From Diagnosis to Awakening: La Simms on Finding Soul in the Shadow of Cancer Today, Paula sits down with fellow podcast host La Simms, whose world was shattered by a life-altering cancer diagnosis—and who chose to rise from the wreckage with fierce determination and radical honesty. In this real and soul-stirring conversation, La opens up about the anguish, clarity, and unexpected beauty that came in the wake of her diagnosis. Together, they explore what it means to face your mortality and still choose life—not just survival, but deep, embodied living. La speaks candidly about confronting emotional wounds, the fear of being vulnerable, people pleasing and the courage it takes to receive support when you’ve been conditioned to carry everything alone. Through practices like breathwork, trauma release, reflexology, and Reiki, she discovered not just physical healing, but a path to reclaiming her soul. This episode is a testament to the human spirit—the ache of breaking down and the power of rebuilding from truth, intuition, and radical self-love. KEY TAKEAWAYS Diagnosis as Awakening: A cancer diagnosis doesn’t just threaten the body—it can dismantle old identities and force a reckoning with how deeply (or not) we are living. In that rupture, there is potential for rebirth. The Struggle to Receive: Many people find it harder to accept help than to give it. La speaks to the emotional weight of independence and how learning to receive cracked open new layers of healing. Healing Through the Body: Somatic modalities like breathwork and Reiki go beyond talk therapy. They allow the body to release pain it has carried silently for years—and reconnect us to our wholeness. The Power of Retreat: Stepping away from the noise of daily life to be in sacred, intentional space with others can ignite deep healing, reflection, and growth that isn’t possible in isolation. Joy as Medicine: Even in the midst of pain, joy matters. Dancing, laughing, creating—these aren’t just feel-good moments, but necessary acts of soul restoration.   BEST MOMENTS "For me, you know, when you get told that you were given that diagnosis and everything flashes before you. My kids can't not have a mum. That's just not okay." "I realised he wasn't divorcing me, that, no, he loves you and he was never leaving you. He was moving on with his life." "I just wouldn't have sorted my shit out. Like I wouldn't have gone there and done this healing work." "Self-care is nurturing your soul and really giving it what it needs." "I want everyone to experience the renewal of retreats and I like people to take it away with them." ABOUT THE HOST Meet Paula, the inspiring and grounded force behind a transformative Teacher Training Institute, where coaches and wellness professionals find their wings. As an entrepreneur, author, and speaker, she champions the fusion of science and spirituality. Drawing from thirty years as a Mindfulness Meditation Teacher, HR Director, Intuitive and Transformational Coach, Paula's mission is clear: to spark transformation within you. Whether you seek professional excellence or personal fulfilment, her guidance lights the path to your highest potential. Join the journey, where each moment is infused with the promise of growth and inspired living. www.smartfoundations.co.uk This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/