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Smoothing the Rough Edges - A review of 'I'm a Thriver' stones

Thriver Stone by ThriverGo.com
Product Review by Ginger Johnson

A gem cannot be polished without friction,

nor man perfected without trial. 

~Chinese Proverb

When I was first contacted by Go Thriver Go! to do a product review, I wasn't exactly sure what I'd be able to say about their product. After all, it's a rock.  But that was Day One and a lot has changed since.

Let's skip forward a week. I had been invited to attend a women's conference and the theme for the event was 'Choose to Become.' This particular day marked the end of a somewhat frustrating week for me and as the speaker began to share her story of trials and triumph, she sang a song that touched my heart. In essence, she sang:

When the winds of life begin to blow and the skies become dark, remember that it's the storm - NOT YOU- that is bound to blow away.

After the conference I found myself thinking about the stone I received and thoughts began forming in my mind about the process this stone had to go through to become so smooth and polished. Perhaps, at one time, this stone may have been part of a mountain top and through beating winds and severe rains had been torn from its original location and fallen down eventually landing in a river. Maybe it had jagged edges and a rough surface when it first hit the water, but now it was smooth because of the transition it had gone through. A transition it didn't bring upon itself. One that took it away from it's original location and one that altered how it looked.

Can anyone else relate???

Yet, like this rock, we can remain solid even after the mighty storms and whirlwinds beat upon us because of our determination to not just survive, but to thrive despite the challenges. 

Gabby Jung, the creator of the 'I'm a Thriver!' stone, chose to use natural river stones because they are natural and free flowing, yet solid and sturdy. She said of her own diagnosis with breast cancer: 

"I had my share of breakdowns. There were many times when I felt like giving up. But after being knocked down enough, I decided I would not let cancer define me. I am not a victim or just a survivor. I am a thriver. Being a thriver is much more than your physical condition on any given day. It's a declaration of who you are, no matter what challenge you face."

I now look at the 'I'm a Thriver' stone in a very different way. Just as our experiences with cancer are now etched into our lives, the words 'I'm a Thriver!' are etched into the stone, never to be worn away.  Interestingly enough, the word 'river' always stands out to me when I see the word 'thriver', as if to remind me of the process of transition that helped create it.

We can choose to thrive. We can choose to be steadfast when the storms come and this stone will remind me that although there has been lots of transitions in my life, I am a better person because some of my rough edges have been made smooth due to my experiences with cancer.

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To purchase an 'I'm a Thriver!' stone for yourself or a loved one please visit the ThriverGo website.

For additional information, please contact Gabby Jung, Co-Founder of Go Thriver Go! at info@thrivergo.com

Please PUSH Me Around!!!

Ginger Johnson, Happy Chemo! Founder

I've never been much of a push over. I tend to get things done when push comes to shove and have also been known to push my way through crowds. But when I was given the opportunity to experience Push muscle therapy, I was not prepared to like being Pushed around. Let me explain...

Judy Smith of Footloose Reflexology and Muscle Therapies recently joined the Happy Chemo! Network and as a new partner asked that I come experience her services first hand so I'd know exactly what other people could expect. When she said to come for a Push therapy session, I was very interested. Not only because I had heard from friends that she was amazing - but that she can also work wonders on your body. Oh yes, it gets better...


I've had headaches and upper back/neck pain since high school when I was a cheerleader. It's never gone away and I was told by one physician after an x-ray of my spine that my hips were off by 5 cm which was causing all the problems. I had learned to deal with the pain although my body pain intensified with chemo and since chemo I've continued to feel tight all over - especially when I wake up in the morning. I feel like I'm 90!


On Friday I went in for a two hour session of Push muscle therapy and well, let me tell you, my body hasn't felt this good in years!!! Years people. Do you hear me...years!


So what did she do to make me feel so great? She pushed me around. 


Judy is trained in Push Muscle Therapy which is a specialized muscle treatment that primarily addresses chronic or acute pain originating from muscle, tendon or soft ligaments. Push Therapy is not massage and you are completely clothed during your session. Using simple motions Push lengthens the muscle at its resting state and increases blood flow basically telling your muscles to let go of the tension.


You should know that this isn't a 'lay on the table and relax' experience. There was some discomfort involved. As Judy would work my muscles, they'd scream at me and resist the change. But Judy was receptive to that and told me to always let her know what I was feeling.


That's another thing about this experience...I was educated. Before she began, Judy showed me in a mirror how my muscle tension was affecting my posture. My right shoulder was about 2 inches higher than my left - I was seriously crooked! And when I looked at myself from the side view, even though I was trying to stand completely straight, my body was leaning forward so much that with a little touch Judy was able to push me forward. I was completely out of alignment and I didn't know it!


Judy worked my muscles and educated me throughout the entire session. When she was finished I couldn't believe how much better I felt. I left the session feeling 2 inches taller, no neck, back or hip pain and I slept like a baby Friday night. (Did I mention I've been dealing with insomnia too?) Then Saturday morning when I woke up, I couldn't believe it. My body felt incredible. I sat straight up - which usually I have to roll over. I almost jumped out of bed and went to tell my family how great my body felt and still feels. 


I'm officially a lover of being pushed around! I can't wait to get pushed around some more and try the other services Judy offers: Reflexology, Reiki, lymphatic massage, foot detox and more. 


Just so you know...Push muscle therapy may be able to eliminate the causes of pain from the following conditions: carpal tunnel, headaches, TMJ, leg or knee pain, plantar fasciitis, shoulder issues, low back ache, or hip discomfort.


I feel it would be 100% worth it to schedule an appointment and see what Footloose Reflexology and Muscle Therapies can do for you!!! I've never felt so good. 


Call Judy Smith (801) 529-8777 and tell her Happy Chemo! sent you. You'll get a 10% discount and an experience that may change your life.