My experiences / struggles in life

Recognized as an expert in the field of personal development, I thought I had most of the answers. I consider myself a student and I am daily looking to learn something new.

Growing up, my sister had a weight problem and my parents were constantly on her to stop eating. Exercising was not a part of our lives back then. Because I didn't want to be harped on, I decided to do sit ups every day and also I had a Hoola Hoop which I used for an hour after my dinner. Obsessive? Yes! I suffered from breakouts on my face, HUGE cysts and so I was not confident about my looks. Having a good body was something I could control. We all have scars, some are external and some are internal. What is yours?

10 years ago, my daily workouts stopped working. I was still doing an hour of cardio at the highest level and weights but nothing was happening and in fact, I had to buy size 8 instead of 6. You may not think that is a big deal if you have a lot of weight to lose. I am 5'3" and even 5 lbs show on my frame.

5 years ago, I wasn't happy when I looked in the mirror.

What is the definition of insanity? Doing the same thing and expecting different results.

I decided to get in the pool and workout. At first, I just did some exercises and then, because I was working out at 5 am with the triathletes, I was motivated to try laps. At first, I could barely do 4 laps, then 8, then 16 and after about 2 or 3 months of consistency, I was swimming 60+ laps in 45 minutes everyday! WOW!! Great results… my legs, arms, tummy, and butt were getting toned and my clothes were loose! I was being consistent, my friends kept me motivated and they expected me to show up each day.

I hired a coach/trainer. I found out I wasn't breathing properly. I know, right? It made a difference when I did my crunches with my tummy filling up on the inhale and flattening with the exhale. Who knew?

October 24, 2018. A phone call that changed my life, following a mammogram, and an ultrasound, I got a phone call...

"I am so sorry, Jan... you have Invasive Ductal Carcinoma."

A year of chemo, a surgery (lumpectomy), and 6 weeks of radiation.

What mattered?

• Food (organic and easy to eat), Water (Ph balanced and Oxygenated), and Exercise

• I got dressed up to go for chemo, including my 5 inch red heels

• I never spoke about what was happening to me physically, I always looked ‘normal'

• I wore a ball cap with hair until I was able to purchase a real hair wig - wore it everyday

• I worked everyday, except for the day of 5-hour infusion

• I was able to inhale happy healthy cells and exhale all the icky ones

• I was able to keep myself in a positive environment