“As Long As It Takes”

About 13 years ago, I found a gumball-sized lump in my left breast.  The fear was real. So were the doctor visits, the procedures, the copays, and the worry and the sleepless nights.  Like anyone who goes through something like that, I was scared but committed to getting through it. After all, it was my health. I was a single mom, and I had a 13-year-old daughter to care for and consider.  During that time, not once did I ask myself, “How long is this going to take?” Because my life deserved my full presence and unwavering commitment, and so did my daughter.  I gave it everything I had for as long as it would take. I’m pretty sure that’s what everyone does in a similar situation.   

Shortly after following the traditional course of treatment for the lump on the left, I found two smaller lumps on the right breast.  My radiologist advised that due to the size, he just wanted to watch the lumps for about three months and then do a biopsy at that time. 

“Watch them,” I chuckled, “the only thing I’m watching over the next 3 months is things growing away.”  

I smiled and added, “They won’t be there in three months. I pointed at my chest, raised one eyebrow and said, “Hypnotherapist. I’ll take care of it myself.”

As he walked away, he shot me a kind of “that’s nice, lady, whatever helps you sleep at night” look. I scheduled my followup/biopsy appointment for 3 months and left.  

Exhausted by the process I just completed, I decided to try something different for the two on the right.  At the time, I was just starting out as a Hypnotherapist, so I felt like this was the perfect opportunity to walk the talk and turn the skills I use with others on myself.  I made a conscious agreement with myself—if my mind-body connection created this condition, then my mind-body connection could uncreate it.   

The minute I left the hospital that day, I went to work. Every day, I used hypnosis and visualization to communicate with my body—to lovingly listen to these expressions and invite them to be a part of returning my body to a state of wholeness and optimal health. I brought every ounce of belief, intention, and imagination I had to the process.  I showed up for myself fully, every day, with dedication, intention, and trust. And my body responded. 

Three months later, I walked into the hospital for the follow-up/biopsy. The radiologist pulled the ultrasound machine into the room to mark the spots for the procedure. But he couldn’t find them.

He furrowed his brow and brought in a second ultrasound cart—convinced the first was malfunctioning. Still nothing. With a smile, I looked at him and said, “They’re not there.”

He shook his head in disbelief and brought in another technician to see if she could locate the lumps. Again—nothing. They were gone.

I smiled, pointed at myself, and said, “Hypnotherapist.” I winked. 

He laughed and said, “You’re going to put me out of business.”

“I should,” I replied with a stern smile.  

He shook my hand and walked out of the room. I got dressed, left the hospital with no follow-up appointment needed, and have had clear mammograms ever since.

That experience didn’t just reinforce my belief in my agency over the mind-body connection —it crystallized my commitment to the “as long as it takes” mindset. Though the timing of the follow-up appointment imposed a deadline for how quickly I could prove that I could create change, it was my unwavering commitment to the effort that made the difference.  I was all in whether it took 3 months or 3 years. Because, seriously, what was the other choice? Wait 3 months and hold the vision of these things growing and getting bigger? NOT believe in my own ability to create change? Give up after I could still feel the lumps 2 months into my effort?  

No. This was my health. This was my well-being. This was my life. This was my daughter’s life.  I would work on this with everything I had “for as long as it takes.” 

This is the same mindset I bring to my work with clients. When someone asks, “How long is this going to take?” my answer is, “As long as it takes.”  

I often add that the client’s belief in and commitment to the process is the strongest driving force in creating a desired outcome. People who are truly ready to create change understand that transformation is a process. It doesn’t come with a tidy timeline or a guaranteed outcome. Those who expect “crock pot results in microwave time” often end up disappointed—placing rigid expectations on the process, the practitioner, and themselves. When things don’t happen on their timeline, they’re left with the original problem and a layer of frustration. 

But those who approach their growth with the same level of devotion they would in healing their body - those who trust the process - who go all in, who honor every step, insight, and shift along the way—often experience the most profound changes. Not because they rushed. But because they showed up. 

With consistency. 

With courage. 

With commitment. 

So if you're struggling in any area of your life—whether you're just beginning or returning to something you’ve carried for years—I invite you to adopt an “as long as it takes” mindset. Approach your mental and emotional growth with the same level of devotion you would direct toward eradicating a cancer in your body. Because you deserve that.     

And the beautiful part? That kind of commitment often leads to deeper, faster transformation than you ever imagined. 

Looking forward to seeing where we grow.

Warmly,

Dani