As my team and I are putting the finishing touches on this year’s Healing Diva Retreat, we are both super excited and a little nervous at the same time. There are so many details to think of when one hosts a retreat like this and we want to make sure that you have the BEST experience ever! 

The Importance of Support on Your Journey Cannot Be Underestimated

The fact is that support—not just professionally, but from a community that is on on the same path as you—is just as important as making key dietary changes or investing in nutritional supplements. This may sound like an outrageous statement, but it is actually backed by science.

A comprehensive 50-year-long study conducted by generations of researchers at the Human Population Laboratory found that residents of Alameda County, California who had the most (and most meaningful) social connections had the lowest risk of disease and the highest life expectancy, regardless of socioeconomic status, pre-existing health conditions, race, weight, physical activity or whether they smoking or consumed alcohol.

In addition,  a study conducted in 2006 by the University of California, San Francisco followed 3,00 nurses who had been diagnosed with breast cancer. They found that those who had 10 or more friends to support them in their cancer journey had a significantly better chance of surviving the disease than those who had no support whatsoever.

Interestingly, the researchers in this study found that having close friendships was more important for their health than having a spouse.

This is because friendships matter– a lot. True friends support you whether you have had breast cancer, are going through the cancer journey or just want to prevent breast cancer. Friends have your back, impart their wisdom when asked and, most importantly, lend a listening ear when you need it the most.

This makes sense chemically as well. When we feel like we are part of a “tribe” of loving sisters (aka divas!), we feel safe. This, of course, deactivates the “fight or flight” mode that so many of us find ourselves operating out of most of the time and “activates” the chemical and hormonal healing mechanisms of the relaxation response, a natural mechanism of well-being and healing that I have talked about in many of my blogs.

As one participant said at the conclusion of last year’s retreat, “I came to the retreat feeling depressed and terrified. I am going home calmer and knowing that we will get it sorted out and heal together.”

“This retreat was life-changing for me – it gave me HOPE and I made connections with women that will last a life-time because we “get each other”!

“When I was diagnosed with Breast Cancer, I was overwhelmed and confused about what I needed to do. The retreat helped me get clear and focused and determined to reverse this and get well! “

These divas’ feelings and stories  have stayed with me this whole year. It speaks to the power of the friendships and support that participants at each year’s retreats have shared and gained strength by. This work is very much a labor of love, but receiving positive stories like this one keeps my team and I pumped up and moving forward with our mission.

As the 2017 Healing Diva Retreat approaches…

The 3^rd Annual Healing Diva Retreat is less than 3 weeks away. The program is chock full of new insights based on the latest research and evidence-based natural medicine. Although each of The 7 Essentials will be covered, we will be spending a whole morning on Essential #4 – Heal Your Emotional Wounds. This is typically the most challenging part of the healing journey, but with the tools and techniques that I will teach, healing your heart gets a little bit easier. 

I am also so grateful that that I have the opportunity to be surrounded by like-hearted women who have displayed so much courage in spite of their challenges! If you are still on the fence about attending, there are still a few seats left. Please reach out to my team at support@breastcancerconqueror.com to  get the details. 

Dr. Veronique Desaulniers, better known as Dr. V, is the founder of The 7 Essentials System ™, a step-by-step guide that teaches you exactly how to prevent and heal Breast Cancer Naturally. To get your F.R.E.E. 7 day mini e-course, and to receive her weekly action steps and inspiring articles on the power of Natural Medicine, visit https://breastcancerco.wpengine.com/.