- How has sharing your story made a difference in your life or the lives of others?
When I was diagnosed with breast cancer back in the spring of 2010 I was not interested in sharing my story. I preferred to keep my whole experience private. During that time I concentrated on family and building my business. In fact, I tripled my business as I went through my treatments. But as the years went on, I was invited to share my story with others. Initially it was just having people reach out because a friend, a loved one, over even themselves were diagnosed and wanted to talk to someone who had been there. People as a rule find support from others who have been on the path before them and need that inspiration.
In 2018 I wrote a chapter in Voices of the 21st Century: Women Who Influence, Inspire and Make a Difference – the first book by WSA Publishing. In this book I share my thoughts along my journey. I talk about always looking at things with the “glass is half-full” optimistic view of life.
The silver lining of sharing my story was the impact I made on others with just that one small chapter. It inspired to me create a collaborative book called “The Silver Lining of Cancer: 13 Courageous Women Share Their Inspirational Stories After a Life-Changing Diagnosis.” The book was created to positively impact the lives of people who have been diagnosed with cancer, and their families, in some small way. The reviews we received for this project definitely confirmed that these stories were making an impact.
Empowered by the stories so many have shared with me I started a podcast called Silver Lining Conversations where my guests share their stories and messages of hope – these stories encompass a wide variety of life’s hurdles that they have overcome and how looking back they can see a silver lining in what they have experienced and who they have become. Please listen to the podcast found on your favorite platform.
- How has Women Speakers Association helped you
Community, support, and championing me to be more than I ever thought possible. I built the first website for Women Speakers Association when I was going through chemo treatments – it helped to keep me centered. And today, I am thankful for all the opportunities being involved in such a supportive, collaborative and inspiring community has provided me. The connections are priceless.
- What advice would you give women who want to share their message
It is never too late to share your message. While you may not feel that what you have to say matters – it does! When you are ready to share your message, just know that there are people that are ready to receive it.
