting to the best of their ability.

Hope is a powerful positive emotion that empowers us to dig in and fight for a better outcome.

When a patient hears someone tell a story they can relate to, it sparks the fire in them to take that first step to feeling like themselves and thriving at this time.

What are some ways we can share our story as survivors for others to hear?
🔹 Speak at a support group.
🔹 Go on a podcast/livestream or host one yourself.
🔹 Write a book or become part of a group of contributors to a book.
🔹 Become a speaker for a cancer-related organization or foundation.
🔹 Talk to other cancer survivors
These are just some suggestions.

Find a way to share your story. Not only will it make you feel like you are giving something back. You never know who might hear your story and choose to become more proactive in their own cancer journey.

If you have other ways of sharing or have done so already, I would love to hear how it made you feel. Please share in the comments below.

Did you ever wake up in the middle of the night because some great new idea came to you?

Well, that happened to me last night. I was fortunate enough to be on a panel last evening talking about my journey as a coach and cancer patient. I shared some insights as to how we can thrive at any point in our lives, especially during difficult ones.

The experience had such an impact on me that I came up with the idea for my series of discussions geared to cancer patients and their caregivers/families. The title I came up with is "Cancer And....". In each episode, an expert will talk about their experience and a topic that appeals to many cancer patients.

Some of the topics that first came to mind include:
* Nutrition
* Exercise
* Faith
*Relationships
* The Role of A Navigator
* Alternative Treatments
* Power of Support Groups
* Patient Advocacy
* Living with Cancer
* Starting a Nonprofit.

Not sure what the platform for these will be yet. That is to be determined. If this is of interest to you, please share it in the comments. Also, if you would like to be a guest on a specific topic, please let me know as well. We can then set up a time to discuss.

Thanks as always!

What does this mean to you?
Does it mean you are meant to live your best possible life during an illness? Does it mean you have it in you to do more than you think you can?
Does it mean that you can better control the journey?
Does it mean that you can follow your dreams at this time?

The answer to all the above is simple. If you can overcome what is holding you back from thriving, you won't just survive. You will have a life that is meaningful and fulfilling during your illness. But, you have to want it!

If you need help getting started on the road from surviving to thriving, reach out to me. I am here to help you achieve what you have in mind for yourself on your journey. By working together, we can help you attain those goals and also set you up with the tools to thrive at anything in your life.

I know it may be tough, but when you get reach the end of the road, look back on how far you have come. What may have seemed overwhelming then, is in the past now! Continue writing your story!!

I am going through a wonderful experience. I am part of a program called Brushes With Cancer. The program partners survivors/patients (inspirations) with artists to create a piece that reflects the story of the survivor/patient. It is an offshoot of an organization called Twist Out Cancer.

I have met with my amazing artist, Lindsay, twice so far. We have created an amazing connection and have quickly become good friends. We talk about our lives and I share what my experiences were based on Lindsay's questions.

My hope is to travel to Michigan later this summer to meet Lindsay in person and be an active participant in creating our piece.

The program culminates with an exhibition for the inspirations and artists. They have been held all over the world. The artwork is auctioned off to raise money. I cannot wait to be part of this fundraiser for Twist Out Cancer.

If you are a survivor or patient and are looking for an amazing way to share who you are, I invite you to reach out to them about the 2025 program.

When I finished my treatment in 2017, I never, ever thought I would be able to share my story in such an amazing way! I am truly blessed for all the gifts I have found since then and since I began this journey as a cancer coach!

Even though you may be struggling with the effects of your cancer and treatment, you should find the blessings within each day. By taking action with your body, mind, and spirit, you can have the positivity you need to help you along your journey.

For me, I took the action of getting up each morning and pushing myself to get through what I needed to accomplish. Even though there were times when I struggled, I still felt victorious at the end of the day.

What are some things you can do to help unwrap the gifts of your day?

1️⃣ Practice self-care! Exercise to the best of your ability. Have 3 good meals.
2️⃣ Socialize with friends and family. Participate in a support group.
3️⃣ Do something you enjoy doing. Something that brings you joy.
4️⃣ Practice meditation or some other form of spiritual connection.
5️⃣ Be of service to someone else in some way.

Remember the last time you received a present. As you were unwrapping it and seeing what was inside, what was your emotion? Joy? Appreciation? Surprise?

There are gifts each day during a cancer journey. Do not be afraid to find them and then unwrap them. You will be presently surprised with how they help you thrive!