Embracing Your Diagnosis as a Gift, Teacher & Blessing
Embracing your diagnosis as a gift, teacher and blessing. Sounds a little convoluted doesn’t it? Well yes it is a complex concept, but Hillary Rubin is living proof that it is possible. A few weeks ago I did not know Hillary, but she sent me an e-mail introducing herself and sharing her philosophy on wellness:
Hillary Rubin
Personally my journey began back in 1996 when I was working in the fashion industry for Prada in NYC and was diagnosed with MS. Like most I was upset, angry and thought my life was over. At the same time I also found yoga and now from keeping up a healthy lifestyle (left fashion), yoga and other holistic tools am living symptom & drug free. What worked for me that I also teach is to embrace the diagnosis, empower myself through taking action and enjoy the experiment process that is a constant evolution.
I am involved with the So Cal MS Chapter as a speaker, expert and yoga teacher. My business I am not a Mess ™ is dedicated to help others see there diagnosis as a gift, teacher and blessing. Yes – I know that takes time but I have been able to do this and have created products to help like my Yoga DVD Foundations, Free Growth Worksheets and will be starting Free Tele-seminars in March (http://www.askhillarynow.com) to answer questions regarding diagnosis, wellness and what to do with our challenges.
After reading Hillary’s e-mail I took the time to review her website and read more about her philosophy. She has founded her life’s work around her mission to share how she embraced her illness, learned from what her body was telling her and is now living symptom free. I was intrigued so I signed up for her free tele-seminar on March 25th.
March 25th was a particularly bad day for me. Just two days after my lab Casey had passed and I really was not in a good frame of mind for the call. I almost did not call in, but the thing that motivated me to follow through was the hope that I would get something out of it to share on my blog and with my support group. For the first fifteen minutes I sat listening, but not really hearing what Hillary was sharing, but eventually the sound of her voice and her passion and enthusiasm sucked me. Before I knew it I had written 5 pages of notes! Here are just a few bullet points from my notes:
- What is your health worth to you?
- You are responsible for your health.
- You are more than any diagnosis.
- Love yourself in the way you want others to love you.
- Growth isn’t linear, it takes time.
- Our mind feeds our body – the subconscious is powerful.
- Shift from “I have” to “I was diagnosed.”
- Journaling gets “it” out of your body.
- Know that you are not alone.
The message Hillary shared on her call was inspiring. At the end of the hour my heart felt lighter and much of the sadness had left me. Within minutes I began writing my tribute post to Casey and my grief began to leave me. I felt blessed for the time I had with her instead of a sense of loss. Now I am feeling inspired to apply Hillary’s message to my health. If it worked for my grief, it can work for my overall wellness. I feel like I am already on a similar path, and it is no coincidence that my path crossed with Hillary’s.
Yesterday I received another e-mail from Hillary offering a free MP3 of the tele-seminar. I have not listened to it again, but I plan to. And I wanted to offer the link to any of you who feel you can benefit from her message. I think everyone can, so here is the link: Ask Hillary Now
It is an hour long, so make yourself a cup of tea, grab a notepad and get comfy. I promise it will be worth your time. She has another call coming up on April 29th if you would like to sign up for it. Just click the link in her above e-mail. If you do listen to the MP3 I would love to know what you think. If you do not find your blessing there today, I hope you find it somewhere!
Dannette…wow…you are such a great writer! I was hooked from the first sentence. I will definitely be following this blog. (I’m in a cancer house…the co-survivor I guess I’m called. My blog is a bit darker…but I am inspired to pick it up a notch. http://www.thirty2nds.wordpress.com ) Whether you follow mine or not…I am a fan!
Have a great day.
AK
Hi Dannette,
Well, you already know I am a big fan of yours, and I am quickly becoming one of Hillary’s, too! Prior to reading your post, I signed up for Hillary’s next teleconference just last night! Her beauty within shines through her twitter posts and her profile pic, I believe now that I was drawn to her for a reason. I feel that she must have so much “good stuff” to share. Thank you for confirming my hunch and also for being the inspiration for healing and growth that you are.
Bless you,
Amy
Thanks for sharing this on your blog and what an honor to know I was able to assist you in your healing. Life is such a gift and our challenges bring us closer to the heart of humanity.
To your growth, health and life,
Hillary
PS Looking fwd to your being on the next call..
Thanks for sharing Sis. I agree with AK you are an awesome writer! As much as you inspire others I can see the same with Hillary. Starting your blog has been such a great vehicle for you! I am so excited for you. People like you and Hillary really touch the lives of others. I am proud to know you are my litle Sister. Only if the world had more people like you in it……………. Keep moving forward and making a difference. I am proud of you!! LOVE YA
Thanks Andy. I appreciate your kind words and I welcome you as a fan!
I am determined to spend some time reading your blog. You have me intrigued. Things are rather hectic and overwhelming at the moment but as soon as I have time I am there. Thanks again. You brightened my day.
Amy I thought you would be inspired by Hillary. She has great energy, just like you. I will be on the call too, and even though we can’t speak to each other on it, I will be sending you good vibes.
You are too kind calling me an inspiration for healing and growth. I am just trying my best each day to live better than I did the day before, and I am sharing my growth and struggles with everyone who reads my blog. I think I am pretty ordinary, but fortunate for the people I have around me, and that includes you. Thanks for you kind words and blessing!
Hillary everyone who knows me is amazed at how well I am coping with the loss of my beloved Casey. Really, I thought it would be weeks before I pulled myself together. Your call really put things into perspective and allowed me to honor her rather than morn her.
Even though your call was about embracing your diagnosis, for me it had this unexpected benefit. Thank you! I am honored to share you message here on my blog and look forward to your next call.
You have to say I am an awesome writer. It is in the good sister handbook! I have said it before, I could not do any of this without my awesome support system, and you and Rob are co-presidents in that club. What would I do without you? Love you sis!