Gabby's Blog
From Surviving to Thriving: Nurturing the Life You Deserve
Princess Kate recently shared a heartfelt message on World Cancer Day, urging people to "nurture all that lies beyond the disease."
While her words were met with mixed reactions from cancer survivors, they struck a chord with me. Life after cancer is not always the triumphant, worry-free journey many imagine. In fact, I was not prepared for how tough it would be.
During treatment, I had a team of medical professionals guiding me through every step. Their expertise and support were invaluable. But…
Let Them: Lessons on Personal Growth, Letting Go & Taking Control
Have you ever felt stuck in a cycle of self-development that never actually leads to real change? You read all the books, take all the courses, jot down the notes—but when it comes to applying what you’ve learned, life just gets in the way.
I was recently at a business event where a speaker asked: 💡 “Is it self-development, or is it shelf-development?”
That question hit me hard. I’ve spent years learning, absorbing, and planning, but I realized there have been times when I wasn’t actually implemen…
Returning To Work After Cancer Treatment
Returning to work after cancer treatment can be a step in your recovery that can feel overwhelming, but with the right preparation and support, you can transition back successfully.
When I was diagnosed with Inflammatory Breast Cancer in 2008. I was shocked to be plunged into treatment, chemotherapy, mastectomy, radiotherapy and reconstruction operations. I worked part time throughout my treatment, work had been such a huge part of my life, and it often felt good to go to the office and for a f…
Celebrating 17 Years as a Cancer Survivor - the Best Advice I Was Given
I am feeling very emotional as I write this - yesterday was 17 years since my diagnosis of Inflammatory Breast Cancer.
When I look back, I remember how terribly frightened I was, at that time cancer was something that happened to other people - not me surely?
I remember thinking they must have made a mistake, and then as I looked at Paul my husband, I realised that our lives would never be the same. And then the pain of knowing I had to go home, break the news to my sons and reassure them that…
30 Days to Self-Care: Your Guide to a Happier, Healthier You
Reflective Journaling: Close 2024 with Clarity and Step Into 2025 with Purpose
As the year draws to a close, it’s natural to find ourselves reflecting on the journey we’ve taken. The highs and lows, the lessons learned, and the moments that shaped us all deserve a thoughtful pause. So many people I am speaking to have hard a very challenging year, and are eager to put 2024 behind them.
Reflective journaling is a powerful way to review your past year and set a clear, intentional path for the year ahead.
In this blog post, we’ll explore how reflective journaling can help …
Coping with Sadness During the Holiday Season: A Guide for Cancer Survivors
The holiday season is often painted as a time of joy, celebration, and togetherness. But for many cancer survivors, it can also bring a wave of complex emotions—grief, sadness, loneliness, or even guilt for not feeling the holiday cheer. If this resonates with you, know that you’re not alone. It’s okay to feel what you feel, and it’s possible to navigate this season with compassion and care for yourself.
Why the Holidays Can Be Difficult for Cancer Survivors
The holiday season can amplify emot…
Reducing Toxin Exposure in Your Personal Care Routine after Cancer
Personal care products are a daily essential for many, including items like shampoo, lotion, makeup, and deodorant. These products seamlessly integrate into our routines, often without consideration for their ingredients. However, for cancer survivors, being aware of these components is crucial. Toxins present in personal care items can present significant health risks, interfere with hormonal equilibrium, and may lead to persistent health problems. It is vital for cancer survivors to be cauti…
Setting Boundaries at Work to Protect Your Mental Health
Setting boundaries at work is crucial to protecting your mental health, reducing stress, and preventing burnout. If you’re feeling overwhelmed or stretched thin, this guide will provide practical steps to regain balance and take control of your work life.
Reflecting on my career in corporate life, if I could give my younger self one piece of advice it would be to get comfortable with setting boundaries. I was too young, too insecure and too ambitious to believe that simply performing to a high st…
Strategies for Healing after Cancer
When treatment ends many people expect to feel triumphant and ready to get back to their old lives as soon as possible. The problem is when the ‘old life’ is what made them sick. Stress, poor nutrition, lack of sleep, dehydration, sedentary lifestyle can all contribute to health problems.
I believe that all my life I had put everybody else first. I was a wife, mother, leader and employee amongst other roles, and always thought that meant that I had to sacrifice my own needs to be a good person. M…