My Story
the shock of my life
The shock of my life
In my early 20s, I was happy and healthy, ready to take on the world. Young and care-free, I had an active social life and a job I loved, counseling high school students. I was even lucky enough to satisfy my itch for traveling to exotic locales during school holidays. I didn’t have a care in the world!
But life has a way of throwing curveballs at us. In the spring of 2018, after a string of doctor visits to inquire about some minor chest pain and a constant flu, I received the shock of my life: I was diagnosed with advanced Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. I was stunned. Cancer? But I was only 24 years old. There had to be some kind of mistake…
But life has a way of throwing curveballs at us. In the spring of 2018, after a string of doctor visits to inquire about some minor chest pain and a constant flu, I received the shock of my life: I was diagnosed with advanced Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. I was stunned. Cancer? But I was only 24 years old. There had to be some kind of mistake…
the shock of my life
Finding new truths
Finding new truths
Despite my disbelief, it was true. Within days, my idyllic life was completely turned upside down. I began undergoing aggressive sessions of chemotherapy. Instead of the gym and dinner with friends, I spent long, painful days at home. Because of the treatment, I wasn’t allowed out, and within weeks, I began to lose my hair. My 25th birthday was spent in the chemotherapy ward at the hospital.
Yes, cancer took a lot away from me. But healing from it gave me more than I ever could have imagined. Trapped indoors, my body attacked by this violent disease, I was forced to look inwards and, after much reflection and soul-searching, I found new truths.
Yes, cancer took a lot away from me. But healing from it gave me more than I ever could have imagined. Trapped indoors, my body attacked by this violent disease, I was forced to look inwards and, after much reflection and soul-searching, I found new truths.
Finding new truths
Befriending the beast
Befriending the beast
It was around then that I realized just how much power we have over our own lives, our own destinies, and it all goes down to our mindsets.
I learned firsthand that change truly starts from within; from the way we perceive things. I started by changing my words, and my thoughts soon followed. Instead of viewing cancer as an unwelcome beast, and myself as a “warrior” who needed to “fight” it, I befriended cancer, and it was through this mindset that I was able to not only overcome it, but to get the best out of it as well.
I was working on my emotional fitness before even knowing what it was! With time, I began seeing cancer as a blessing instead of a disease. A blessing that allowed me to find my inner strength, and to heal. To have my life back, and learn what I needed to do to make the most out of it.
I learned firsthand that change truly starts from within; from the way we perceive things. I started by changing my words, and my thoughts soon followed. Instead of viewing cancer as an unwelcome beast, and myself as a “warrior” who needed to “fight” it, I befriended cancer, and it was through this mindset that I was able to not only overcome it, but to get the best out of it as well.
I was working on my emotional fitness before even knowing what it was! With time, I began seeing cancer as a blessing instead of a disease. A blessing that allowed me to find my inner strength, and to heal. To have my life back, and learn what I needed to do to make the most out of it.
Befriending the beast
Turning the bitter into better
Turning the bitter into better
Today, cancer-free and stronger than ever, I want nothing more than to share this experience with others. To let people know that they too can let challenges work for them instead of against them, so that they can move forward towards their best life.
I aim to help others develop healthy habits of the mind to become mentally and emotionally strong, so that they may overcome their own struggles and unlock their true potential. You can't spell ‘challenge’ without ‘change’, and that is why it is only through them that true strength and resilience are formed.
I aim to help others develop healthy habits of the mind to become mentally and emotionally strong, so that they may overcome their own struggles and unlock their true potential. You can't spell ‘challenge’ without ‘change’, and that is why it is only through them that true strength and resilience are formed.
Turning the bitter into better
What about your story?
Now it's your turn, so what's your story?
I am passionate about inspiring and helping people focus on their own priorities and identify the obstacles that block them from achieving their goals. I enjoy meeting new people, hearing their perspectives and showing them how their mind can work for them rather than against them when dealing with all life challenges.
When I am not coaching, I enjoy sunset walks, playing squash, having a good read, salsa dancing, going on hikes, listening to my international music playlist and exploring new destinations!
But I would love to hear more about you. Are you living the life you want? Or could you use some emotional fitness as well? For more about what I do, be sure to check out my Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) tab. If you’re ready for a session or would just like to explore (or even chat about your love for music!), please get in touch; I would love to hear from you!
When I am not coaching, I enjoy sunset walks, playing squash, having a good read, salsa dancing, going on hikes, listening to my international music playlist and exploring new destinations!
But I would love to hear more about you. Are you living the life you want? Or could you use some emotional fitness as well? For more about what I do, be sure to check out my Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) tab. If you’re ready for a session or would just like to explore (or even chat about your love for music!), please get in touch; I would love to hear from you!
What about your story?