Living Life Over Cancer

Meeting Jillian and Michelynn at the Wellness Fair reminded me of the power of sharing our stories, advocating for our health, and turning lived experience into hope for others.

Walking Hebbs Farm overlooking Fancy Lake. I am back home, embracing the gentle, spring-like temperatures of Nova Scotia. My heart is full from the snuggles and smiles of Callan, who already loves to smile, tell his stories, and move his body with joy. It is so special to watch him become aware of his world. Like his mom and dad, he is focused and taking it all in. Tavis has returned as my loyal sidekick, and we have stepped back into one of our greatest joys, early morning w

Every ending carries a beginning. On my last full day in Tamarindo, I watched the sun rise over the beach, and it was a quiet, beautiful reminder that every ending carries a beginning. Today, I had my final massage on Tamarindo Beach; listening to the waves, feeling the warmth of the sun, and taking in the beauty of this place that gave us three beautiful months. What I didn't expect was to open Goodreads and find such thoughtful reflections waiting there. Messages from reade

We often speak about rising. But what happens after? This reflection explores how we carry presence, gratitude, and a Pura Vida mindset into our everyday lives.

Supported to live fully, wherever you are. A reflection on trust, care, and saying yes to life—even alongside an incurable diagnosis.

Yoga has a way of bringing people together beyond borders. In Costa Rica, a shared mat became a space of connection, breath, and community across countries and lived experiences.

Inspired by the beauty of Costa Rica, We Stay Lost explores how letting go and embracing the present moment can become a powerful form of self-care and healing.

Healing doesn’t happen all at once. Discover how small, intentional moments support healing during and after cancer through reflection, connection, and mindful living.

Travel has a way of bringing special people into our lives. If you are lucky, travel lets you meet people who feel like sisters of the light. This year, I experienced just that. Michelle Fiset Joseph and Carla Rowlings, both talented Reiki Masters, reached out and offered me a Reiki session. They expected nothing in return. It was simply a generous gift of healing and care. Carla is well known in Tamarindo as a talented musician and the person behind Tama Jam every Sunday eve

Happy Heritage Day! Celebrating the resilience of the Acadian people.

I found this T-shirt in a small shop in Tamarindo, Costa Rica. A meditating sloth. Four simple words. A powerful reminder: Let that sh*t go. It made me smile at first, but the longer I looked at it, the more it spoke to something deeper. Let go of what does not serve or support you. Let go of what you cannot control. Let go of the misguided idea of perfection. Let go of what others think of you. Let go of the thoughts and stories that fuel anxiety and steal your peace. One of

Today I returned to the gym, and it felt good. For months, I made walking part of my daily routine. Beach walks helped me feel steady, stronger, and gave me room to breathe. Moving has always been important for both my body and my spirit. Recently, after starting a new medication, long walks started causing side effects I couldn’t ignore. That was my sign to pause, not to quit, but to make a change. So, instead of heading to the beach, I went to the gym. I spent 20 minutes on

Getting a massage by the ocean feels deeply grounding. The sound of the waves, the warmth of the sun, and the gentle breeze create a peaceful place for both body and mind. In this setting, massage is more than just physical care. It becomes a way to practice mindfulness, presence, and peace. Massage has many well-known benefits. It helps reduce muscle tension, improve circulation, support lymph flow, and encourage deep relaxation. But massage is more than just physical. It ca

February is special to me because my mother was born on the 14th. She showed me what it means to love deeply and unconditionally. Through her example, I learned that love can be hard, but it is always worth practicing, even with people who are difficult to love. As we move through this month, often associated with hearts and cards, I invite you to reflect on love in its most authentic and most enduring forms. Begin with Self-Love Love begins within. Self-love is not indulgent

Living well has taken many forms in my life. There were seasons of forward motion, setting goals, staying active, and pushing through. And then there are seasons like this one, where living well asks something softer. This Companion Journal supports moments of waiting, uncertainty, or transition. These are times when the body and spirit are asking for gentleness rather than striving. It is not meant to offer advice or replace medical care. It is simply a quiet place to pause,

How might you invite a little more Pura Vida into your own life, one mindful choice at a time? This season, we’re continuing our Snow Bird lifestyle. It’s not about escaping life, but about embracing it more fully. In Costa Rica, Pura Vida is more than just a saying. It’s a way of life that encourages you to slow down, take a deep breath, and focus on what really supports your well-being. Sunshine, daily movement, simple meals, nature, and community are now part of our dail

Breath doesn’t change the waves of life, but it changes how we receive them. This reflection invites you to pause, breathe, and gently ride

Tamarindo Beach - Costa Rica 2025 At the very beginning of Living Life Over Cancer , I wrote about the importance of foundational lessons. Any good teacher knows that learning requires repetition. Lessons need to be revisited, reflected upon, and lived in to take root. These five foundational practices continue to guide me. They can support anyone seeking optimal health or navigating a health challenge. Living with stage IV breast cancer has required strength, resilience, and

Some people come into our lives quietly and leave an imprint that never fades. Belinda Gramonte was one of those people. We met through a shared journey of stage IV breast cancer, one none of us would choose, yet one that brought us into trusting friendship. Across miles, oceans, and time zones, we walked alongside one another with honesty, tenderness, and a commitment to finding light, even on the hardest days. As I was writing RISE , Belinda was one of the voices who walked

A reflection on how RISE book clubs create space for meaningful conversation, shared stories, and connection among women. These gatherings remind us that healing often happens quietly, through listening and community.