Meet Jagbir Kang

We were lucky to catch up with Jagbir Kang recently and have shared our conversation below.

Jagbir , thanks so much for taking the time to share your insights and lessons with us today. We’re particularly interested in hearing about how you became such a resilient person. Where do you get your resilience from?

I feel like resilience is my second name. 🙂
I draw my resilience from a combination of personal experiences, and amazingly strong support systems. Facing and overcoming challenges throughout my life, such as two cancer diagnosis, has taught me the importance of perseverance and adaptability. My family, friends, and kids have served as my meaning and purpose of my life. They have been invaluable sources of strength, providing support and encouragement especially in times when I wanted to give up. Additionally, having done two Master’s in Psychology in the past four years, I believe in the power of a positive mindset and continuous self-improvement, which helps me view obstacles as opportunities for growth. These elements together form the foundation of my resilience, enabling me to navigate life’s ups and downs with determination and hope.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

I believe in helping people heal and grow from their adversities. I teach a weekly Yoga class for free on Wednesday and customize the classes based on the needs to students. I also regularly speak at international summit for raising an awareness on domestic violence. Additionally, I work an a Marriage and Family Therapist intern at a psychiatric hospital in the San Francisco Bay Area where I run therapy groups and individual therapy. However, the most exciting thing in my life is happening in August 20, 2024! I’ll be publishing my debut book called, “Blooming Through the Cracks,” though Amazon. The e-book is available for pre-order here: https://a.co/d/0cud0RX5

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

Reflecting on my journey as a cancer survivor and now as a therapist, there are three key elements that stand out as most impactful: resilience, self-compassion, and the ability to seek and provide support to others.

First and foremost, resilience was the cornerstone of my survival and recovery. It enabled me to face each day with determination, bounce back from setbacks, and maintain hope even in the darkest times. For anyone early in their journey, I would advise focusing on keeping the hope alive.

Secondly, self-compassion played a crucial role. It allowed me to be gentle with myself during tough times, understanding that it’s okay to struggle and that I didn’t have to be perfect. This was a difficult task, but it was an important task To cultivate self-compassion, treat yourself with the same kindness and understanding you would offer a friend (this is what I often tell my patients).

Lastly, the importance of a support network cannot be overstated. I wouldn’t be here without my friends and family. They provided emotional, physical, and practical help, making my journey less isolating and more manageable. My advice here is to not be afraid to ask for help and once you’re on your path of healing, help others through their journeys.

Also a reminder that everyone’s journey is unique, and while it will have its challenges, these elements can help you navigate it with greater confidence and hope.

Before we go, any advice you can share with people who are feeling overwhelmed?

When I feel overwhelmed, I often look for ways to regain balance and perspective. One of the most important steps I took was finding a therapist who truly fits my needs. After talking to many therapists, I found someone who understands my experiences and provides me the support I need.

Additionally, I lean heavily on my support network, particularly my close friend, Willow. She’s the first person I talk to when I’m feeling overwhelmed. She’s the one who listens without judgment and provides emotional support which is incredibly grounding. For everyone, I think it’s important to identify those individuals in your life who you can turn to in times of need.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.ihealandgrow.com
• Instagram: @ihealandgrow
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCs94H0Oo-oQA3Sd29V8OK5g