Summary: There is nothing more encouraging as a trauma survivor than to meet people who have made the decision to take back what could have been a lost. They are the type of people that exude a certain strength, love, and kindness -- personality traits that inspire us to reach for those things ourselves. It can give us a sense of hope, and we may find ourselves saying “if he/she can do it, then so can I!” If you look around many of these people exist; when they share their stories and missions we can learn so much! My guest on today’s show, Ruth Bachman, is exactly THAT kind of person. A nationally respected writer, author, educator, cancer advocate and inspirational speaker, Ruth contributes her time, her resources and her talents, bringing a timeless message to diverse audiences, about the one constant in life — change. An upcoming speaker at the National Women’s Surivors Convention, listen in as Ruth shares how she has triumphed over adversity and is using it to change the lives of countless survivors. In our conversation we covered: how to make the tough choices during and after trauma how trauma causes profound change how to empower yourself to make difficult choices how to define and access resilience 3 questions to ask yourself to begin moving through loss defining courage how to change your perspective Whew! We covered so many action-oriented ways to deal with trauma and move forward I can't list them all. Dive in and listen for yourself.... About my guest: Ruth Bachman - A Minnesota native, Ruth has served as a kindergarten teacher, children’s choir director, aerobics instructor, international travel guide and volunteer coordinator. Ruth has been speaking to the public for over 25 years which has included work with the Guthrie Theater in Minneapolis. However, it was her 2003 encounter with a life-changing cancer diagnosis that lead Ruth to her current role – that of an advocate for integrative care for cancer survivors and a role model for managing change whole-heartedly; with resilience, courage, and grace. Before 2003, Ruth was a left-handed woman, wife and mother, in apparent good health. She ate reasonably well, was physically active, had annual checkups, practiced yoga and meditation, attended church regularly, volunteered in the community and even read to 4 year olds weekly! It has been said that “expecting bad things not to happen to you just because you are good is like expecting the bull not to charge just because you are a vegetarian!” Ruth serves as Chair of the Community Advisory Board of the Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, and conducts workshops on behalf of the Center for Spirituality & Healing, University of Minnesota. She is a spokesperson for the Rein in Sarcoma Red Flags of Sarcoma Campaign, a member of the Minnesota Cancer Alliance Steering Committee, a contributor to the MN Cancer Alliance Cancer Support Network, and a speaking ambassador for Community Health Charities Minnesota and the Angel Foundation. Ruth had the privilege of participating in the Above & Beyond Cancer pilgrimage to Nepal in 2012. Out of a deep sense of gratitude, Ruth donates all proceeds from GROWING THROUGH THE NARROW SPOTS to support cancer education, advocacy and research. For more information about Ruth and The Hourglass Fund Project, go to www.ruthbachman.com. For more information about GROWING THROUGH THE NARROW SPOTS and Ruth’s author appearance schedule, please contact Sheila Waldman at TRISTAN Publishing, 866-545-1383 or swaldman@tristanpublishing.com
