This episode is Part 1 of a 2-part Interview with John Azzolina.

What happens when your entire world changes in an instant? John Azzolina, my stepfather and one of the most influential people in my life, received a terminal liver cancer diagnosis at age 50 despite feeling completely healthy. The disconnect between feeling fine while facing mortality creates what John calls a "mindfuck" – perhaps the only word that accurately captures such a surreal experience.

John's journey began with routine bloodwork showing slightly elevated liver enzymes, quickly escalating to emergency surgery for a tumor growing from his liver toward his heart. His story unfolds with raw honesty as he describes losing 44 pounds during a five-week hospital stay, undergoing treatments that initially showed promise before the cancer adapted, and navigating the complex emotions of knowing his condition is terminal while still feeling physically well.

Beyond the medical details, this conversation reveals profound insights about human resilience. John discusses how his childhood, athletic background, and previous experience losing his father to cancer shaped his approach to his diagnosis. With remarkable candor, he shares how his extensive support network – his partner of 15 years, lifelong friends dating back to kindergarten, and extended family – provide the strength to face each day. Most touching is John's determination to "prove everyone wrong" by surviving beyond his prognosis, even if just by a day.

This deeply moving episode captures not just a cancer journey, but a powerful testament to facing life's greatest challenges with dignity, humor, and love. Whether you've been touched by cancer or simply want to understand how to embrace life more fully, John's perspective will transform how you think about time, relationships, and what truly matters. Listen to part one of this special two-part conversation, and join us next week Tuesday as we continue exploring John's remarkable story.

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If you are interested in one-on-one coaching, email us at:
sagecoachingsolutions@gmail.com

**Legal Disclaimer**
The Sage Solutions Podcast and content posted by David Sage is presented solely for general informational, educational, and entertainment purposes. No coaching client relationship is formed by listening to this podcast. No Legal, Medical or Financial advice is being given. The use of information on this podcast or materials linked from this podcast or website is at the user's own risk. It is not intended as a substitute for the advice, diagnosis, or treatment of a psychotherapist, physician, professional coach, Lawyer or other qualified professional. Users should not disregard or delay in obtaining medical advice for any medical or mental health condition they may have and should seek the assistance of their healthcare professionals for any such conditions. The opinions of guests are their own and may not necessarily reflect the opinions of the podcast.

What if everything you thought you knew about self-care was incomplete? In this eye-opening conversation, David and Anna Sage challenge conventional wisdom about what it means to truly take care of yourself in a world obsessed with hustle culture and Instagram-worthy self-care rituals.

The siblings explore how authentic self-care transcends bubble baths and expensive spa treatments. It's not about what looks good to others—it's about what genuinely restores you. "Self-care is about what feels restorative to you and what helps you restore the areas of your life that are feeling a little bit dry," Anna explains, offering a refreshingly practical perspective that cuts through the commercialized noise.

Together, they navigate the complex territory between selfishness, selflessness, and where meaningful self-care fits into this spectrum. Through their engaging conversation, they introduce a powerful metaphor: "Rather than being a candle that consumes itself to light the way for others, be a lighter that can be refueled." This sustainable approach to caring for yourself allows you to continue showing up fully for others without burning out.

The discussion takes unexpected turns as they differentiate between restorative self-care and momentary self-indulgence, challenging listeners to consider how their actions affect not just their present selves but their future selves too. They reveal how science backs the importance of consistent self-care practices, with research showing significant reductions in stress, anxiety, and depression among those who prioritize small, regular acts of self-replenishment.

Whether you've dismissed self-care as too feminine, too indulgent, or too time-consuming, this episode offers practical wisdom for integrating moments of genuine restoration into your daily life. Identify what truly fills your cup—then make it a non-negotiable priority. Your well-being isn't just a luxury; it's the foundation upon which everything else in your life is built. Subscribe now and share this episode with someone who needs permission to prioritize their own restoration.

We would love to hear your feedback! Click here to tell us what you think.

https://sagesolutions.buzzsprout.com

If you are interested in one-on-one coaching, email us at:
sagecoachingsolutions@gmail.com

**Legal Disclaimer**
The Sage Solutions Podcast and content posted by David Sage is presented solely for general informational, educational, and entertainment purposes. No coaching client relationship is formed by listening to this podcast. No Legal, Medical or Financial advice is being given. The use of information on this podcast or materials linked from this podcast or website is at the user's own risk. It is not intended as a substitute for the advice, diagnosis, or treatment of a psychotherapist, physician, professional coach, Lawyer or other qualified professional. Users should not disregard or delay in obtaining medical advice for any medical or mental health condition they may have and should seek the assistance of their healthcare professionals for any such conditions. The opinions of guests are their own and may not necessarily reflect the opinions of the podcast.

Fear striking right as you're about to send that important email? That lunch invitation sitting in your drafts for days? You're not alone. We all avoid things that make us uncomfortable, but what if that avoidance is precisely what's keeping you from the life you truly want?

Join David and Hannah Sage as they dive deep into the psychology of avoidance – that sneaky habit of sidestepping discomfort, anxiety, or fear. Drawing from the groundbreaking work of Dr. Luana Marques, Harvard Medical School professor and anxiety expert, this episode reveals the paradoxical truth: the more we avoid what makes us anxious, the bigger that anxiety grows.

The science is fascinating but also empowering. Your brain creates a feedback loop where momentary relief from avoiding something reinforces both the anxiety and the avoidance itself. But there's a way out. Through Dr. Marques' three-step Bold Move framework – Detect, Disrupt, and Reframe to take action – you'll learn how to recognize your avoidance patterns, challenge unhelpful thoughts, and take meaningful steps toward what matters most to you.

We share practical techniques like the 5-Second Rule for immediate action, the 2-Minute Rule for quick tasks, and the powerful perspective shift of reframing physical sensations of nervousness as excitement (they're physiologically identical!). Most importantly, you'll discover that courage isn't about eliminating fear but about feeling it and moving forward anyway.

Whether you're avoiding career advancement, difficult conversations, or personal challenges, this episode offers science-backed strategies to break free from the avoidance cycle and start living boldly. As Dr. Marques wisely says, "Be the water, not the rock." Subscribe now and share this episode with someone who needs to hear this message – together, we can turn avoidance into action.

We would love to hear your feedback! Click here to tell us what you think.

https://sagesolutions.buzzsprout.com

If you are interested in one-on-one coaching, email us at:
sagecoachingsolutions@gmail.com

**Legal Disclaimer**
The Sage Solutions Podcast and content posted by David Sage is presented solely for general informational, educational, and entertainment purposes. No coaching client relationship is formed by listening to this podcast. No Legal, Medical or Financial advice is being given. The use of information on this podcast or materials linked from this podcast or website is at the user's own risk. It is not intended as a substitute for the advice, diagnosis, or treatment of a psychotherapist, physician, professional coach, Lawyer or other qualified professional. Users should not disregard or delay in obtaining medical advice for any medical or mental health condition they may have and should seek the assistance of their healthcare professionals for any such conditions. The opinions of guests are their own and may not necessarily reflect the opinions of the podcast.