Finding sunshine in the storm with Sarah Arvizu

Thrive Like a Mother Podcast

Sarah Arvizu's world changed forever when she received a diagnosis of stage three triple negative breast cancer at the beginning of the year. As a single mother of two daughters aged 11 and 7, she faced an unimaginable challenge. Yet during our conversation, her approach to this monumental life hurdle revealed something extraordinary about human resilience.

"This was the one thing that I wasn't gonna hide," Sarah shared, explaining how previous life struggles had taught her the cost of shouldering burdens alone. The decision to be transparent about her cancer journey created an unexpected ripple effect as others began sharing their own hidden struggles. "When you start sharing, it's amazing because so many other people start sharing with you either things that they'd been through or that their family members had been through."

Sarah's "sunshine moments" philosophy predated her diagnosis, a practice she developed through her podcast "Creating Sunshine." Each month, she documents experiences worth celebrating and posts them on her refrigerator as visual reminders of joy. This intentional practice of documenting gratitude evolved into actively creating experiences she wanted to remember – like taking her daughters to watch the sunset at the beach.

What struck me most was how Sarah emphasized the importance of developing wellbeing practices before crisis strikes. The journaling, meditation, and breathwork she already practiced became essential tools during treatment. "These tools are maintenance for you and your life," she advised, "and that way, when the hard shit does happen, you're going to be okay because you already have them." For those already in challenging seasons without such practices, she recommends starting small – even ten deep breaths each morning can transform your day.

Cancer has clarified priorities, teaching Sarah to be intentional with her time and relationships. She's learned to say "yes" more readily to what matters, follow through on promises, and reach out proactively rather than waiting for support. Despite everything, her relationship with her daughters has strengthened as they focus on what truly matters rather than "all the stuff that doesn't matter anymore."

Ready to find more sunshine in your own life? Follow Sarah on Instagram @Sarah_Arvizu, listen to the Creating Sunshine podcast, and download her free Sunshine Moments guide through her email list.

Thank you so much for listening in! If anything in this episode resonated with you, it would mean the world to me if you left a review or shared it with a friend or on social media.
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Sending you light and love always!

Chapters

1. Introduction to Sarah Arvizu (00:00:00)

2. Facing a Cancer Diagnosis (00:02:56)

3. Opening Up and Letting Others In (00:05:28)

4. Creating Sunshine Moments (00:09:41)

5. Small Practices for Better Wellbeing (00:15:00)

6. Living Intentionally After Diagnosis (00:18:27)

7. Final Thoughts and Where to Connect (00:21:37)