Meditation became my saving grace

Back in 2021, life threw me a curveball – a breast cancer diagnosis when I was 31 weeks pregnant. It flipped my world upside down, making every day feel like a rollercoaster of treatments and emotional chaos. But guess what became my saving grace? Meditation.

Facing the challenges of cancer and becoming a new mum, I found solace in meditation. It became my safe haven amid all the craziness. Breathing in, breathing out – it brought me resilience, peace, and perhaps most importantly, an ability to live in the present moment.

Meditation helped me manage my fears

Meditation helped me view life differently and appreciate each moment, but it helped me in other ways too. I have always had a huge phobia of needles and medical procedures and it helped me to manage my fears. I used my meditation techniques to keep me calm prior to and during any procedures which I found difficult to cope with.

Cancer became a catalyst

The cancer journey was tough, no doubt. But it also became the catalyst for my big transformation. Once my treatment was complete I wanted to share the magic of meditation with others. So, I decided to make some positive changes to my life and retrain as a meditation teacher. I had been training in Massage and Facial therapies on and off for a few years and I had a vision about how I could tie the relaxation therapies together with meditation.

Fast forward to July 2023 and Maple Garden Skincare, Meditation & Wellbeing was born. Tucked away in my garden room, it's the perfect spot for people to unwind. Massages, facials, ear candling – you name it, we’ve got it. It’s where self-care meets zen vibes.

But it’s not just about pampering bodies; it's about nourishing our souls. In my meditation sessions, whether with a group or one-on-one, I talk openly about what got me through tough times. I guide others on finding inner peace, mindfulness, and dealing with life's curveballs using their newfound skills.

I help others find their inner power

Every treatment and meditation session at Maple Garden is wrapped in empathy, stemming from my own struggles. Clients not only leave with glowing skin and relaxed bodies but also armed with tools to tackle life's curveballs. In the cozy sanctuary of Maple Garden, amidst the revitalising aroma of oils and calming vibes, I continue to help others find balance, peace, and their inner power. Meditation for me is the bridge which connects my past struggles to my present triumphs. Every day when I work at Maple Garden, it reminds me of the toughness and the power within us to cope when difficult times come.

My journey from cancer to becoming a small business owner is proof that even the most difficult times can bring some of the best changes to your life. My story is a reminder that tough times don’t define us. Looking back over the past two years, I see not just the hard parts but also the victories and the growth. My life has changed in many ways, and I hope my journey shows resilience, celebrates change, and inspires many others.

Andrea was diagnosed in Oct 2021 with triple negative breast cancer. Her treatment consisted of two surgeries, chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Aside from her work she spends most of her spare time caring for her two year old son, Freddie, alongside her partner Dan. She makes time for herself whenever possible and enjoys exercise and catching up with her friends.

Instagram account: @AndreaMc_Wellbeing Website: Maplegardenwellbeing.co.uk

Andrea will be running an online meditation course during April 2024 which you can sign up for at www.mission-remission.com/act