Blog Archives
Rise and Thrive Above Cancer Journal
Rise and Thrive Journal is a six-week guided workbook designed to help individuals, particularly those facing or recovering from cancer, reconnect with themselves, set meaningful goals, and make small, daily strides toward a more fulfilling life. Created by a physician who is also a cancer survivor, this journal blends physical, emotional, and spiritual self-care through daily writing prompts, reflections, and mindful practices. It invites the reader to engage fully in life by cultivating gratitude, awareness, and intentional change, all while keeping things deeply personal and uniquely flexible.
I found the tone of this journal to be unexpectedly warm and human. It’s not just a tool, it feels like a companion. The author’s voice is kind, encouraging, and real. The writing avoids being clinical, despite the author’s medical background, and instead leans into something much softer and wiser. What moved me most was the clear sense that this journal was born out of lived experience, not theory. The balance between structure and freedom is also spot on. There’s enough guidance to keep you moving forward, but not so much that it feels like homework. The space to be honest without judgment felt like a breath of fresh air.
The structure, while helpful, can begin to feel repetitive, especially for someone not going through a major health crisis. That said, the consistency might be exactly what someone in a fragile place needs. The real magic of this book is how it slowly builds self-awareness and confidence through tiny, manageable actions. It encourages you to dream a little bigger while also celebrating the smallest wins. And it never once talks down to you.
Rise and Thrive Journal is a beautiful resource for anyone craving more intentionality and self-compassion in their life. It’s especially suited for those navigating cancer or recovery, but I’d recommend it to anyone feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or just a bit disconnected. This isn’t about fixing yourself, it’s about finding yourself again, gently and one day at a time.
Pages: 162 | ISBN : 3982611172
Rise and Thrive Above Cancer
Dr. Achim Zinggrebe’s Rise and Thrive Above Cancer is more than a guidebook—it’s a deeply personal invitation to shift the way we think about illness, especially cancer. Drawing from his experience as both a physician and a patient, Zinggrebe shares his physical and emotional journey through diagnosis, treatment, and ultimately, transformation. The book combines practical tools—like breathing techniques, meditation, and nutrition advice—with reflections on self-love, mindset, and meaning. At its core, it’s about reclaiming agency and embracing the messy, powerful journey back to life.
Reading this book, I felt like I was sitting across from someone who’d already walked the path and was now gently turning back to say, “You’ve got this, and here’s how I did it.” There’s no condescension, no preaching. Just raw honesty and hard-earned hope. I was especially moved by Zinggrebe’s vulnerability in describing his fear, guilt, and eventual acceptance of his illness. His writing is plain and direct, sometimes even chatty, and that makes the emotional impact sneak up on you.
What stood out most to me wasn’t the medical information—though that was helpful—but the emotional permission he gives readers to feel their grief, their anger, and still choose to act. There’s power in the way he blends science with spirit, medicine with meaning. I did find some parts a bit repetitive or overly earnest, but that also made it feel authentic, like it came straight from the heart, not an editor’s checklist. His emphasis on building “inner armor” felt especially empowering—it’s practical without being prescriptive, compassionate without coddling.
Personally, I found the chapter “Vitamins, minerals and more” incredibly reassuring. When you’re dealing with something as overwhelming as cancer, it’s easy to feel powerless but this section gave me something concrete I could do. I liked how Dr. Zinggrebe broke things down. I especially appreciated the honesty; he didn’t pretend supplements are miracle workers, but he also didn’t shrug them off. It made me feel more in control, like I could actually do something to care for myself instead of just waiting around for treatments to do their thing.
I’d recommend this book to anyone navigating a cancer diagnosis, whether they’re newly diagnosed, in treatment, or recovering. It’s also a meaningful read for caregivers, healthcare professionals, or anyone wrestling with fear and wanting to reconnect with a sense of purpose. If you want to feel seen, heard, and gently nudged toward healing, this one’s for you.
Pages: 364 | ASIN : B0F3XZH549
Your Come-Back Plan
Unlikely Gifts Unwrapped is your honest and darkly funny memoir about rebuilding your identity and sanity, after surviving Stage IIIc breast cancer. Why was this an important book for you to write?
