Ep. 20 - The Potential of Self-Awareness with Rick Czaplewski

Send us Fan MailIn this candid and empowering episode of Investment of Self, host Kathy Washburn welcomes Rick Czaplewski, a 27-year cancer survivor and author of "Better Dirty Than Done," for an intimate conversation that traverses the rugged terrain of struggle, survival, and self-discovery. Rick delves into his collegiate cancer diagnosis, the secrecy that shrouded his early battle with Hodgkin's disease, and his arduous path through treatment that led him to drop out of college.Rick's narrative is not just one of endurance; it is an exploration of connection, of finding solace in shared stories, and of the transformative impact of expressing vulnerability in the face of overwhelming adversity. Listeners are invited into Rick's world—the disconnection during treatment, the revelations that stemmed from his physical and emotional challenges, and the profound lessons cancer imprinted upon his life.Through laughter and reminiscence, Rick and Kathy touch upon the significance of emotional storytelling within the cancer community, the comfort in knowing one is not alone, and the powerful acknowledgment that comes when embracing the entirety of one's journey.In this episode, Kathy and Rick discuss:Overcoming Secrecy and ShameRecurrence and ResilienceThe Catalyst for "Better Dirty Than DoneSelf-Image and Body AcceptanceTimestamps:[00:00] Excited to discuss book about self-awareness.[04:22] Endured cancer treatment alone, didn't tell anyone.[08:48] Young person feels out of place, matures.[13:38] Struggling to share, emotional reaction, impactful silence.[17:23] Realization of the body's deserving better treatment.[21:32] Chemo side effects and smoking environment distress.[22:17] Refusing to join chaos, remaining designated driver.[28:21] Cancer treatment caused drastic weight changes.[32:01] Recovery, self-compassion, and reconnecting with future self.[36:14] Healthy habits can prevent long-term health problems.[39:17] Book written for son, emotional stories shared.[42:42] A hard leap with positive outcome, friend's revelation.[46:54] Close bond with counselor during and after chemo.[49:4]4 Story shows power of being seen, transforming.If Rick was crushed up and put into pill form, what effect would he want to have on someone?Invading the body with a sense of clarity and a feeling that you're floatingBook Rick is reading:Better Dirty Than Done (I'm reading it to prep it for an Audible release) and also The Art of Fielding by Chad HarbachMore About Rick CzaplewskiVisit Rick’s WebsiteFollow @RickCzaplewski on IG/LinkedIn/Twitter/ThreadsBuy Better Dirty Than Done: An Inspirational True StoryIn his freshman year of college, Rick’s parents arrived unannounced at his dorm room door to tell him, “Son you have Hodgkin’s Disease, cancer.” That semester, he fought cancer in silence, while still attending college among his peers. Struggling to fit in, he told no one; Rick walked alone.After a relapse, he dropped out of college to get ABVD chemo and nine months later, Rick’s doctor pronounced him cancer-free.Now a 27-plus-year survivor, he graduated and took his second chance to climb Mt. Rainier, run the Boston Marathon, swim from Alcatraz to shore 12 times, and more. He has a college-aged son, Lance and has written Better Dirty Than Done, a book about survivorship. Professionally, he has worked as a CPA, project manager, manager, and senior director in several industries. Today, he is a motivational speaker and has spoken to large and small audiences including students, survivors, and physicians.So buckSubscribe to Sense of Peace (Kathy's Substack) today! RECEIVE the attention you need to reconnect with your purpose. Click here to learn more about individual coaching with Kathy!If this resonated, the most generous thing you can do is share it with one woman who needs to hear it. One share grows this community more than any algorithm.Follow the show on your favorite platform, and come find me on Substack at senseofpeace.substack.com — that’s where the deeper conversation lives.And if you’re ready to stop just listening and start doing this work — visit kathywashburn.net. I’d love to talk with you. Until next time — keep investing in yourself. It is always, always worth it.#SpreadMadLove