Every Moment Matters: Lessons in Living Boldly and Unapologetically

Tina Powell | Partner, Chief of Community at Intention.ly |Book time with Tina

It’s 5:45 a.m., and the crisp 36-degree air greets me with a refreshing chill I didn’t ask for but secretly appreciate. It’s the kind of cold air that bites just enough to remind you the seasons don’t wait for anyone and that Mother Nature, in all her majesty, keeps to her schedule unapologetically.?

On this beautiful fall morning, my 83-year-old mother sits patiently in her Toyota Prius, parked in my driveway. Upon greeting me with a good morning hello, she switches to the passenger seat while I take my place behind the wheel. I open up Waze and plug in our destination: Penn Medicine’s Abramson Cancer Center, tucked in the heart of historic Philadelphia. Estimated travel time? 58 minutes with traffic.

As we hit the road, texts start pouring in: “Good luck, Tina—you got this!” These little messages are a lifeline, a reminder of the network of love and support that has carried me through the nearly two years since my diagnosis.

Seasons of Resilience

In 2022, a routine executive physical uncovered a 2.6 cm tumor in my right lung. The diagnosis? Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer. Like the changing seasons, cancer has its cycles—each demanding its own kind of resilience. Surgery, chemo, radiation, scans, and countless follow-ups became my new normal. Some seasons were harsher than others, but every single one taught me that life’s moments are too precious to waste.?

Living with a chronic condition has forced me into a reality that feels decades ahead of its time.

Yet, facing cancer at 58 has revealed one undeniable truth: every minute, every moment, matters.

Through this unexpected journey, I’ve uncovered lessons about resilience, boldness, and living unapologetically. Here’s what I hope others can take away from my story and the truths I’ve learned about healthy living and embracing life fully.

The Power of Connection

Building relationships is vital for well-being, especially as we age. My mother is living proof, as her strong social connections have kept her vibrant at 83. For me, these connections extend to friends, colleagues, my church community, and even virtual spaces. Platforms like FaceTime and Zoom help me maintain relationships, especially when meeting in person isn’t possible.

The science backs this up. Research published in Neurology? by Barnes and colleagues (2004) found that older adults with large social networks experienced a 39% reduction in cognitive decline. The reduction jumped to an astounding 91% for those actively engaging within these networks. Social interaction isn’t just about feeling good—it’s about staying sharp, healthy, and connected.

As the global population ages, opportunities for connection will become even more critical. In 2020, over 1 billion people were aged 60 or older, and this number is projected to double by 2050. The World Health Organization’s Global Strategy on Ageing and Health emphasizes the importance of fostering relationships and maintaining functional ability as keys to thriving in older age.?

Exploring Passions and Giving Back

Channeling energy into passions has been one of the most transformative parts of my journey. Advocacy became a natural extension of my own experience, leading me to champion lung cancer awareness. Recently, I had the honor of speaking at Penn Medicine’s 16th Annual Focus on Lung Cancer event. Sharing my story was cathartic and a way to connect with others facing similar challenges.?

I also participate in three ongoing research studies. One of these studies, involving a Fitbit, tracks how radiation affects fitness and athleticism over six months. Being part of this research allows me to give back and contribute to the scientific community.?

Another passion of mine is being a grandmother. Watching my grandchildren grow, reading stories, playing, and learning through their eyes is one of life’s purest joys. It’s a role that reminds me of the beauty in life’s simplest of moments. Whether it’s playing games or simply watching them explore the world, my time with them and my own children is a constant reminder of why resilience matters.?

What about you? What passions light you up? Exploring your passions doesn’t just enrich your life—it creates opportunities to connect, grow, and leave a meaningful impact. Whether it’s through advocacy, family, hobbies, or learning something new, pursuing what lights you up is a powerful way to stay engaged and inspired.

Exercise: A Path to Longevity

One of the most powerful lessons I’ve learned is the importance of movement. Regular exercise isn’t just good for your body; it’s essential for healthy aging. According to research from the National Council on Aging (NCOA), consistent exercise can significantly slow the aging process by bolstering the immune system.?

Furthermore, a study from the University of Birmingham and King’s College London found that adults aged 55-79 who engaged in consistent exercise had immune systems comparable to much younger adults. The study noted that the thymus, an organ responsible for producing immune cells, typically shrinks after age 20. However, in these active individuals—many of whom were recreational cyclists—the thymus continued to produce T cells at levels akin to younger people.?

You don’t have to be an avid cyclist to enjoy these benefits. Even walking can work wonders. A meta-analysis of nearly 50,000 participants revealed that:

●????? Adults aged 60+ see the risk of premature death plateau around 6,000-8,000 steps per day.

●????? For those younger than 60, the magic number is closer to 8,000-10,000 steps per day.

The takeaway? Move your body, and the rewards will follow.

Keeping Your Mind Sharp

In my role as Chief of Community at Intention.ly, I’m fortunate to work with people I love on projects that inspire me. Marketing is a dynamic and ever-evolving field, especially in financial services. The rise of video content, artificial intelligence, and cutting-edge lead generation tools demands that I stay curious, adaptive, and ahead of the curve.?

What keeps me sharp? Lifelong learning. I read voraciously, research trends, and experiment with new tools. I’m always asking:

●????? What’s trending?

●????? How can we leverage it for our clients?

●????? What’s the next big idea?

This love of learning extends to my personal life as well. When my septuagenarian soulmate Mark and I travel, we intentionally choose activities that expand our horizons. Whether it’s joining a local cooking class, participating in group experiences, or taking historical walking tours, these adventures keep our minds active and engaged. They also remind me that curiosity is a gift—a tool for growth, connection, and discovery.

A Life Well-Lived

If there’s one thing I’ve learned through this journey, it’s that resilience isn’t just about enduring the tough seasons; it’s about thriving in the moments in between. Whether it’s through building connections, exploring passions, staying active, or embracing curiosity, life is meant to be lived boldly and unapologetically.

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