Show Notes
What happens when life forces you to stop?
In this episode of the Positive Habits Podcast, Kat is joined by wellness industry expert Clair Davidson, who shares the extraordinary story of being unexpectedly diagnosed with stage 3 ovarian cancer and the mindset that helped her navigate treatment and come out the other side with a very different perspective on life.
Clair had spent more than 30 years working in the wellness, spa and hospitality industry. But like so many of us, while she was busy looking after, supporting and helping other people, her own health often came further down the list.
After going to hospital with pain she initially thought could be appendicitis, doctors discovered a large mass on her ovary. Clair was later diagnosed with stage 3b ovarian cancer and went on to complete 18 rounds of chemotherapy.
Rather than focusing only on what she couldn't control, Clair made a conscious decision to focus on what she could. She used breathwork, movement, music, humour and the support of an incredible community around her to help her through treatment - even reframing her chemotherapy sessions as her own "spa therapy treatments."
Kat and Clair talk openly about the role mindset played in Clair's personal experience, while recognising that everyone's experience of cancer and serious illness is different. But this conversation goes far beyond cancer.
It's about how easy it is to ignore the signals our bodies are giving us. To say I'll deal with it tomorrow. To look after everyone else before ourselves. And to wait until something happens before we finally make our own health a priority.
In this episode, Kat and Clair discuss: Why she chose to focus on what she could control The role of mindset, breathwork, music and movement during her treatment How a 60-person WhatsApp group helped her feel supported throughout her journey Why community matters during difficult times The danger of constantly putting your own health to one side Why people working in wellness can still struggle to prioritise their own wellbeing How demanding jobs, travel and shift patterns can make healthy habits difficult to maintain Learning to listen to your body before it forces you to stop
We shouldn't have to wait until we lose our health to start valuing it. A gentle note: This episode includes discussion of ovarian cancer, chemotherapy and women's health. Clair is sharing her personal experience rather than medical advice. If you're worried about symptoms or changes in your body, please speak to an appropriate healthcare professional.
About Guest
Clair Davidson is a Global Strategic Business Consultant who helps brands, luxury hospitality, hotel groups, owners, spa and wellness businesses unlock opportunities, accelerate growth and build meaningful partnerships through commercial strategy, business development and genuine human connection.
Connect with Clair https://www.linkedin.com/in/clair-davidson-92760313/ Macmillian https://www.macmillan.org.uk/cancer-information-and-support/worried-about-cancer
About Kat, Human Performance Expert
I help organisations build future-ready, high-performing teams equipped with the skills, habits and behaviours to perform in a rapidly changing world. www.katthorne.com
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