My Return To Work Story

My Return to "Performance" Story

It all started when...

In 2013, I received my diagnosis of breast cancer. After a few weeks to recover from surgery (and the shock), I returned to work and continued to work during radiation treatments. The logistical part of returning to work was the easy part for me. I was able to schedule client meetings around my treatments. I adjusted my workload to conserve energy and to heal. As the business owner (and my own employer), I developed a "return-to-work accommodation plan" that focussed on productive and healthy integration of work, life, and Self-care. My plan helped to address physical fatigue.

The emotional part of returning to work and a "return to performance" was a different story............

This was the most challenging time in my professional life. Mental and emotional fatigue held me back. When I looked deep in the mirror, I would say "I don't know that person. I don't know who I am anymore". I felt like I had lost my verve, my zest, my edge!

I immersed myself in coping strategies, group support, and intensive healing programs provided by the cancer centre. Those wonderful programs helped me significantly and continue to support my healing and personal growth.

But, there was a gap!

My challenges were beyond "typical"...

My own struggles and conversations with other business women with cancer taught me that we experience the typical challenges related to financial well-being, personal and professional relationships, and impact of work on our health at different levels and intensity than the general population. We also experience debilitating challenges and fears related to confidentiality, status, career momentum, motivation, desire, enthusiasm, confidence, and self-doubt (to name a few).

Filling the gap...

The THRIVE Plan Coaching Program was born of my desire to fill the gap that I believed affected the well-being of business women. I wanted/needed to share my personal and professional insights and refined strategies to make a positive impact on business women returning to work. With innovative solutions to their challenges and fears, business women can improve the quality and leadership of their personal and professional lives. I developed the Model of Emotional Stages and Changing Support Needs and then integrated emotional intelligence, positive psychology, and my foundation of quality principles in the workplace to create a unique program that serves the unique needs and challenges of women who would otherwise be derailed in their personal and professional lives.

My story continues...

I do not see my work, life, or Self as being defined by cancer. I do, however, acknowledge that the overall return-to-work experience provided the impetus for reinventing my work and thereby redefining my life. I reignited my passion for my work, rejuvenated my peak performance, and emerged as a very different leader in my personal and professional life. I discovered a new sense of well-being with a renewed commitment to and love for my work, my life, and my Self. My verve, zest, and edge are back! I am now focussed on self-actualization.

Much of our language and rhetoric around cancer focusses on surviving which is our key first step. Our next steps must focus on thriving.

I want us all to THRIVE and move toward self-actualization!

The THRIVE Plan coaching program is underpinned by emotional intelligence and honours the types of transition and the affects on performance.

Download your personal EQ WORKSHEET below to begin your experience for successful transition back to work and a new level of peak performance that serves your work, life, and Self.

DOWNLOAD THE EQ WORKSHEET

Your next step towards focussing on thriving and experiencing a successful transition back to work and a new level of peak performance that serves your work, life, and Self!