In a recent podcast episode Meg had an enlightening conversation with Annabel Chown, a breast cancer survivor, architect, yoga teacher, and author. Annabel shared her journey from diagnosis to recovery, the emotional and physical challenges she faced, and how she found a new sense of purpose and direction in life. Annabel was diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of 31. She was working as an architect, leading a busy life, and was in the prime of her youth when the diagnosis came. The news was shocking and life-altering. The emotional toll was significant. She grappled with fear, self-consciousness, and body image issues. Despite these challenges, Annabel found solace in her yoga practice. It provided a sense of peace and connection to a part of herself that felt spacious and calm. She eventually became a yoga teacher, eager to share the benefits she had experienced with others. Annabel also underwent testing for the BRCA gene, a gene associated with a higher risk of breast and ovarian cancer. She tested positive, which led to further surgeries, including a mastectomy and the removal of her ovaries. This decision was made more complex by her desire to have a child. After a long journey, including IVF, Annabel and her husband were blessed with a son. She acknowledges the challenges of infertility, which affects one in six women, and the stress of modern life that can contribute to these struggles. Today, Annabel leads a quiet, balanced life. She wakes up early for her yoga and meditation practice, spends quality time with her son, and dedicates time to her writing. She has written a book about her journey, transforming her challenging experience into a beautiful piece of work. Annabel's story is a testament to resilience and the power of self-care. She has navigated her way through life-altering experiences, finding strength in her body, solace in her yoga practice, and a new sense of purpose in her writing. Her journey serves as an inspiration for others facing similar challenges, reminding us all of the importance of emotional readiness, self-care, and the power of sharing our stories. To connect with Annabel: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/annabelchown/ Website: https://www.annabelchown.com Substack: This Beating Heart: https://annabelchown.substack.com Book: Hidden: Young, Single, Cancer: https://amzn.to/3IioiBo To connect with Meg: Website: https://www.meghanthomas.com/ Atlas of the Heart Book Study: https://www.meghanthomas.com/atlas-of-the-heart Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices