Facing a brain cancer diagnosis changed everything. This deeply personal account of my glioblastoma journey reveals how I've navigated fear, found resilience, and chosen to live fully despite cancer's uncertainty. If you're facing your own wave of challenge, these insights might help you find your path forward.
So much can happen between “once upon a time” and “the end.”
We think the journey of impact should feel light. That doing meaningful work in the world should feel good all the time. That purpose should never feel heavy.
But what happens when it does?
We all chase milestones—goalposts that mean we’re moving forward, doing something that matters. But even when you’re walking your purpose, sometimes life throws something unexpected your way.
This past Friday was one of those days. I had just finished my gym routine and come home. It should’ve been a normal day. But then, out of nowhere, my hand went heavy. Just… not mine. A second later, the same thing happened to my foot. It felt like it weighed 8,000 pounds.
And then the feeling disappeared. This is my first and only symptoms I’ve had almost four years into this Glioblastoma journey.
That was the first wave of fear.
But the second wave? That one hurt worse.
It was shame.
Shame that after all the work I’ve done—on healing, on mindset, on this mission—I somehow felt like I had let everyone down. Especially myself. I’ve tried so hard to be the strong one. The hopeful one. The one who’s “got it together.”
And the truth is—I am strong.
But I’m also human.
Personal Perspective
I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again: I hate the phrase “F cancer.” But man… cancer really is an asshole. And maybe, just maybe, I’ve been too polite to it. Maybe I’ve held myself to old expectations I’ve long outgrown.
That wave of fear? It doesn’t get to define me.
Not today.
Because my son graduates this Friday. That’s a milestone I’ve fought nearly four years to witness. And I’m seeing now—thanks to a wise friend—that while his chapter is closing, it’s time for me to open a new one.
My story’s not over.
And I’m done pretending like every moment needs to be easy.
I’m done sugarcoating the hard stuff.
Because I know I’m not the only one who feels this.
And if being honest helps even one person realize they’re not alone—
then that wave didn’t win.
It carried us forward. Together.
Power-Up Challenge
This week, allow yourself to feel what’s real.
Don’t rush to explain it away or package it with a bow.
Ask yourself:
“What am I carrying that I need to finally set down?”
Write it. Say it. Share it. Or simply sit with it.
And when you’re ready—take a step forward.
Let the wave carry you somewhere new.
Final Note
We’re not here to perform strength.
We’re here to live.
I choose the healed version of me—even on the hard days.
Even when it’s messy. Especially then.
Because the life we’re building is too precious to waste in pretending.
Let’s carry this forward. Together.
With HOPE,
Jason
💙Power-Up
Moving Forward with Hope
This journey with brain cancer continues to teach me that hope isn't just a wish—it's a strategy. Through being Hyper-Aware, Open-Hearted, Persistent, and Empowering myself and others, I've found a way to live fully even when the wave hits.
If you're navigating your own storm, remember: you're not broken, you're just waking up. And you're allowed to choose life anyway.
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