Living with Intention: High-Performing Breast Cancer Survivors and the Three P’s for a Transformed Life

Introduction

In the face of life-threatening illnesses, such as Stage 2 Breast Cancer, the profound realization that every day is not promised becomes a catalyst for reevaluating our priorities. As a fellow breast cancer survivor and business owner, I understand the demands of a high-performance lifestyle, but it's crucial to shift from a jam-packed schedule to intentional living. In this article, I share my journey and the transformation that occurred when I prioritized slowing down, gaining perspective, and creating more space for the things that truly matter.

Creating Space for Intentional Living

A dear friend, also battling breast cancer, recently reminded me that each day is not guaranteed. Life-threatening illnesses force us to confront our mortality, acknowledging the uncertainty of our time here. Having faced two life-threatening conditions, with Stage 2 Breast Cancer being the most recent, the fragility of life became even more evident. Much like my friend, I've learned the importance of seizing every waking moment and embracing life with intentionality. To clarify, this doesn't involve jam-packing my days; quite the opposite, I aim to slow down and savor life's moments, akin to stopping to smell the proverbial roses.

Balancing business ownership and part-time therapeutic services for diverse demographics demands significant mental capacity. To illustrate, consider my recent phone upgrade—eight times the memory of my previous one. With limited storage, my older phone required deleting old data to accommodate new information. Conversely, my newer phone, with abundant space, enables more without compromise. The analogy extends to my daily schedule; overwhelming it with tasks restricts peace and enjoyment. In contrast, dedicating time to activities aligned with my ideal life expands my mental capacity.

When we prioritize moments of joy and truly live the life we desire, we enhance our life expectancy—an analogy to increasing memory space in our phone. It's a reminder that intentional living not only enriches our experiences but also adds depth and longevity to our journey. So, let's embrace a life with expanded capacity, enjoying every moment with purpose and mindfulness.

The Dash In Between

At a funeral, a preacher once emphasized the significance of the "dash" between our sunrise and sunset, urging us to contemplate its meaning. What we do within this span matters profoundly. Consider your own "dash" — how will you slow down, creating space for what truly matters? I acknowledge that, as high-performing women, slowing down might seem challenging amid our busy lives. Yet, lying on the gurney, awaiting the removal of my cancerous right breast, the demands of my hectic life faded away. Thoughts of family, raising my children, and simply being alive took precedence. Despite healing post-mastectomy, I regrettably returned to stressful environments, inadvertently prioritizing work over personal connections. My dedication to the computer left my loved ones with a depleted version of me — fatigued, cranky, and emotionally unavailable. Let's reevaluate our priorities, ensuring our "dash" is filled with moments that truly matter.

A Paradigm Shift

For years, I found myself trapped in this cycle. The turning point came recently when a surgery for reconstruction was unexpectedly canceled while I was already prepped and waiting at the hospital. Let me be clear — my fundamental outlook on life remained unchanged. I was well aware of what I should have been doing and who deserved my time. What shifted significantly were my priorities. Knowing something is one thing; putting that knowledge into action is an entirely different level. This disparity between perspective and action underscored a crucial realization for me.

I embarked on a journey to reprioritize, focusing on quality time with my family and, importantly, with myself. I consciously scheduled moments to step away from my computer, concluding each day to share meaningful experiences with my loved ones. Non-negotiable times were set aside for engaging in self-care activities. Furthermore, I founded LIFT After Breast Cancer LLC with a vision to create a community for high-performing female breast cancer survivors. This community, offering courses, coaching, and a supportive network, aims to provide opportunities for self-discovery, self-care, and sisterhoods of survivorship. My mission is provide the space, time, and opportunities for fellow breast cancer survivors to make the most of their second (or third) lease on life.

Three P’s for Transformation

I want to share with you three P’s that made a pivotal transformation in my life:

1. Pause to Gain Perspective: Taking moments to pause and reflect allows us to gain a broader perspective on life. It's about stepping back to reassess priorities, ensuring that our actions align with our values and desired lifestyle.
2. Prioritize People Over Profit: Amid the demands of a high-performance life, it's crucial to prioritize relationships and meaningful connections. Building genuine connections and cultivating personal and professional relationships contribute to a fulfilling life, far beyond the pursuit of professional success.
3. Persevere with Patience and Passion: Manifesting our purpose requires perseverance, coupled with patience and passion. Embracing the journey with tenacity, while allowing ourselves the grace to navigate challenges, ensures a purposeful and transformed life.

Conclusion

As high-performing breast cancer survivors, our journey involves intentional living, where the three P’s—Pause, Prioritize, and Persevere—play a pivotal role. Slowing down and creating more space for what matters not only enhances our well-being but also shapes a legacy defined by purpose and passion. In the spirit of living on our terms after conquering breast cancer, let’s embrace the transformative power of intentional living, making the most of every moment with a focus on people, purpose, and perseverance. It's our time to shine!

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