DeepSummary
Deborah James shares her journey as a bowel cancer patient and how she built an online community for support and awareness. She discusses the importance of being honest with her children about her condition and finding strength in connecting with others going through similar experiences. Deborah emphasizes the power of positivity, cultivating a growth mindset, and making the most of every day.
After the passing of her friend Rachel Bland, who co-hosted the BBC podcast 'You, Me and the Big C', Deborah continues Rachel's legacy by advocating for cancer patients. She stresses the need to prioritize cancer care during the COVID-19 pandemic and not let patients be forgotten. Deborah also talks about the vital role of COVID-19 testing machines donated by Ralph Lauren to ensure timely treatment for cancer patients.
Deborah shares insights from her upcoming book on applying a growth mindset to everyday situations. She credits exercise, good food, and her supportive community as acts of self-love that help her stay positive. Deborah encourages others to be open and share vulnerabilities, as it can lead to finding a loving community that carries one through difficult times.
Key Episodes Takeaways
- Building an online community can provide invaluable support and connections for those facing similar challenges.
- Being transparent and age-appropriate when communicating about cancer with children is important to avoid misunderstandings.
- Sharing stories of hope and positivity can inspire others and provide strength during difficult times.
- Cultivating a growth mindset and practicing self-care are essential for maintaining resilience and positivity.
- Advocating for cancer care and prioritizing patients' needs during the COVID-19 pandemic is crucial.
- Embracing acts of self-love, such as exercise and enjoying good food, can contribute to overall well-being and positivity.
- Finding strength and support in a loving community can help carry one through challenging times.
- Appreciating the present moment and the gift of life can fuel positivity and gratitude.
Top Episodes Quotes
- “I think it's surrounding yourself by stories of hope, because they do exist and they are out there. And actually, for me, those people give me hope, and I hope that I give others hope.“ by Deborah James
- “I've learned that I do sometimes take a little bit of time for myself to process things just because I've learned now that the reaction to it, I need to almost learn how to handle that positively or negatively. But I've kind of learned, I suppose, that actually it's better just to be really honest.“ by Deborah James
- “And I think from that, I've made real life friends who are really good supports for me. In fact, one of them. And we just ran the marathon at the weekend together, and we met online. And so it's amazing how it can transfer, and that strength of community can really see you through the tough times.“ by Deborah James
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Episode Information
Conduit Conversations
Soho.Live Studios
10/21/20
This episode is part of a new series exploring the role that love plays in inspiring us to face significant challenges, such as living with cancer and mental health struggles. Throughout the series, created in partnership with Ralph Lauren’s Pink Pony and Champion Better Lives initiatives, we’ll hear from inspirational speakers from across the globe as they share stories of love in all its guises, from personal relationships to community activism.