Meet Lily Liggins

 

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Lily Liggins. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Lily, 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 draw my resilience from being a raised by immigrant parents who exemplified hard work and determination for as long as I can remember. Watching them put in relentless effort day in and day out to give us a home, meet every need and put my siblings and I through university has shown me the true meaning of perseverance. Their unwavering commitment to creating a better life for our family instilled in me the importance of not giving up, no matter how tough the circumstances may get. Their example serves as my greatest inspiration, reminding me that resilience is built through dedication, a deep love for your family, and the courage to face challenges head-on.

Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?

I am a 38-year-old Latina born and raised in California. My journey has taken me across the United States, providing mental health services to diverse populations and advocating for mental health awareness within the Latinx community in California, Iowa, Colorado and Arizona. After having my son four years ago, I took a break from my career to embrace the joys of being a stay-at-home mom. Just as I was preparing to return to my private practice, life took an unexpected turn when I was diagnosed with ovarian cancer last year, which forced me to postpone my plans. Now, a year post-chemotherapy and in good health—while being closely monitored—I am filled with excitement and determination to restart my practice. I look forward to continuing my work in supporting mental health and empowering others in the community where I hope to inspire resilience and balance in every aspect of life!

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

Throughout my journey as an ovarian cancer survivor and therapist, three qualities have been particularly impactful in my journey to healing my body, mind and spirit. These are optimism, integrative health, and resilience.

Maintaining a positive mindset has been crucial in overcoming challenges because it shaped my perceptions of what I was dealing with and influenced my ability to more easily tap into resilience. Most of all I think it allowed me to transform whatever obstacle I was facing, whether it was chemo, or trying to be a wife and a parent while dealing with a devastating diagnosis, into opportunities of growth and learning.

Embracing integrative health practices has helped me take back control of my whole person well-being, while resilience has empowered me to rise above setbacks of having to delay my professional plans, or having to deal with a chronic disease.

For those who are just starting their professional journeys or have recently been diagnosed with cancer, my advice is to be very mindful of who you surround yourself with. Protect your energy and be intentional about the information you consume—what you listen to, read, and hear can significantly influence your mental health. Surround yourself with positivity and support, and remember that your mindset plays a powerful role in your healing journey.

How would you spend the next decade if you somehow knew that it was your last?

Living a full life after cancer can feel incredibly daunting and overwhelming, as the fear of recurrence often leaves one feeling paralyzed and uncertain about moving forward. It’s a constant struggle to navigate the in-between—wondering whether it’s wise to fully embrace life again or hold back in fear. My biggest challenge now is finding the courage to thrive and be present in each moment, rather than allowing the shadows of cancer to dictate my life. I’m learning to embrace the beauty of living fully, recognizing that while fear may linger, it doesn’t have to define my journey. It’s about reclaiming my narrative and choosing to focus on the possibilities ahead, rather than the uncertainties behind me.

Contact Info:

Image Credits

Professional Photo with me in an office: Gabriel Conover

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