In this powerful season opener of the Balance to Excellence Show, Dr. Judy Wright shares her deeply personal journey marking 5 years cancer-free. From diagnosis to recovery, Dr. Wright reveals how cancer became the unexpected catalyst for professional growth, inner transformation, and a completely reimagined life purpose.
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⏱️ TIMESTAMPS (click to jump to section):
00:00 - Introduction
01:32 - The unexpected cancer diagnosis
04:50 - Surgery and recovery journey
07:15 - Lesson 1: The power of community
11:57 - Lesson 2: The importance of self-care
19:10 - Lesson 3: Building resilience
23:06 - Lesson 4: Embracing balance
27:46 - Lesson 5: The strength in vulnerability
32:08 - Post-cancer achievements
38:06 - Future plans and gratitude
41:02 - Final thoughts on thriving through challenges
💡 Episode HighlightsDr. Wright's Cancer Journey:
- Diagnosed with breast cancer during Breast Cancer Awareness Month (October 2019)
- Had missed three years of mammograms before diagnosis
- Underwent double mastectomy in January 2020
- Recovery coincided with the beginning of lockdown
5 Powerful Life Lessons:
- The Power of Community & Support #SupportSystem #Community
- Family members rotated care duties during recovery
- Virtual and in-person communities provided meals and emotional support
- Experienced the real power of community when tested
- Realized she was "a toenail away" from complete burnout
- Had neglected basic health appointments for years
- Discovered the multiple dimensions of self-care beyond massages and manicures
- Learned to "grow through what you go through"
- Cancer leaves a mental "mark" - living with the awareness of higher risk
- Found cancer saved her from inevitable burnout
- Balance must be actively created, not passively achieved
- Balance requires constant maintenance and adjustments
- Balance looks different at different life stages
- Overcame resistance to being seen and heard
- Learned to ask for and accept help
- Found vulnerability opened new opportunities
Post-Cancer Transformations:
- International speaking engagements in Spain and Canada
- Success Magazine Woman of Influence Award (2023)
- Published her book: "Girl, Get Your Life Off The Fault Line"
- Launched the Balance to Excellence podcast
- Started and grew her own business
"I am a five-year cancer thriver. Everything that I've spoken to you about shows how I have thrived from the moment that I received my cancer diagnosis." #CancerThriver #BalanceToExcellence
"Some of you are facing your own challenges, but I want you to remember that there are lessons even in those challenges, and you need to be open to listen and to feel those lessons so that
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