Why I Wrote This Book
I never imagined that one day I would be writing a book inspired by my own journey.
I wrote it to share the lessons, practices, reflections, and insights that supported me along the way. My hope is not to tell anyone how to heal, but to offer encouragement, inspiration, and practical tools that may help others navigate their own journeys—whether they are facing illness, loss, uncertainty, or simply seeking a deeper connection with themselves.
This book is a reflection of what I have learned through both teaching and living. It is a reminder that healing is not always about curing; sometimes it is about transforming. It is about learning to live fully, love deeply, and appreciate the gift of each day we are given.
For many years, I dedicated my life to helping others heal. As a Reiki Master Teacher, I had the privilege of offering support, comfort, and guidance to countless individuals facing physical, emotional, and spiritual challenges. Starting in 2017, for more than six years, I volunteered my time providing free Reiki sessions to cancer patients and teaching them how to practice Reiki on themselves, encouraging them to become active participants in their healing journeys. In 2020 my daily practice of reciting the Reiki Principles-also shared in this book- was selected for publication in the December 2020 issue of O, The Oprah Magazine, where it was featured in the article "The Rites That Bind."
Life, as it does for all of us, presented me with challenges of my own.
In 1996, I experienced the heartbreaking loss of my first daughter and nearly lost my own life due to complications during childbirth. It was a profound loss that changed me forever and taught me how precious and fragile life truly is.
In 2009, I underwent a mandible reconstruction after being diagnosed with an ameloblastoma. Once again, I found myself facing uncertainty, fear, and the need to trust in my own strength and resilience.
In 2021, during the COVID-19 pandemic, I lost my mother. One of the most difficult parts of that experience was not being able to say goodbye to her in person.
Then, in 2025, I was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. It was another unexpected chapter in my life—one that would test me physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Yet it was also during this journey that many of the lessons shared in this book became more important than ever.
Each of these experiences brought pain, loss, uncertainty, and moments of deep reflection. But they also taught me about courage, gratitude, acceptance, and the incredible power of living in the present moment. They reminded me that while we cannot always choose what happens to us, we can choose how we meet life's challenges, one moment at a time.
If my experience can bring comfort, hope, or strength to even one person, then writing these pages have been worthwhile.
When I was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer I made a conscious decision. Instead of asking, "Why me?" I asked, "What is this here to teach me?" I wanted to understand the lesson. I wanted to discover how I could care for my body more deeply, strengthen my spirit, and grow through the experience rather than be defined by it.
As I moved through six months of chemotherapy, multiple surgeries, and countless medical appointments, I remained committed to staying present. I listened closely to my body and worked with it through love, patience, compassion, and trust rather than fear. I accepted my diagnosis as part of my life's journey—not as the end of it.
Throughout this experience, I gained a profound understanding of healing from both sides: as a practitioner and as a patient. I learned that healing involves far more than physical treatment alone. Mindset matters. Presence matters. Self-love matters. Faith matters. Nutrition, rest, emotional well-being, gratitude, and the willingness to embrace each day all play an important role.
This journey deepened my appreciation for life in ways I never could have imagined. It taught me resilience during difficult moments, gratitude during uncertain times, and the importance of finding peace in the present moment. While none of us can control every challenge we face, we can choose how we respond to those challenges.
With love and gratitude,
Corália “Cory” Rocha