Reflecting on the Past and Listening to Your Body: Lessons from a Holiday Reflection

This week, I’m on holiday, and as much as I believe in the importance of rest, I also wanted to take a moment to reflect and share some thoughts with you. Holidays are a time to recharge, but they can also be an opportunity to pause and look inward—something I’ve been doing a lot lately, inspired by a book I’m reading called Breathe. It’s not a typical self-help book; it’s more of a novel that weaves life lessons into a story. As I’ve been reading, I’ve found myself stopping to think about my own journey and the lessons I’ve learned along the way.

Today, I want to share some of those reflections with you—not as polished advice, but as an honest conversation about how we can reclaim our stories and listen to what our bodies and experiences are telling us.

What Has Your Past Brought You?

Early in the book, the main character is asked to reflect on what his past has brought him. It’s a simple question, but it’s one that can be incredibly powerful. Life throws so much at us—some of it joyful, some of it painful—and it’s easy to focus on the hardships, especially when they feel unfair or overwhelming.

For years, I struggled with this. When I was diagnosed with cancer, my first reaction was anger. Why me? I thought. What did I do to deserve this? The truth is, no one deserves suffering. But what I’ve come to realize is that while there may not be a "reason" for what happens to us, every experience—no matter how difficult—can bring something into our lives. It’s not about justifying the pain, but about asking: What did this teach me? How did it change my path?

For me, cancer forced me to slow down and reevaluate the direction of my life. Before my diagnosis, I was on autopilot, following a career path and making decisions without always stopping to ask if they were truly what I wanted. But after everything I went through, I couldn’t ignore those questions anymore. Every step I took became more intentional. I started this podcast because I wanted to share what I’ve learned—not just about cancer, but about life, sports, career, and all the ups and downs in between. It came from a place of wanting to help others avoid some of the struggles I faced, or at least feel less alone in theirs.

But here’s the thing: this constant reflection can also feel like a burden. Before, life felt simpler. I followed the path I set for myself without overthinking it. Now, I find myself questioning every decision: Is this really what I want? Am I heading in the right direction? It’s exhausting sometimes. But it’s also part of my growth. I’m learning to carry that weight while still moving forward.

Reclaiming Your Story

The book also asks: How can you use what your past has brought you to inspire others? This question resonated with me deeply. I don’t believe we have to inspire the world or share our stories with thousands of people to make an impact. Sometimes, inspiring just one person is enough. For me, that’s been a guiding principle behind this podcast. If my experiences—whether it’s cancer, career challenges, or personal losses—can help even one person feel understood or less alone, then sharing them is worth it.

But this isn’t just about broadcasting your story to the world. It’s about reflecting on what your experiences have taught you and how they’ve shaped you. It’s about reclaiming your narrative. You can’t change what happened, but you can decide how it fits into your story. You can choose to see how it’s influenced your decisions, your relationships, and your perspective.

Let me give you an example. A few years ago, I lost one of my grandparents while I was living abroad. I couldn’t go home for the funeral, and it was devastating. At the time, all I felt was grief and anger. But looking back, that loss made me realize how important it was for me to be closer to my family. It led me to move back home for a while, to spend more time with my remaining grandparents. That decision didn’t erase the pain of losing my grandpa, but it gave me something meaningful in return: more time with the people I love.

This is what reclaiming your story looks like. It’s not about pretending the hard moments didn’t hurt. It’s about acknowledging that even in the pain, there were lessons—lessons that shaped who you are today.

Listening to Your Body

The second part of the book that really struck me was the idea that our bodies often send us signals long before our minds catch up. Think about it: when you’re stressed, where do you feel it? Maybe it’s a knot in your stomach, tension in your shoulders, or a headache that won’t go away. Our bodies react to what’s happening inside us, and those reactions are often the first sign that something needs attention.

I’ll be honest—I wasn’t great at listening to my body in the past. I ignored signals, pushed through discomfort, and convinced myself I was fine even when I wasn’t. But now, I’m trying to pay closer attention. When I feel tense, I ask myself: Why? What’s causing this? What does my body need right now? Sometimes, it’s as simple as taking a few deep breaths or stepping away from whatever is stressing me out. Other times, it’s about recognizing that I need to slow down, eat something, or just give myself permission to rest.

For example, I know that before I go to the hospital, my stress levels skyrocket. My stomach gets upset, and I lose my appetite. In the past, I might have ignored those signals and made things worse. But now, I try to prepare myself. I do breathing exercises, bring a book to distract myself, and make sure I eat small bites—even if I’m not hungry. It’s not about making the stress disappear completely, but about managing it in a way that honors what my body is telling me.

Pause. Reflect. Reclaim.

So, here’s what I’m taking away from all of this: life is a series of moments—some joyful, some painful—and each of them shapes us in ways we might not realize until much later. The key is to pause, reflect, and reclaim.

Pause: Take the time to slow down, especially in seasons like this one. Whether it’s fall where you are or still summer (like it is for me on holiday), every phase of the year offers a different kind of enjoyment. This is the perfect time to check in with yourself.

Reflect: Look back at what your past has brought you. What lessons have you learned? How have your experiences changed your path? This isn’t about forcing yourself to see the silver lining in every hardship, but about acknowledging how those moments have contributed to who you are.

Reclaim: Take ownership of your story. Decide how you want to move forward. And listen to your body—it’s often the first to let you know when something is off.

I know this post was a little less structured than usual. It was more of a free-flowing reflection, and that’s okay. Sometimes, the most meaningful conversations aren’t perfectly polished—they’re raw, honest, and in the moment. I hope something here resonates with you. Maybe it’s the idea of reflecting on your past, or perhaps it’s the reminder to listen to what your body is telling you.

As we head into the cozier months, I encourage you to take some time for yourself. Reflect on where you’ve been, where you are, and where you’re going. And if you feel like sharing, I’d love to hear from you. What do you do to fuel your mind and take care of your mental and physical health? Let me know in the comments.

Wishing you a wonderful day—or evening, depending on where you are. Talk to you soon!