Four months after finishing treatment, my husband, Rene, and I visited his family for the first time in over two years. We bear-hugged his sister and her family when they picked us up curbside at the airport, then as we drove away, a beloved family member innocently but flippantly said, “Well at least now you can put cancer behind you.”
I was initially stunned but quickly became enraged as imaginary daggers poked at my skin.
No one understands that cancer doesn’t end just because treatment is over, I thought. It came close to killing me, and the shock of the experience is still on my mind all the time. I’m so tired of people assuming I can easily unplug from cancer because I survived treatment and am still alive. I fumed internally and remained quiet for the rest of the trip.
During a conversation back home with Rene over breakfast a few weeks later, I was reminded of that innocent, hurtful exchange in the car. My blood pressure spiked as I told him how the words made me feel, then excused myself and ran downstairs to my office computer to vent.
I typed CANCER IS NEVER INVITED AND CANCER NEVER LEAVES. The words sounded crabby yet true, and I felt relief.
In that moment I realized the most effective way to process and ultimately heal—emotionally and physically—from cancer was to write my way back out of the depths of its obsessive grips.
What advice would you give to someone newly facing the “after” of trauma?
Approach your come-back plan the same way you would map out a strategy to recover from a physical ailment such as a head cold or a broken wrist or knee surgery. Embrace the often-overlooked reality that your brain is part of your body, and it similarly benefits from opportunities to rest, recuperate, and reset. Since recuperating and resetting from a traumatic experience might be more achievable if you are guided by a counselor or behavioral health professional specifically trained to help those impacted by cancer, consider that approach as well.
One of the strategies I applied to address my post-cancer trauma was to chart a new course. I turned 50 during treatment, so I viewed life after cancer as a symbolic opportunity to launch the second half of my life with a new attitude, a fresh head of hair, and a determination to gauge success by level of impact, not by financial gains.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
One of my staunchest principles is to only offer advice or input if asked. Many friends and colleagues thought they were being helpful during treatment by telling me what I should do to survive cancer. I understood and appreciated their intentions, but most times they made me feel like a weak, pathetic failure because my emotions were amplified and I was drowning with anxiety. My goal with Unlikely Gifts Unwrapped was to encourage anyone who communicates with a cancer patient/survivor or caregiver to exude empathy and compassion by being an attentive listener, not a well-intentioned but babbling talker who may or may not have any idea what cancer feels like.
There is no one-size-fits-all answer or cure when it comes to cancer, although our healthcare system often seems like it was designed to function that way.
What do you wish more caregivers or medical professionals understood about post- treatment survivors?
Most caregivers and medical professionals understand that we survivors are human beings, not medical commodities. However, our healthcare system barely acknowledges, and most of the time does not have the bandwidth or financial capability to address post-treatment trauma. Unfortunately, fear of recurrence, anxiety, distress, and depression often begins, continues, or escalates after active cancer treatment is completed.
Science-backed research continues to affirm that survivors are likely to have more positive long-term outcomes if the resulting psychological trauma from their cancer experiences—which in some cases continues for the rest of their lives—is acknowledged and addressed.
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Website | Amazon
How is one supposed to feel besides exhausted? Grateful? Rational?
What does routine even mean anymore?
“Unlikely Gifts Unwrapped” is the long-anticipated sequel to “The Unlikely Gift of Breast Cancer,” named one of the best breast cancer books of all time by BookAuthority.
Award-winning author Diane M. Simard presents an unapologetic dive into the aftereffects of her experience with Stage IIIc breast cancer, including the struggles she encountered as she attempted to rebuild her identity. Moments of triumph, tragedy, transformation, and humor are recounted with inspirational hope and raw, no-holds-barred interpretation. Through her defining memoir writing style, Diane covers everything post-cancer, ranging from why she now despises ginger to her first cavity in third grade to lymphedema to Nebraska football. There’s even a story about cockroaches.
