My story begins many years ago at a very low point in my life, and it was Maxwell Maltz’s book, “Psycho-Cybernetics,” that gave me hope. As a plastic surgeon, he had observed that a patient’s negative self-image didn’t necessarily improve with successful surgery. He was then inspired to research the likelihood that these negative beliefs needed to be changed from the inside. I was particularly drawn to his emphasis on creating a foundation of quiet reflection and seeing our mind as a goal-seeking mechanism, wired for success. It was a breakthrough for me, and I continued to pursue the question of how our beliefs and the choices we make affect our happiness.

This, in turn, led me to become a student of “A Course in Miracles,” a meditation based spiritual practice which focuses on choosing love over fear. It was transforming for me to understand that we each have a purpose; that we are all holy children of God; and that our job is to acknowledge and let go of the fear and doubt that block our inner peace and joy, and to take action based on our inner guidance. One of my favorite quotes from the Course is: “While you wait in sorrow, Heaven’s melody is incomplete, because your song is part of the eternal harmony of love. Without you is creation unfulfilled.” This fit right in with what I had learned from Maxwell Maltz. I was experiencing peace, and it was wonderful!

It was after this, though, that I was diagnosed with breast cancer. I continued my daily practice, adding an evening meditation, and while going through radiation treatment, read over 200 books on healing and overcoming fear. It was through this study that I discovered and embraced “Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT), an action based approach to facing life’s challenges. I love this beautiful reminder by Russ Harris, an ACT author and trainer: “The key to peak performance is total engagement in the task,” something I try to practice every day, as I listen to my heart and move out of my comfort zone.

I now celebrate being a cancer-survivor and having become an expert on happiness and joy, passionate about helping other women believe in themselves and their dreams.