Bravely Facing Breast Cancer

Looking back at interviews before having breast cancer, she noticed she was preoccupied with getting old or sick. She wondered if perhaps her own fears and thoughts created her world. So when she was diagnosed with cancer she was determined to create a new world for herself and others facing the disease. Olivia became passionate about keeping a positive attitude and creating a personal inner peace.

Her music evolved into her albums "Gaia" and "Grace and Gratitude, she partnered with a line of breast health products called "Olivia", she founded Gaia Retreat & Spa in Australia and collaborated with self-help guru Deepak Chopra on his new DVD "The Seven Spiritual Laws of Healing."

"I wake up in the morning and give thanks for everything even before I open my eyes. I lie there for a few minutes and think about how fortunate I am to live another day," Olivia says. "You can only create peace from within. It's not where you are; it's who you are within yourself that creates peace."

It wasn't Western medicine where Olivia found hope, but in talking with a cancer survivor. It made a difference in her outlook. She created an outlook on life at that time she still views today and shares with others.

Olivia's Tips:
Find everything you can about your illness. Talk to doctors, talk to survivors, read. It is very important to find someone who has had the same experience to guide you along your journey and be a confidante.

Stop worrying and stay positive. Be careful of what you think, your thoughts create your world. Women normally put their families, children, friends, and careers first; but when you have to fight cancer, don't feel guilty about putting yourself first.

Draw upon your inner strength. Many times you don't know how much inner strength you have until faced with something like this. Be serene from the inside out. Create an inner peace with simple daily routines. Meditate and exercise or walk. Keep yourself grounded.

Find a creative way to vent and heal. Music was the outlet for Olivia. The 1994 album, "Gaia" was her response to her breast cancer. She explores healing with her most recent release, "Grace and Gratitude". Pick up a pen and keep a journal. Take to painting.

Turn your personal experience into a way to help others. As you turned to another for help, let others turn to you. Olivia promotes a breast self-exam kit and dietary supplements specifically targeting breast health. Be sure to check her out on Deepak Chopra's new DVD.