A Wake-up Call for Wellness đŸŒ±terminal cancer journey and holistic wellness approach

Discover how a personal battle with terminal cancer led to a holistic approach for sustainable wellness, blending core health principles with practical solutions beyond trends.

Waking up in a hospital bed, expecting a simple surgery, only to be told I had advanced cancer—it hit me like a ton of bricks. I had thought it was just a minor hiccup, but my reality was much more serious—cancer that had spread further than anyone had guessed. It was a shock that changed everything for me.

From that moment on, life became a whirlwind: chemotherapy, getting married, and adopting three beautiful children. Beating stage-four cancer was an incredible victory, but it wasn’t the end of my health challenges. I faced an endless stream of issues—an immune system that couldn’t keep up, chronic pain, mental fog
 you name it. Every day felt like another hurdle.

Bonnie at 21, sitting in a treatment chair, receiving chemotherapy as part of her cancer journey, a pivotal moment in her path to holistic wellness.

At 21, receiving chemotherapy—just one step in my journey.

As time went on, we discovered that our children had unique needs that came with some serious challenges. The stress was intense—not just from managing behaviors but also from feeling the weight of judgment from others, even in places where I’d hoped for more understanding. My body began to show signs of wear again, not from cancer this time, but from the weight of stress. Fatigue, aches, and chronic pain started creeping back into my life, and I knew I had to find something to help.

Post-cancer, and now faced with this new challenge, I found myself trying everything: fad diets, “magic drinks,” and an endless parade of therapies and remedies. Despite all of it, the fatigue, aches, and pain just wouldn’t let up. It felt like I was running in place.

“True wellness isn’t about chasing trends—it’s about nourishing your body from the inside out and supporting your cells.”

A turning point came when a close friend shared a perspective on health that made sense. She explained that health isn’t about jumping on every new trend; it’s about strengthening our bodies from the inside out. What clicked for me was the understanding that nourishing our cells properly fuels everything—from immune strength to daily energy.

“Mastering the basics—feeding my body essential nutrients and supporting my cells’ functions—was the missing piece for lasting wellness.”

That’s when I realized that building a solid foundation for real, lasting wellness wasn’t about chasing flashy solutions. I started focusing on key nutrients like omega-3s, leafy greens, and high-quality protein sources, and filled in any gaps with well-chosen supplements.

The results were remarkable: eczema and allergies cleared, joint pain improved, and I began to lose weight naturally. As my energy returned, I started to feel like myself again—more capable and better equipped to handle both the physical and emotional challenges of daily life. With this renewed vitality, I even started running long distances—something I’d never imagined before.

For those of us juggling the demands of raising kids with special needs, it’s easy to put our health on the back burner. But what I’ve learned is that taking care of ourselves makes a world of difference—for us and for them.

  • Nourish from the Inside Out: Focus on nutrient-dense foods and supplements that support your cells. Healthy cells fuel a healthy body.
  • Listen to Your Body: Pay attention to subtle signs like fatigue or digestive issues. Even cracked fingernails can signal deeper health concerns.
  • Stick to Simple Practices: Wellness is built from the ground up with hydration, rest, and balanced nutrition. Skip the fads and focus on what works.
  • Build for the Long Haul: Wellness isn’t about quick fixes or a pill for every ill. It’s about simple habits that build lasting health.

These simple steps have helped me turn things around, but there’s still more to cover when it comes to staying healthy.

In my next blog, I’ll take a closer look at supplements—do we really need them? But for now, how are you simplifying your own health journey? I’d love to know what’s been working for you!

If you’re looking for a supportive space to learn more about nutrition, wellness, and holistic living, I’d love to invite you to join a community of like-minded women where we share, learn, and grow together in faith and health. Whether you’re juggling unique family needs or just seeking encouragement on your wellness path, this is a place to connect and be uplifted.

Signature - Bonnie Smit

Bonnie Smit

I'm Bonnie

I'm so glad you're here! As a special needs mom, I know how easy it is to put our wellness on the backburner while pouring into our families. My journey has shown me that simple, sustainable wellness choices can make a world of difference - especially for moms who've been through those intense seasons of caregiving.

Now, I'm passionate about sharing real-life wellness tips to help us stay strong and thrive. If you're looking for a faith-filled space created for moms like us, I'd love for you to join my wellness community - a place for encouragement, support, and true connection with those who understand.

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