Episode 07: Reframing Breast Cancer & Survivorship by Embracing the Power of a Pause

Breast Cancer

Oct 13

In Episode 7, Natalie and Chelsea sit down with Liz Aiello, a breast cancer survivor, who shares her powerful and inspiring journey and the impact her survivorship has had on her mindset, her perspective of life, and her goals going forward.

Show Notes:

Hosts:

Natalie M.
Chelsea M.

Timestamps:

**00:00** - Introduction

**00:26** - Natalie introduces this episode's guest.

**3:18** - Natalie asks Liz what her life was like pre-cancer diagnosis.

**9:44** - Liz discusses her breast cancer diagnosis.

**23:25** - Natalie asks Liz about Liz’s emotional process of when she received her diagnosis.

**27:35** - Liz discusses how going through illness impacts the person directly affected as well as their caretaker(s) and what it’s like to face your own mortality.

**30:06** - Liz tells us more about her specific diagnosis, the journey to find her team of doctors, treatment plan, and the need to face a big decision on fertility.

**44:56** - Break

**45:17** - Natalie asks Liz how her mindset changed after her diagnosis and when did she start re-establishing her mind/body connection again. Liz discusses her Pandemic experience and her guiding word - Pause.

**53:56** - Natalie asks Liz how she handled talking about this with friends and family or if she did so at all?

**57:50** - Liz discusses what living in “remission” means and how this experience has massively shaped how she values her life, her time, her relationships with others. And how she now moves through every day differently.

**1:02:19** - Natalie asks Liz what her most powerful realization is coming out of this experience.

**1:05:32** - Natalie asks Liz how her personal and professional goals have changed since this experience.

**1:05:32** - Chelsea asks Liz to go a little more in-depth on her particular cancer diagnosis; if she was genetically predisposed, etc.

**1:14:26** - Natalie asks Liz if she has cultivated any new daily practices to reinforce her own personal mental/physical health and growth mindset.

**1:17:21** - Natalie asks Liz if she has any new goals or aspirations that she is planning on or currently pursuing or has she taken on a new role in advocacy for other breast cancer survivors.

**1:21:44** - Liz tells us about what organizations she would encourage people to support if they are looking to do so and gives some other excellent resources for those going through treatment, wanting more education, or are just looking for a good laugh. **Resources discussed are linked below.

**1:26:05** - Natalie asks Liz what message she would like to convey to listeners who might be going through a similar experience or know someone who is.

**1:27:30** - Natalie touches on her very personal connection to Liz’s story.

**1:29:50** - End of episode

**1:30:03** - Stay tuned for next week

**1:32:03** - Outro

Key Takeaways:

1. “Fixed Mindset”: Belief that abilities, talents, and traits are fixed or inherent and cannot be significantly changed.

Example: Avoiding challenges for fear of failure.

2. “Growth Mindset”: Belief that abilities, talents, and traits can be developed and improved through effort and learning.

Example: Embracing challenges as opportunities to grow.

3. **Tips for Cultivating a Growth Mindset**

Self-Awareness

Identify Your Fixed Mindset Triggers: Recognize the situations that trigger a fixed mindset (e.g., challenges, setbacks, or criticism).
Reflect: Make it a habit to reflect on your thoughts and feelings regularly, identifying instances where a fixed mindset held you back.

Change Your Language

Switch Your Language: Instead of saying “I can’t do this” or “I’ll never . . .,” say “I can’t do this yet,” or “I am moving towards . . . .”
Embrace Constructive Feedback: When you or others fail, #fail forward by focusing on what can be learned from the experience.

Reframe Challenges and Setbacks

Stretch Goals: Set an objective that pushes you out of your comfort zone.
Reframe Failures: View setbacks as opportunities for growth, not as a validation of an inability or shortcoming.

Embrace Feedback and Prioritize Learning Over Validation

Constructive Criticism: Actively seek out feedback that helps you improve or refine your skills.
Encourage Open Dialogue: Create an environment or cultivate relationships where open and constructive feedback is welcomed and regular.
Value the Process: Prioritize learning and improving over success or perfection.
Focus on Yourself: Prioritize yourself, focus on your personal development, and celebrate your achievements. Avoid seeking approval or validation from others.

Additional Resources: