In this episode of Relatable Wisdom, I sit down with Zulma Williams—a licensed clinical social worker, immigrant from Argentina, and cancer survivor—who shares the powerful mantra she crafted for herself: “I had cancer. Cancer didn’t have me.” Zulma’s journey is truly inspiring. Diagnosed with breast cancer just weeks after earning her bachelor’s degree, she faced an uncertain future. Yet, Zulma’s refusal to let her diagnosis define her led her to pursue her master’s at age 50 and eventually build her own thriving therapy practice. Throughout our conversation, Zulma dives into the deeper meaning behind her quote, encouraging us all to see life’s challenges as parts of our stories, not the whole book. She reminds us that taking risks and pursuing our dreams—regardless of age, setbacks, or circumstances—can lead to transformation and meaning. Listeners will find actionable wisdom on embracing courage, making choices, and breaking through limiting beliefs. Zulma’s story is a beautiful call to own your power and rewrite your narrative, no matter where you start.

Connect with Zulma Williams

Website: https://dragonflytherapyservices.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theswearingtherapist/

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Chapters

00:00 Cancer and Career Crossroads
00:56 Welcome and Guest Introduction
01:28 Zulma’s Background in Therapy
01:43 Her Favorite Quote and Its Origins
02:45 Exploring the Mantra’s Meaning
03:09 Cancer’s Impact on Her Dream
04:12 Navigating Recovery and Determination
06:07 Focusing on Strengths, Not Lacks
07:10 Zulma’s Story of Immigration
08:01 Taking Risks and Avoiding Regrets
08:52 Overcoming Age and Language Barriers
10:16 The Power of Living in the Now
11:35 Action Over Overthinking
12:38 Non-Choices Are Choices Too
13:44 Taking Control of Your Future
14:32 Building a New Path in Parallel
16:11 The Value of Pursuing Dreams
17:52 Learning from Setbacks
18:16 The Brain’s Fear of the Unknown
19:03 Unhappiness vs. the Unknown
20:29 The Reality of Starting Small
22:18 Comparing Yourself to the Right Example
22:48 Growth Takes Time and Consistency
24:12 Zulma’s Background in Accounting
25:45 Where to Find Zulma Online
26:01 Closing and Final Reflections