This story began because I was dying to live. It ends with having learned how.
Hi all,
Thank you, from the bottom of my heart, to anyone who has ordered - or is considering ordering - this book. The fact that you would spend your time reading my words means more to me than I can express.
When I was first diagnosed with cancer, I made a quiet promise to myself: that I would not let it take everything from me. That instead, I would transform that pain into purpose - into something hopeful, meaningful, and full of light.
This book is the result of that promise. It has been a true labour of love, written with honesty, vulnerability, and an unwavering belief that even the most challenging seasons can shape us in extraordinary ways.
If these pages bring you comfort, strength, or even a small shift in perspective, then it has been worth every late night, early morning, and heartfelt moment poured into this book. I hope the lessons within change your life just as they have transformed mine.
With immense gratitude,
Shell x
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Wise beyond her years, Shell Rowe's life took an abrupt turn when, aged 20, instead of being able to follow her dream and continue her film studies in America, she discovered a lump on her throat that turned out to be Stage 4 non-Hodgkin lymphoma. She was given a slim chance of survival.
Three diagnoses later, facing extreme challenges and hardship each time, yet always managing to win the battle, Shell shares the life lessons she learned along the way.
From realising that life doesn't always work out the way you planned but may turn out even better, to making your own luck, giving yourself time, being brave as the jump is worse than the fall, embracing the chaos and realising that growing old is a privilege, this is an uplifting and humorous guide to making the most of whatever life throws at you.
The lessons are intended to help you defy the odds and transform the adversities you may face, whether that's losing a loved one, facing a diagnosis, receiving a rejection from University, not getting the job you want or struggling in a relationship.
It is a testament of hope and a confirmation that we all possess the power within us to shape our own reality, despite the hardships we each face.
