There are moments in life that stop you cold — the ones you didn’t schedule, didn’t plan for, and definitely didn’t see coming. The kinds of moments that crack you open and force you to see yourself, your life, and your inner voice through an entirely different lens.

In today’s episode, I’m joined by USA Today bestselling author Cara Lockwood, whose newest book, There’s No Good Book for This (But I Wrote One Anyway), brings humor and raw honesty to the chapter of her life that changed everything: her breast cancer journey.

But our conversation goes far beyond illness. This episode is about mindset, self-talk, and the negative playlist so many women carry without even realizing it. It’s about what happens when life throws a curveball big enough to make you finally hear that inner soundtrack — and the turning point that comes when you decide to rewrite it.

Cara and I dive into reframing old narratives, challenging the stories we’ve absorbed over the years, why asking for help is actually a strength, and what it means to take back control of the pen as you write your next chapter.

Whether you’re currently navigating a heavy season or simply feeling stretched thin, this conversation is your reminder that you are stronger than you think… and you deserve the same grace you so freely give to everyone else.

Rewrite Your Inner Soundtrack (Free Guide): https://fullyinformedlifecoaching.myflodesk.com/hitplayonjoy

Cara Lockwood: Website: https://nogoodbookforthis.com/ Instagram: @cara.the.author | @cara_lockwood

Instagram: @fullyinformedlifecoaching @thenextchapther

Follow my writing + life’s curveball journey on Substack: https://substack.com/@thenextchapther

Explore coaching and resources: https://fullyinformedlife.com

The past few weeks have been full of “full-circle” moments for me — from hosting my very first Next ChaptHER Connect event, Courage & Caramels, to speaking at a Pink Babka Bake in front of the most incredible group of women. Both experiences reminded me what this community is truly about: connection, conversation, and choosing happiness even when life feels sticky.

In this heartfelt episode, I share the reflections, mindset shifts, and stories from both events, including what I’ve learned throughout my seven-month breast cancer journey about how to stay grounded, use humor and gratitude to heal, and reach for those rose-colored glasses even when they’re foggy.

If you’re walking through something hard or just trying to find your footing again, this episode is for you. You’ll hear how small mindset shifts, community, and a willingness to laugh (even in the hospital gown moments) can help you rediscover your strength and your joy.

• The real story behind Courage & Caramels and what inspired it

• How humor and gratitude became my healing tools

• Why “being strong” doesn’t mean pretending everything’s fine

• How to keep your brain “online” when life feels chaotic

• The power of faith, friendship, and letting yourself be seen

• How to ask for — and receive — help without guilt

• Why misery and happiness are both choices

• The role the community plays in helping us find joy again

“Even when life gets sticky, there’s always sweetness if you’re willing to look for it.”

If today’s episode resonated with you, please take a moment to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with another woman who might need this reminder. You can also connect with me on Instagram @fullyinformedlifecoaching or @thenextchapther and visit www.fullyinformedlife.com to learn more about working together and finding your roadmap back to J.O.Y. — The Journey of You.

It’s been a season of slowing down and healing after my reconstruction surgery on October 6th, and at my recent follow-up, my doctors said the words “you’re healing beautifully.” Those words instantly lifted my spirits and reminded me how much happiness comes from choosing to notice the good, even in the messy middle.

So this week, I’m replaying one of my very first and most joyful conversations — my chat with Samantha Kestin, the creative heart behind Sweet Samantha. Samantha lives by her grandfather’s advice: “When you love what you do, you never work a day in your life.” In this episode, we talk about what it really means to find happiness, create sweetness, and keep following the road back to joy.

It feels extra special to revisit this one because Samantha is joining me today for my first live Next ChaptHER Connect event — Courage & Caramels: Finding Happiness Even When Life Feels Sticky.

Together we explore: 💗 What happiness looks like when life doesn’t go as planned 🍬 How creativity and kindness can shift your mindset 💫 The courage it takes to choose joy — one sweet step at a time

Website: www.sweet-samantha.com Instagram: @sweetsamcakes

If you’re ready to start writing your next chapter, visit www.fullyinformedlife.com to schedule your complimentary discovery session. Follow on Instagram → @fullyinformedlifecoaching and @thenextchapther

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