By Paula Michele Boyle
Life’s hardest chapters rarely give warning. They often appear on an ordinary day, when everything feels calm and steady.
I had found fulfillment in many areas of my life and was pursuing my passion for helping others do the same. As a Wellness and Spiritual Life Coach, I nurtured my mind, body and spirit while guiding clients through fear and life’s challenges. Together, we clarified their values and created plans to help them move forward with purpose and confidence. Watching them overcome obstacles and step into the lives they envisioned brought me deep joy, knowing I had played even a small part in their growth.
After more than 20 years of coaching, I authored the book Coaching Chronicles: Stories of Transformation and Success, co-authored with Dr. Kalind Bakshi. The book features personal stories written by 34 individuals who courageously shared their journeys of overcoming hardship, offering readers powerful examples of resilience, faith and strength. I did not know I would soon be living a chapter that would test my own.
I was living fully, surrounded by loving family and friends, meaningful work, music, creativity and time in nature. After being cancer-free for 30 years following Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, a chapter that included surgery, chemotherapy and radiation, I felt grateful for the life I was living. I believed that chapter of my life was behind me.
And then, in a single unexpected moment, everything changed.
I was diagnosed with both uterine cancer and lung cancer.
At that point in my life, both personally and professionally, I felt deeply fulfilled and eager to share what I had learned with others.
For years I stood as a lighthouse for others in their storms. Suddenly, I found myself searching for support, direction and encouragement.
I struggled to understand how cancer could exist in a body that had practiced such mindful, spiritual and healthy rituals.
I felt overwhelmed and uncertain about the future. There was disappointment, too, and a quiet questioning of why, despite all the inner work, I was here again.
And yet, this was my moment to walk directly through the fire.
As I write this, I am three days past surgery, a total hysterectomy to remove the uterine cancer. On the morning of surgery, I wore a beautiful white outfit as a symbol of peace and trust. It reminded me that, no matter the outcome, I could still choose strength. I chose to see this as a sacred pause and time for my body to begin the healing process.
Now, I wait for biopsy results. One major hurdle feels behind me, and more lies ahead. After I recover from this surgery, I will address treating the lung cancer.
I am not telling this story in the past tense. I am living it now, in real time.
We often think we must wait until everything is resolved before we speak about faith. But faith is most necessary when practiced in the middle of uncertainty, when we are still walking through the fire.
I am not waiting for it all to be behind me.
I am practicing gratitude as I write these words.
I choose to remain present.
I choose faith.
I choose to heal.
Our actions create a ripple effect. The love, wisdom and courage we share today become a legacy for those who follow. Be present with your family and friends; your attention and love will be remembered.
I do not know exactly what the road ahead will look like, but I do know this:
I am supported.
I am deeply loved.
I am strong.
And I am still here.
In life, there are things we can control and things we cannot. I choose to focus on what is within my power and surrender the rest to the natural flow of life.
As a Master Coach, I often remind others that strength is not something we wait to feel. It is something we practice, one small choice at a time.
If you find yourself facing the unthinkable, consider these questions:
• How can I show a little courage, love or faith today?
• What strengths can I lean on right now?
• What are three things I am grateful for in this moment?
• What is one action I can take today that reflects courage, love or faith?
• What small moment of joy can I hold onto?
Allow these questions to meet you where you are and guide you back to your strength, courage and heart.
Even in the hardest moments, especially when you are walking through the fire, you have the power to choose love, to choose faith and to take the next brave step in your story.
You are stronger than you feel.
And even in the fire, you are never walking alone. ••
Paula Michele Boyle lives in Fox Chase.
To learn more about her work and coaching programs, visit www.lifecoachphilly.com.
Here is the link to check out Coaching Chronicles: Stories of Transformation and Success:
