What interests you? Have you taken the time to ask yourself that question lately? Are you striving each day to be ever better? With podcasts you can explore your interests on your own schedule anywhere you happen to be. If you have an iPhone, iPad or other Apple device, take a few minutes to browse iTunes. If you have another type of phone or an e-reader, I suggest starting with Stitcher but there are other podcast apps available for phones and devices of all types. 

Stitcher describes its services in this way: "Stream the latest in news, sports, talk, and entertainment radio anywhere, on demand. Stitcher is the easiest way to discover the best of over 40,000+ radio shows, live radio stations and podcasts."

I enjoy meeting new people and learning about their life experiences. I seek out challenges each day and practice continuous learning. So when the radiologist called to report that my breast biopsy revealed cancer, I approached it as the most important research project of my life.

I dove into networking, something I enjoy in my daily personal and professional life. But this time I was not driven by a business, career, or a social purpose; I needed to learn more about what my diagnosis meant for me and my family over the next few critical months and for years to come.   

Tara Sophia Mohr is a writer, coach and personal growth teacher. Her poem, Dream Road, beautifully illustrates the courage and persistence we tap into and the freedom we experience while on the road to our dreams. 

Over a year ago, I began writing Ever Better: Five Sources for Personal Growth, Happiness, and Confidence to share ideas and resources for staying positive, optimistic and forward-thinking. I had completed my outline, planned out my project and was on track to finish my eBook within twelve weeks. But then…I was diagnosed with breast cancer.  

Since 1 in 8 women in the U.S. develop invasive breast cancer over the course of a lifetime, you have probably experienced cancer yourself, had a mammogram “scare”, or provided support to a relative or close friend. Through hundreds of conversations with doctors and other breast cancer warriors (my preferred term over “breast cancer survivor”), I’ve found that each person’s journey is unique. But when faced with a personal treatment crossroads or period of uncertainty, it’s comforting and helpful to know the decisions others have made and what they have experienced. 

Here is a snapshot of my breast cancer and Ever Better journey…