Toward the end of her five months of chemotherapy, Diane became so frustrated with the lack of focus paid to the psychological and emotional impacts of her cancer experience that she founded a psychosocial oncology specialty at the University of Denver to train future licensed clinical psychologists how to work with those impacted by cancer. She continues to advocate for educational opportunities and resources to assist in addressing the trauma that often accompanies such a distressing diagnosis. Since the intersection of mental health and cancer is a focal point in her narrative, several mental health therapists provide their perspectives on why the effects of cancer-related trauma—including anxiety, stress, and depression—are so challenging.
The account of Diane’s quest to find herself again and re-define her life after cancer is filled with intense grace, resilience, wisdom, and a powerful zeal to embrace a purpose-driven existence. Her authentic voice is witty and relatable, reminiscent of a chat with a cherished friend.
Peace, Comfort, and Joy
I Will Dance Across The Morning Sky is a moving collection of poems that invites readers into a world of introspection, longing, and raw emotion. Why was this an important book for you to write?
I wanted to write something to give comfort to those who have lost family members, friends, and pets.
The art in this book is beautiful and perfectly complements the poetry. What was the art collaboration process like with the illustrator Sudipita Dasgupta?
I prayed for the right illustrator and looked for several weeks before finding a children’s book cover created by Sudipita. His style was exactly what I wanted and immediately knew it was just what the book needed.
Studipita in India and I in the states, went back and forth via messenger and email discussing what to put on each page.
Every page is an individual work of art that gives vision to the words.
What was the most challenging part of writing this collection of poetry and what was the most rewarding?
As with every writer the challenge in poetry is to keep it short, use the right words in the right order, and create flow
Rewarding? To see how many lives have been touched with I Will Dance Across the Morning Sky
What do you hope is one thing readers take away from your poetry?
Moments of peace, comfort, and joy
Author Links: GoodReads | X | Facebook Heartstring Productions | Facebook Author Page | Website | LinkedIn | Book Review
There comes a time in everyone’s life that a close friend, relative or pet passes to the other side. Children and adults are in need of comfort. This book was created to inspire and raise the spirit of all who read it. Great imagery for children as well as adults. Where do we go? What do we do? Oh, imagine the fun we will have! As you read let your imagination soar!
I Will Dance Across the Morning Sky is a perfect keepsake gift to treasure to celebrate a life well lived, for those who have lost loved ones, friends, and their pet babies.
I Will Dance Across the Morning Sky
I Will Dance Across the Morning Sky is a moving collection of poems that invites readers into a world of introspection, longing, and raw emotion. The book’s essence lies in its exploration of human connection, loss, and the quest for meaning in moments of despair. Each poem in this book weaves together imagery and sentiment in a way that feels both deeply personal and universally relatable, creating a tapestry of experiences that resonate with the soul.
Simplicity masks complexity here. The language, deceptively straightforward, acts as a vessel for profound emotion. A simple line can explode with meaning. Take, for example, the image of “a heart dancing across broken glass.” It’s a vivid portrayal of pain mingling with hope, resilience intertwined with fragility. This line alone haunts us, refusing to leave our thoughts, much like the struggles we all face. The poems tackle heavy subjects such as grief and loneliness, yet they do so with a sincerity that feels unforced, making the experience refreshingly authentic.
Connection, or its painful absence, sits at the core of this book. A particular poem lingers in the mind, depicting two people sitting together in silence, yet a chasm exists between them. That stark portrayal of isolation, even in company, strikes a nerve. It’s not just about what’s written; it’s about what isn’t. The spaces, the silences, resonate as loudly as the words themselves. The themes are beautifully rendered, and the exploration of love and loss treads familiar ground. It is worth noting that there were times I yearned for a twist or a fresh perspective. The steady tone and consistent themes offer exactly the kind of solace some readers seek, a stable anchor in a turbulent world.
I Will Dance Across The Morning Sky leaves its mark. It’s a collection that reaches out to those of all ages who need a voice in the silence, a companion in their pain. For anyone grappling with life’s hardships, or simply searching for a piece of writing that speaks to the heart, this book offers solace. It’s easy to consume, but its impact lingers, making it not just a collection of poems, but an experience to be felt deeply.
Pages: 42 | ASIN : B08RTYMPG3
The Seal of Confession
A Burning in the Darkness follows Father Michael serving at an airport when he becomes the prime suspect in a heinous crime. What was the inspiration to the setup to this thrilling suspense novel?
