In honour of World Cancer Day, we sat down with Kenisha Hanson, a wellness author and cancer survivor whose journey inspired her book, Peace Your Way to Success. In a world that glorifies hustle culture, Kenisha offers a refreshing perspective—one that puts inner peace and self-care at the forefront of true success. Through her personal experiences and practical insights, she challenges readers to redefine their goals, set meaningful boundaries, and embrace a life of fulfillment. Read on as she shares her story, her wisdom, and how peace became her greatest tool for success.
Peace Your Way to Success highlights the importance of inner peace. How do you define success, and why do you think it’s essential to pair it with peace?
Success, to me, is living in alignment with my values—those guiding principles that reflect what’s truly important. When our decisions are rooted in our values, life feels purposeful and fulfilling. For example, authenticity is one of my core values. I thrive in environments where I can be myself and connect with others who value honesty and vulnerability. Conversely, being in misaligned spaces can cloud my mental clarity and impact my overall well-being.
Pairing success with peace is essential because peace is the foundation that makes success sustainable. Without it, even the highest achievements can feel empty. When we lead from a place of inner calm and alignment, we accomplish more and find deeper fulfillment in the process.
Conventional definitions of success often emphasize titles, accolades, or material gains. While these pursuits are valid, they can feel empty if achieved at the expense of inner peace. True success is deeply rewarding and sustainable when it reflects who we are and what truly matters.
Your personal experiences greatly influenced this book. How did your journey, particularly overcoming health challenges, shape the message you wanted to share?
Facing a stage IV Hodgkin’s lymphoma diagnosis forced me to reevaluate everything. In the midst of uncertainty, I realized that while I couldn’t control all the circumstances, I could control how I responded.
One pivotal moment came during treatment when I recognized I wasn’t just battling cancer—I was navigating life-altering shifts across every area of my life. My career, relationships, mental health, and finances were all deeply impacted. These interconnected challenges inspired the structure of my book, For My Inner Peace (FMIP), which focuses on finances, mental/spiritual health, interconnections, and physical health/environment.
For instance, being unable to work during treatment underscored the importance of financial planning. I didn’t fully understand the value of critical illness insurance until I needed it. My journey taught me that holistic well-being isn’t just about surviving—it’s about thriving by addressing all aspects of life. These experiences shaped my mission to encourage others to build a foundation for peace and success before challenges arise.
The book encourages redefining success. What advice would you give to someone who feels trapped by traditional definitions of achievement?
Redefining success starts with reconnecting with yourself. It begins by stepping back and asking: What genuinely matters to me? What do I want to invite more of into my life? What am I tolerating that no longer serves my growth?
Success isn’t about doing more; it’s about doing what matters most to you. The PEACE Framework, my actionable approach to aligning life with purpose, offers a roadmap:
- Prioritize what matters most.
- Evaluate what’s working and what isn’t.
- Align your actions with your values.
- Curate your environment and influences.
- Ease into sustainable, intentional change.
By aligning your actions with what truly fulfills you, you can create a version of success that feels authentic, sustainable, and deeply rewarding.
Self-care often feels impossible when facing a major health challenge. What are some realistic ways to incorporate peace and self-reflection during such a time?
Start with grace. Acknowledge the weight of what you’re facing without judgment. Self-care doesn’t have to be grand; it’s about embracing small, intentional moments of peace.
Here are three simple ways to begin:
- Create a “peace inventory” or “light list”—a personal collection of things that bring you calm, comfort, or joy.
- Dedicate five minutes daily to deep breathing, journaling, or sitting in stillness. These moments can anchor you in the present.
- Check in with yourself regularly. Ask: What’s coming up for me? How am I feeling, and what do I need?
Self-reflection can feel uncomfortable, especially when it reveals silenced or neglected parts of yourself. Start small—ask, “How am I showing up for myself today?” Over time, these moments of self-connection become transformative.
Many people feel overwhelmed by external expectations. What steps do you recommend to prioritize inner peace, especially during life-changing events like a cancer diagnosis?
The first step is acceptance. Acknowledge that life is shifting in ways beyond your control, and allow yourself to feel the emotions that come with that. Then, focus on what you can control.
During my cancer journey, I faced an avalanche of challenges—undergoing chemotherapy during COVID while also caring for my recently paralyzed mother. Peace felt like a distant, unreachable dream. But grounding myself in intentional, values-driven actions allowed me to find calm in the chaos.
The PEACE Framework offers a methodical yet compassionate approach:
- Prioritize: Focus on what’s most important right now.
- Evaluate: Release commitments or expectations that no longer serve you.
- Align: Ensure your actions reflect what you value most.
- Curate: Surround yourself with supportive people and positive influences.
- Ease: Be gentle with yourself. Progress doesn’t have to be perfect—it just needs to be yours.
Inner peace isn’t about erasing the chaos; it’s about creating your anchor amidst the storm.
For readers impacted by cancer, what is one takeaway from Peace Your Way to Success that you hope will inspire them on their journey to healing and empowerment?
It’s okay to grieve the person you were and the life you thought you’d have. Healing is an opportunity to redefine your story.
The greatest takeaway I hope to offer is this: You don’t have to hold yourself to who you once were or what you once envisioned. There’s beauty in creating a new path—one that reflects your values, needs, and dreams today. Though your journey may look different, it holds infinite possibilities for peace, fulfillment, and joy.
Final Thoughts: An Invitation to Begin
Whether you’re an individual seeking clarity or an organization striving to foster well-being, the principles of Peace Your Way to Success offer actionable strategies for navigating transitions and thriving with intention.
Through my work, I help individuals and teams align with their values and cultivate inner peace. This includes professional coaching, facilitating workshops, and hosting thoughtfully designed events that provide practical tools and strategies. These experiences foster personal growth and professional development, empowering people to create lives and careers rooted in well-being and success.
For Style Canada readers, I’ve created a free reflection guide available at peaceandsuccess.com—your first step toward aligning your life with peace, purpose, and fulfillment. Together, let’s build a world where peace and success coexist beautifully.
