Three Strategies for Navigating Life's Curveballs

Join Teresa on In Shock as she opens up about a period of intense health struggles that left her truly "in shock.  Over just five years, she battled cancer four times, survived three strokes, and underwent brain surgery for two aneurysms. In this inspiring episode, she shares her personal journey and the key strategies that helped her not just survive, but thrive. Discover the importance of building a strong support system, finding joy even in dark times, and creating a plan to navigate the unknown. This episode is a must-listen for anyone facing adversity or seeking inspiration.

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Transcript

• Happy Monday, everyone, and welcome to the show! 
• Today, we're talking about something we can all relate to: those moments that leave us in shock. 
• Think about a time when you received news that completely rocked your world. 
• Maybe it was a health scare, a job loss, a relationship ending, a financial crisis, or the loss of someone you loved. 
• Whatever the cause, that moment of shock can leave us feeling lost, unsure of how to cope, how to move forward, or how to survive.
• In Shock is dedicated to sharing real stories of triumph and resilience—stories of people who have navigated these life-shaking experiences and found a way to thrive thru it.
• Through their stories, and through my own personal experiences, I'll share the tools and strategies I've used to overcome life's curveballs. 
• OR Those unexpected events that can knock us off our feet. 
• Today I want to share the story of a challenging period, when a series of life-threatening diagnoses left me in shock. 
• Over just 5 years, I became a 4-time cancer survivor, overcame 3 strokes, and underwent brain surgery for 2 aneurysms.
• You might wonder how the hell I got through so much shit in such a short time period,without becoming a complete basket case.  
• It’s about changing your mindset, when life throws you curveballs, no matter what they are.  
• Life eb and flows.  
• We have good days and bad days and that’s called living life
• Think back to the time when you or someone you loved learned they had cancer 
• In that moment there is a rush of emotions for everyone
• Our minds start racing
• and we’ve convinced ourselves this might be the end
• and that’s a daunting and devastating feeling.
• The first time I was diagnosed, I was flying down the freeway, when I received the call.
• The Dr said “is this a good time for you and are you alone”.   
• I knew in that moment they weren’t calling to tell me something good.
• My heart was racing so fast it felt like I was going to pass out, I had to pull over to wrap my head around what I just heard “YOU HAVE LIP CANCER”.   
• I became numb and my body started shaking like I was standing outside in 20 degree weather without a jacket. 
• Beyond hearing you have Lip Cancer, I could not hear anything else she said 
• 5 Years later, I was diagnosed with Invasive Ductal Carcinoma breat cancer.
• 1 year later doctors discovered I had 2 brain aneurysms that could potentially explode like a bomb.
• 3 Years after that, I was diagnosed with a 2nd breast cancer and melanoma
• But guess what, I NEVER said WHY IS THIS HAPPENING TO ME
• I faced these life threatening challenges head on - I was not going to let any of this take me down.
• On one particular appointment, I was called back to the room where I was greeted by a nurse who expressed sympathy for my diagnosis. 
• She was genuine and very sweet.  
• She told me her husband had been diagnosed with cancer, and she really understood how I was feeling.
• She said life it too short and to adopt a Do Now Can Do attitude.
• She believed you could do anything you set your mind to and to do things now, and not wait for the right time Because you just never know when life is going throw you a curve ball.
• It was Her DO NOW story, that inspired me. to think about this differently.
• Looking back on those years, I realize that what got me through wasn't just sheer willpower. 
• It was a combination of inner strength and practical tools that I discovered and developed along the way. 
• These tools and techniques will help no matter what the circumstance you are going thru.
• First I changed my mindset by asking for help. 
• I've always been self-reliant, accustomed to managing things on my own.
• I have an incredible network of friends and family who were ALL willing to jump in the boat with me and weather the storm, each and every time.
• Asking for help was one of the hardest things I’ve ever done. 
• It required vulnerability and a willingness to step outside my comfort zone. 
• But it was the best decision I made. Having that support system, that village of friends, made all the difference when I felt like my world was crumbling.
• In my experience, laughter has been an invaluable tool in navigating hardship. 
• I encourage everyone to give themselves permission to laugh, even when things feel impossibly dark. It’s okay—more than okay—of joy, to embrace the lightness that laughter can bring.
• People don’t do it enough during hard times.
• Laughter has a remarkable power to heal the spirit and soothe the soul.
• I remember so many slumber parties with my girlfriends, nights filled with wine and laughter so intense it brought tears to our eyes.
• Make a plan  I know that sounds strange when it feels like the plan is not in your control.
• The plan served me as a roadmap, giving me clarity on the journey ahead with a sense of purpose and direction that supported my strength to push thru it.
• We unknown can create fear, when you have a plan it help eliminate the fear.
• I had a notebook to keep track of my plan and help better prepare for 
  • upcoming appointments (ask questions)
  • the purpose of each appointment
  • the planned treatment and surgery
  • the timeline for completing the surgery and treatment
• Have a go-to person—a trusted friend or confidant—someone you can talk to about anything who is by yourside and willing to jump in the boat with you, to weather your storm.
• I'll never forget the support of my friends during that time. Two or three of them would always join me at doctor's appointments, offering a sense of companionship and making the experience less daunting. They'd drive me, take notes, and then we'd celebrate with a meal. One friend took the lead on organizing meal deliveries, while another kept everyone updated, allowing me to focus on healing.
• If you’re going thru a divorce bring that confidant with you to the appt with your attorney.
• If you are struggling financially, lean into a friend who is in a better financial situation and ask them to help you put a budget together, or go with you to talk to a bankruptcy attorney
• When facing difficult circumstances, especially those that feel overwhelming or "shocking," it's crucial to actively engage in your own well-being.
  • This involves three key strategies:
  • Embrace the Power of Support: Don't be afraid to ask for help. Building a strong support system of friends and family—your "village"—is crucial for navigating difficult times. It requires vulnerability, but it’s one of the most important steps you can take.
  • Find Joy in the Midst of Hardship: Laughter is powerful medicine. Give yourself permission to find moments of joy and levity, even during the darkest times. It can heal the spirit and provide much-needed relief.  
  • Create a Roadmap for Clarity and Control: Even when things feel out of control, creating a plan can provide a sense of purpose and direction. This reduces fear and empowers you to navigate the unknown. This includes having a "go-to" person for support and practical assistance.

• These tools, these techniques, have helped me through some of the most challenging times in my life, and I hope you captured a few take aways.
• Remember We all face challenges in life that shake us to our core—you're not alone. 
• There is strength within you and a network of support around you across your friends, family and support groups of every kind, to help you weather any storm.
• Thank you for allowing me to share this part of my life with you.
• I have an incredible lineup of guests who will be sharing their personal stories of overcoming loss, divorce, financial hardship, and other life-altering experiences, including laughter.  So keep tuning in!
• Until next time…