HOW-TO Lift Others With AWE

This month is very special to us. We are bringing awareness to Breast Cancer, and what it does, how it affects different people, and what can be done to lift those people out of the black hole and into the light they deserve to see and live in.

Connecting and sharing the stories of women who have been through this dire diagnosis – breast cancer – and experienced it all, provides an authentic prism through which we start not only be aware of what cancer does, rather we connect on a very personal, human level with those whose lives serve us as a guiding light through an unpredictable maze this diseases can bring with it.

I have always been in awe with the women who have not only dealt with breast cancer as a disease, but also found an indomitable power, that magical strength, to pull themselves through the black tunnel and onto the light. Besides all and above, they managed to run their businesses, raise their families, and support others in their dire circumstances.

Today is a story about Jill Johnson, an inspiration to any of us and a founder of the company that is built on beauty and courage – AWE jewelry.

Breast Cancer October Relay

Illuminate. Encourage. Shine!
Campaña de Concientización Contra el Cáncer de Mama.
Alienta. Incentiva. Brilla!

I was diagnosed with thyroid cancer at eleven years old, the first of three cancer occurrences. Facing my own mortality as a child was maturing and formative but also empowering in that I was more willing to take risks in order to pursue my dreams. These experiences taught me to be decisive, resilient, and hardworking and gave me an appetite for entrepreneurship (aka risk-taking!). Because my first cancer diagnosis was when I was eleven, I (naively) never doubted that I would survive. 

Once I had children and my thyroid cancer reoccurred, that all changed – there was so much more at stake. It was never easy for me to ask for help but you must ask and accept help from your family, friends, co-workers, employees. People want to help. When you’re ill, everyone around you too feels helpless. Giving them a “job” empowers them and allows them to make a difference in your healing.

Jump Over FEAR – Any Fear

I’m a very private person, but when I was most recently battling breast cancer (my third cancer occurrence), I did share the news of my mastectomy and reconstruction with my employees, sales team and vendors – everyone was very supportive and encouraging. 

I’m so glad I did – it was out of character for me but their kindness meant the world and I believe their generosity aided in my healing.
Managing a serious illness, family responsibilities, and work is SO incredibly stressful. You feel out of control because it’s near impossible to balance everything. But for me, owning a business and having two children kept me hyper focused; I had to get up, I had to push myself to care for my family and my employees. These obligations prevented my mind from wandering to dark places. 

Connect With Friends – Even Tighter

Several friends were integral in my healing. They kept me exercising, my hair washed and pretty and made sure I kept my sense of humor. Gyrotonic made all the difference in the world- my range of motion was never hindered because of my mastectomy and reconstruction. Heather, my friend and health guru helped me to not be afraid of moving and stretching post-op.

Balancing Personal And Business Time

Plus, my sons are my greatest source of joy and inspiration; I love to travel with them; including going to museums, hole-in-the-wall restaurants, and the theater. Since my recovery I’ve actively tried to achieve more consistent balance between my work and personal life.

It’s not an easy process, but meditation and maintaining an all-natural diet has really helped me find greater mental clarity and stamina. 

DREAM Any Time, Any Season Of Your Life – Elevate Yourself

When illness or trauma takes women off their course and places financial strain on them and their families, it can be devastating, which is why it’s central to AWE’s mission to elevate stories of empowerment and support organizations that provide immediate aid to those in need. CancerCare, one of AWE’s four charity partners, helps cancer patients take care of their most basic needs – which is life affirming and crucial in recovery!

Join In The Conversation of Breast Cancer Awareness!
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Breast Cancer October Relay

Illuminate. Encourage. Shine!
Campaña de Concientización Contra el Cáncer de Mama.
Alienta. Incentiva. Brilla!

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