Essentially it was the opening set up/dilemma. An anonymous voice in a darkened confessional confesses a murder to Father Michael Kieh. Circumstance and evidence points to the Michael’s guilt but he remains faithful to the Seal of Confession and doesn’t betray the identity of a young witness. Michael’s dilemma is between remaining true to his ideals or saving himself from a long prison sentence.
Father Michael Kieh is an intriguing and dynamic character. What were the driving ideals behind the characters development throughout the story?
In relation to Michael, I often asked myself: Is it possible to be so good that it becomes self-destructive? Is it possible to have the same degree of love and imaginative sympathy for the entire human race as one’s family and not be overwhelmed? Even asking the question seems exhausting and tiresome but the answer is self-evident. You would be overwhelmed to the point of physical and psychological destruction. Yet Michael comes close to this form of destruction.
Michael’s childhood was forged in the horrors of the Liberian civil war, but he chose a life dedicated to the Good. Michael has the moral freedom and strength to be different to his environment. He was a child witness and was protected from harm so he knows the importance of the strong protecting the weak. But we all need a little selfishness to survive. And Michael certainly has a smattering of selfishness because he is not afraid to assert his need for love as a strong-willed lover. But the reader roots for Michael because he refuses to betray his higher ideals. I wanted the novel to justify Michael’s faith in the ideals of putting the needs of others who cannot protect themselves before your own needs. It’s easy to talk the talk on this, but entirely different to walk the walk when you have to make a big sacrifice.
I wanted to write a page-turner novel, but the action explores a deep morality without, I hope, being preachy and self-justifying. It’s also important to me that whether you’re a diehard atheist or fervent believer that you will be engaged by Michael’s character, dilemma and beliefs.
When you first sat down to write this story, did you know where you were going, or did the twists come as you were writing?
I wrote a 5 or 6 page outline which I tinkered around with for a year or so, not sure if it was working as a story. This gave me the main plot and character points. It was more like what they call in the movie/TV business ‘a treatment’. I’m a film school graduate, so it was part of my training. I spoke to a close friend of mine about the story and he encouraged me to write it. (By the way, I work as a cinematographer on TV drama.)
I find a problem in well written novels in that I always want there to be another book. Are you writing another book? If so, when will it be available?
Your kind and positive response makes me want to write another. Most of my time and effort has been spent getting A Burning in the Darkness published. Michael’s story is complete so there’s no room to revisit it. I am working on an outline for another novel. Actually, mostly researching it at this point.
A Burning in the Darkness took me a good 7 years to write. That’s too long! I’d also like to write a novella in the meantime. Maybe 80 to 100 pages. I’d like to be able to do it in about 6 months, but I’m a slow writer.
Sadly I lost my wife to breast cancer 18 months ago. I have three amazing teenage children who are the best thing about my life, but being a single dad and working to keep them fed and housed takes up a lot of time. But that’s my primary responsibility. Nevertheless, my kids are also a powerful source of moral strength and determination. And somehow writers always find the time to write.
Author Website
A murder at one of the world’s busiest airports opens this simmering crime story where a good man’s loyalty is tested to its limits. Michael Kieh is a full time faith representative serving the needs of some of the 80 million passengers, but circumstance and evidence point to his guilt. His struggle to prove his innocence leads him on a charged journey that pitches love against revenge.
Michael’s loneliness was eased by a series of brief encounters with a soul mate. When she confides a dark secret, he is motivated to redress a heart-breaking injustice. Together they must battle against powerful forces as they edge dangerously close to unmasking a past crime. But Michael faces defeat when he chooses to protect a young witness, leaving him a burning spirit in the darkness.
Michael’s commitment to helping those in need was forged in the brutality of the Liberian civil war. Protected by a kind guardian, he too was a young witness to an atrocity that has left a haunting legacy of stolen justice and a lingering need for revenge. More poignantly there is a first love cruelly left behind in Africa because of the impossible choices of war. When Michael and his former lover find each other once again they become formidable allies in proving his innocence and rediscovering their lost love.
LITERARY TITAN 