Stop Letting Challenges Define You — Life Lesson Quotes — Zulma Williams | Ep 132

23/08/2025 26 min

Listen "Stop Letting Challenges Define You — Life Lesson Quotes — Zulma Williams | Ep 132"

Episode Synopsis

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 WilliamsWebsite: https://dragonflytherapyservices.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theswearingtherapist/If Relatable Wisdom speaks to you—if a quote shared makes you pause, smile, or see things differently—consider subscribing so you never miss an episode. And if you have a minute, leaving a review helps more people discover these everyday voices and the wisdom they carry. Your support means the world.Every episode has more to it than what you hear. Join the Relatable Wisdom newsletter to get thoughtful reflections, behind-the-scenes extras, and personal notes that don’t make it into the show. It’s a calm space to stay inspired between listens.Sign up here: https://relatablewisdom.com/joinIf the quotes and stories you hear here offer you comfort, clarity, or connection, you can help support the podcast by buying me a coffee. Every small contribution helps keep these everyday voices and shared wisdom going strong.Support the show: https://buymeacoffee.com/wisdomhqWant to be a guest on Relatable Wisdom? Send Wisdom Okonkwo a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/relatablewisdomChapters00:00 Cancer and Career Crossroads00:56 Welcome and Guest Introduction01:28 Zulma’s Background in Therapy01:43 Her Favorite Quote and Its Origins02:45 Exploring the Mantra’s Meaning03:09 Cancer’s Impact on Her Dream04:12 Navigating Recovery and Determination06:07 Focusing on Strengths, Not Lacks07:10 Zulma’s Story of Immigration08:01 Taking Risks and Avoiding Regrets08:52 Overcoming Age and Language Barriers10:16 The Power of Living in the Now11:35 Action Over Overthinking12:38 Non-Choices Are Choices Too13:44 Taking Control of Your Future14:32 Building a New Path in Parallel16:11 The Value of Pursuing Dreams17:52 Learning from Setbacks18:16 The Brain’s Fear of the Unknown19:03 Unhappiness vs. the Unknown20:29 The Reality of Starting Small22:18 Comparing Yourself to the Right Example22:48 Growth Takes Time and Consistency24:12 Zulma’s Background in Accounting25:45 Where to Find Zulma Online26:01 Closing and Final Reflections

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