LETTER: We all need teachers in our lives

BurlingtonToday received the following Letter to the Editor from reader Susan Stuart, who says she feels inspired by her friend and client going through cancer: 

Finding the motivation to exercise and stick with it isn’t always easy but having the will, strength & courage to do it while facing life with a terminal illness is another.

With permission, meet my dear friend & client Shelly. She came to me with muscle weakness, extreme fatigue, brain fog, a hunched back posture, along with a host of other symptoms.

Shelly is 46 years old & was diagnosed with stage 4 uterine cancer in 2021. Unfortunately the cancer has spread to both lungs. While Stage 4 cancer isn’t curable; treatment, exercise & mindset can improve overall survival & quality of life.

I asked how I could help. “With all the shit that happens to you when you have cancer, exercise is the one thing I can control. The side effects of the illness & drugs have left me unable to walk without aids, so stretching & strengthening will help me regain my mobility & independence.”

After our sessions I asked how she felt. “I feel amazing, more limber, healthier, & I’ve regained my mobility.”

I felt so inspired working with Shelly; her vision, drive & positivity was contagious. I asked how her mindset had shifted? “I have clarity again, I feel more in control of my mind & body. Exercise really reduces the frequency & duration of my depressive episodes. I feel powerful!”

Shelly taught me many things about life during our sessions, I asked what she would say to someone facing a serious health crisis that might be nervous about exercise? “Make the time for it, dig deep & find the motivation. Believe that your life depends on it, an investment in yourself. You & the loved ones around you are worth the effort. “

I asked if she ever felt that exercise might be detrimental to her well-being? “Never crossed my mind, moving in any fashion is better than inactivity. Training with you felt safe, you gave me work arounds to avoid my tumour area & other problem areas. I am so grateful to you for how you helped me during the most difficult time of my life.”

Shelly looks at life from a very different place than anyone else I know. She has stripped away all the ‘stuff’ & focuses on the essentials; a fit body, a calm mind, & a house full of love.

We all need teachers in our lives, Shelly is one of mine!

With love on the journey!

Susan Stuart,
Burlington, Ont.