Veronica Villanueva

Veronica Villanueva discovered her “why” after being diagnosed with stage IV cancer in 2016. She knows she is alive today to share grace, blessings, and the lessons that cancer has taught her.

For Veronica, cancer was the best thing that ever happened to her. She believes that everything that happened in the process after her diagnosis paved the way to her new life of fulfillment. Her “incurable” disease gave her the gift of knowing herself, loving herself, and sharing herself with others in a profound way.

Through her work as a trained Cordon Bleu chef and certified health coach, Veronica aims to inspire others to embrace a holistic lifestyle built on a commitment to growth, eating healthy foods, taking the time to create memorable moments, and of course, fostering loving relationships.

I’m so excited for you to connect with Veronica, check out work and her new book, and follow along as she continues to help others learn to grow from the pain in their lives, and live her message, The Grace of Cancer!

I'd love it if you'd introduce yourself, what you do, and what you're working on.

Hello everyone, I am Veronica Villanueva, your badass belief coach! I am a published author of an Amazon Bestseller, The Grace of Cancer: Lessons in Humility and Greatness. I wrote my book after I healed myself from stage 4 incurable metastatic cancer, and believe that I am meant to help people in their healing journey: healing from cancer to recognizing that their unhappiness is contributing to not living a fulfilled life. To help people discover their “why” and live a purposeful life where they are BEing their best version.

How did you get started?

Cancer was the best thing that ever happened to me because it revealed my next purpose in life. After healing from such a mean and devastating disease, it becomes a responsibility and a privilege to help others heal their wounds and/or diseases.

What inspired the work that you're doing?

Once you know the secret, the formula for being healthy inside and out, it is hard to keep it to yourself - especially knowing the consequences! I want to show others the way out from getting a disease in their body and/or creating a dis-ease in other areas of their life.

What is your biggest passion? Do you feel like you're living your passion and purpose?

Living a healthy, enlightened, empowered and joyful life is my passion. By BEing all of this, it allows me to help others toward their own healing path.

What is your joy blueprint? What lights you up, brings you joy, and makes you feel the most alive?

I am most alive when I take the time to bathe in the words of wisdom from one of the great philosophers, like Marcus Aurelius.

Sacred moments and conversations touch my heart, and I get super excited to engage in moments where I’m simply being present and enjoying the exchange of wisdom and experiences. I love love that

How do you live intentionally? Are there tools/resources/practices that you rely on to help you stay mindful and grounded?

When I was first diagnosed with cancer, my doctors told me that I only had six months to live and that there was no cure for my type of cancer. At that moment, I fired my five doctors. I don’t know where that strength came from, but I believed so much in myself that I was willing to fight cancer on my own rather than risk surrounding myself with people who don’t believe in me. Since then, I have “fired” anyone or anything in my life that doesn’t contribute to my positive mind or belief in myself.

I need solitude - a lot of it! - to feel replenished so that I can then give/share even more of myself.

I need to journal to celebrate my dreams, my thoughts, but at the same time download/detox the negativity and fearful thoughts that manage to sneak into my mind.

What would your younger self think about what you're doing now?

My younger self would see this “enlightened” person as a woman who became more ALIVE after being given a death sentence! The old V would celebrate the new transformed V, because she is the person she is meant to be.

Do you have a go-to mantra or affirmation?

Yes, absolutely! In fact, it’s stenciled on my wall. “Respirez...tout ira bien… BELIEVE.” This is my go-to mantra in moments of uncertainties. It’s in French, and translates to “Breathe.. Everything will be fine...BELIEVE!”

What is your biggest dream?

To be ALIVE! There’s 2 meanings attached to being ALIVE. One, I am alive despite 5 doctors telling me I had 6 months to live. That didn’t happen so I am thankful for being alive.

Secondly, I am living a life where I feel so ALIVE more than ever! I feel so free, not imprisoned by mind nor the need to please everyone.

To learn more about Veronica visit her website veronicavillanueva.com and on Instagram @badassbeliefcoach and on Facebook @badasslifecoach

Joy Corner is an interview-style blog series brought to you by Seek The Joy Podcast. Our mission continues to be a desire to share your stories, truths, joys and inspiration in your words. We invite you to join our corner, and share your joys, passions, and moments of inspiration as we continue to seek the joy, together. Join this series here

Veronica Villanueva - Author, The Grace of Cancer