April 10th I am launching a week of Real Life Resilience interviews. I’ve found 5 amazing women, with 5 amazing stories and I can’t wait to share them with you.

Each day this week join me (it’s absolutely
FREE — no opt-in required either)
on The Now of Happiness Radio for
30 minutes of inspiration, tears and virtual hugs.

By the end of the week, you’ll see that you are powerful, you are loved and you can do it!

I’d like to introduce you to Brenda, our first interview…

My name is Brenda Jones, I am 53, single and live in Vincentown, New Jersey.

I have been an animal advocate my whole life.  I went to college and became a Veterinary Tech.  I worked at a vets office for 11 years before starting my own Pet Care Service, which I ran for over 20 years.  I own a beautiful home and enjoy being outdoors.  My animals include 4 inside cats, outside feral cats, fish, 2 turkeys named Bob & Fred and 2 chickens named Chickens.

I am an avid country music fan and love going to concerts.  I have traveled all over the world.  My favorite place to be is somewhere on a beach, in a hammock, with a book, a cold drink, music, an umbrella and a breeze.

On 10/09/08, I found a lump on a self exam and was diagnosed with breast cancer.

My first day of radiation, the nurse pointed to the dressing room and said “go put on a hospital gown, you will be wearing them for the next 7 weeks”.  This was my “had enough” moment.  I was a full fledged ANGRY cancer patient.

When I saw the stack of nasty blue hospital gowns, I came up with a complete design in my head for a gown alternative. I knew exactly what I wanted to make for myself to wear.  I was NOT going to put on another hospital gown.  This is also known as my “Vera Wang Moment”….LOL

I could not control cancer but I could control what I wore.   I faced a minor problem because I did not know how to sew…BUT, a friend taught me in 3 days and we came up with the perfect kimono style wrap that I lovingly called my Hug Wrap.

When I started making Hug Wraps for the other patients.  I realized that I had a mission to help others. It gave my hands and my mind something to do and sewing became the perfect therapy to get rid of my anger.

My best advice is do not let fear block your path.  Stand up for yourself and stop being afraid of what others may think.  If you don’t like something….CHANGE IT!

The best sound in the world is laughter

My favorite book : “ When God Whispers Your Name” by Max Lucado

Favorite Motto:  “Be the answer to someone else’s prayers”

Talk about making lemonade out of lemons! I love her motto, ‘Be the answer to someone else’s prayers. What a wonderful way to take back control of a traumatic situation and use it to help others!

Listen live to hear more about Brenda and her journey through hell and back again, on April 10, at 3:30pm / 6:30pm ET,  HERE on Blog Talk Radio.

Kimberly

Kimberly Englot works with people who are willing to say 'yes' to happiness and success and 'no' to excuses. Author of 'The NOW of Happiness: Your Official Happiness Formula' and founder of The Center for Authentic Self Development, Kimberly believes that 40% of your happiness is 100% in YOUR Control. What are you doing to be happier and more successful today?

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