On this bright and glorious March 18, 2020, I have become a 22-year brain tumor survivor! I am
grateful to be on planet Earth. When I reflect on the day of diagnosis, my heart skipped some beats as I entered a new world. I have tremendous pain for those that have suffered and died, and to the best of my capacity, I want to make improvements in cancer as well as the integrative health and wellness arena.

I’ve learned in my journey that aspects of the unexpected can become a teacher. Here are some tips and tools with the lessons I’ve learned. Some of this information can be messages and mantras. At the same time, take what you like and leave the rest.

1. Find some calm in the chaos. Use integrative strategies, focus on your quest, and know the overwhelm will pass.
2. Perform research and get multiple opinions. Some oncologists can have different recommendations, and therefore it’s imperative to listen, learn, and make quality choices in the decision-making process.
3. Ask for help from others. That can include research, sharing findings, and other types of support.
4. Be wise with how you spend time. Reflect on what is optimal in the current chapter. Changes in your life are okay, and life is about your references.
5. Self-care is paramount. To reflect on #4, aspects in life are optimized through giving gifts to yourself. The definition of self-care can be defined in many ways. Find new strategies to help your internal self and external life.
6. Reflect on self-livelihood. Assess your finances. Know some resources might be available for financial assistance on a variety of fronts.
7. Learn to incorporate self-advocacy and educate yourself about other types of advocacy. Self-advocacy is essential to care for yourself. Other forms of advocacy, such as for a cause, can involve a lot of time. Be smart to make intelligent choices and know balance is critical.
8. Embrace your power. Positive thinking is a thought process to attract energy. The internal terrain is supported by a strengthened mindset. An optimal body-mind-spirit empowers the immune system and other dynamics.

With the coronavirus, there are many aspects in need of attention. In the cancer world, as an example, some cancer patients might be more vulnerable to the virus. In general, people need to be proactive and engage in actions for testing if symptoms occur. As a long-term survivor, I know integrative whole person health and healing approaches are necessary to feel better, live longer, support cancer prevention, and general health. Indeed, since about 40 percent of Americans will be diagnosed with cancer in their lifetime, and often about 90-95 percent of Americans have the disease from lifestyle and environmental factors, efforts to reduce cancer risk are critical. Also, because of the coronavirus, everyone needs to utilize improvements for optimal health and healing. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shares information about How to Prepare, Symptoms & Testing, Cases & Latest Updates, Travel, and other details. Through my knowledge, I can help others through my work as a Cancer Coach. Explore those options and consider taking advantage of gaining new assistance.

This new chapter in the U.S. and around the world shows that we live in the unexpected. As I developed various dimensions in the mystery, I perceive this new reality invites us to gather additional insights for optimized well-being, a strengthened immune system, depth with Self, and who we really are. As there is more to come, the personalized inner world can also further emerge in the direction of embodiment. May we all embrace courage, clarity, and confidence in 2020 and beyond.