FIX Your Mindset (From a Cancer Patient)
Episode 5
This week on our podcast, we're excited to dive into a topic that is both personal and universal: mindset. In this episode, titled "FIX Your Mindset (from a cancer patient)," we explore how our perspectives on life, health, and happiness have shifted dramatically, particularly after a life-altering experience with cancer. This is our FIRST EVER VIDEO PODCAST! Exciting times.
The Journey to Our Mindset
When we decided to sell our house, live in a van, and keep our kids at 'home' rather than sending them to preschool, it wasn't an impulsive decision. It was a series of events and realizations that led us to this lifestyle. From Malin's battle with cancer to our love for camping and being outdoors, every step has been a lesson in mental health and mindfulness.
We kick off the discussion by reflecting on how cancer and its gruelling treatments fundamentally changed our outlook on life. It's not just about surviving cancer, but living and making the most of life. Moving into a van and traveling became a way to escape the cancer-soaked walls of our old house and embrace a new sense of freedom.
Breaking Free from Norms
Malin adds to the conversation by highlighting how societal norms often dictate the paths we take in life, even when those paths don’t bring us true happiness. Many people go through motions—getting new jobs, upgrading phones, moving into bigger houses—without pausing to consider if these things actually lead to fulfillment. Our mindset shifted to prioritize experiences over material possessions, which led us to sell our terrace house and embrace van life.
This perspective is something we are passionate about sharing through our podcast. We want to inspire others to question their routines and see if they align with their true desires and mental health needs. We hope our journey can help others rethink what it means to live a life of purpose and joy, without waiting for a life-threatening event to make that change.
Raising Kids Outside the Box
One particularly controversial topic we discuss is our decision to keep our kids out of preschool. Many argue that children need the socialisation and structure of formal education from an early age. However, we've found that the best stimulation comes from spending time with family and exploring the world together. This isn't about rejecting education but about redefining what education means in the context of a holistic, mindful lifestyle.
The Mental Health Benefits
Throughout the episode, we repeatedly touch on the mental health benefits of our lifestyle choices. Living in a van and being closer to nature has had immense positive effects on our mental well-being. We talk about how crucial it is to break from societal norms and focus on mental health, personal happiness, and a fulfilling lifestyle.
Seeing the benefits of our choices has reaffirmed our belief that society’s conventional path isn’t the only way to live a happy, healthy life. While our way may seem extreme to some, we hope to inspire others to find their unique path to happiness, whether that involves a major lifestyle shift like ours or smaller, more personal changes in daily routines.
Come on, wrap it up then
To wrap up, we encourage everyone to take a step back and analyse their own lives. Are you happy with your current lifestyle? What changes can you make to improve your mental health and overall happiness? Our podcast is here to show you that it’s okay to step outside of conventional norms to find what truly makes you happy.
So here we are, recording this episode from our cosy campervan, Sunny, parked on the east coast of Sweden. It's a far cry from the life we once knew, but it’s a beautiful journey we wouldn’t trade for anything. Tune in to our podcast to hear the full story and hopefully, find a bit of inspiration to start your own journey toward a happier mindset and healthier mental state.
Thank you for joining us on this episode of 'Life on a Stick.' Let's continue to challenge norms, prioritise our mental health, and live life to the fullest—together. Don’t forget to follow us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or YouTube, and leave us a review to help us grow our community of mindful, inspired listeners. Until next week, take care!