Cancer Warrior and Thriving Business Owner's Story on What It Takes to Keep Going with Lizbeth Ro...

Welcome back to the She's Crafted to Thrive podcast. If you're new here, welcome! I hope you feel seen and heard on my show in some way, shape, or form. And if you've been around these parts of the show, welcome back! I am really excited about this episode. Before I get all the way into talking about it, there is some little bit of tech issues in this recording. I think it was just something going on with the internet wonky. It happens, but you can still hear the conversation pretty well. And you don't want to miss this one because I'm so excited to have this cancer warrior, amazing woman, and just a beautiful person inside and out.

And I am—

when I say, you know, you meet some people and you're like, like, you know that no matter where they are and what challenges they're going, that they're gonna keep a relatively level head and continue to show that grit in like just being really real but also finding the good things in it. This is Liz. Like, Liz Robertson is that type of person, and I'm so proud of her. She has a really thriving Young Living business, and she does an amazing job of leading her team. She's not just a good friend, she's a spiritual sister. She's also a past client, and I am just so happy that she's in my world. Like, literally just happy in general. And I'm happy she's going to be in your world too because she has so many golden nuggets throughout this episode of like how to manage like the emotions and also like the feelings and the fear when you're in the thick of it, and then when life is happening outside of that. One of my favorite quotes from what she said today or in this episode is, "I can only do what I can do, and that has to be enough." And I don't know about you, if you're a listener, I would love for you to send me an email at info@craftedtothrive.com or shoot me a DM on my Instagram. But do you feel like there's always a list of all of the things? And do you walk away from that list feeling defeated or do you feel like you did it? Like you're like, yeah, I did it. And I did the things that are on that list that are most important, that matter. Most for me, and I'm okay with that. And for me, that's something I always am working on around a mindset shift. So if you want some support in that in your life, living with chronic illness, running a business, starting a business, growing a business, dealing with the challenges of all the life hurdles that we're experiencing, this is the episode for you. So stay tuned. You're listening to the She's Crafted to Thrive podcast, and this is your host Nikita Williams. On this show, we're talking about what it's like to start, grow, and scale a business while living with chronic illness. You will hear from other creatives and CEOs as they share their stories and the lessons that led them to learn to lean more into what works for them. You'll discover that success does not mean perfection, and fear, negative thoughts, and challenges are all a part of the journey, but there is always an abundance of wins. So stay tuned and you'll find the inspiration and tools you need to craft a life and business that thrives.

All right. I'm so excited to have Liz on the podcast. Let us know who you are, where you're from, what you do with your life, and we'll jump into all of the goods.

Okay. Well, first, thank you so much for having me. It's such a privilege. When you asked me, I was like, oh yes, I'd be honored to do it. My name is Liz, Liz Robertson, and I am in Arizona. I am a Cali girl, got married and moved here about 10 years ago. I have a little boy who is our life. And yeah, I started doing a wellness type of journey and then inspiring people to also pursue that. And then I started a little bit after that, became a Young Living brand partner. Because of how much those products helped me personally.

So tell us a little bit about why the wellness journey, like how did that start for you? If you're willing to share.

Yeah. So thinking about it, you know, my mom was always very much into wellness and fitness and She used to like conduct classes and she would like juice for us. And I remember her doing that. And she always had like some type of something going to keep her going. And when I turned 16, I decided to just— I was like, I'm just going to be a vegetarian. And my mom was like, what?

Like, what?

How are we going to get your protein? And she found ways and stuff. And then later on, I feel like it's always been something that I, that I've enjoyed learning about and knowing. Then I became a pescatarian because I was dating and I was like, I need some seafood in my life. I became a pescatarian. But it wasn't until I had my son that I dug a little deeper into doing things more naturally for him. I nursed. I had, I had a really, really, really hard time nursing, which I don't think many people know because by that, by the time I started sharing recipes and stuff, because that's how I started my Instagram. By that time, I was, I was done with that phase in life, you know, and, but I had a really, really hard time nursing. I think it was one of the most challenging things I've done in my life. And because of that, I had to look into my diet and what I had to do to produce sufficient milk for him because it's like I need to feed him. And I'm not against formula or anything like that, but I didn't want that for him. Like, as his mom, that's the decision that I had chosen with my husband, and we wanted him to be breastfed. So he had, you know, I started producing and then he had really like stomach issues. So then I was like, what's going on? You know, then I dug a little deeper, realized he was sensitive to dairy. And then when he was able to start eating, then I ended up giving him, you know, little egg, and then he became— he was allergic to egg. So then I removed that from our diet. And then with that comes, you know, how are we going to give him the nutrients that he needs without these foods that he's not getting in his diet? And I just always believe that if we, if we feel good, then we can, then we can do what's more important in our life, you know, and be there with the people that we love. And I wanted that for our family. But I, even though at that time I became vegan, basically, mostly because I didn't want to eat stuff in front of my son that he couldn't.

Yeah.

And I mean, I was still nursing, so I couldn't. I was like, I had to, I had to stop eating that stuff. And but there was other things that I was eating that didn't make his stomach hurt or that didn't make him upset or weep. But during the time that I was nursing him, I had a lot of infections. I got a lot of mastitis, like 4 times. So like huge lumps in my, in my breast from, from just infections because I, I, I was so it was such a— it was stress. It was a desire of being able to provide for him as his mom. And that I made myself produce so much milk. So it was just so much. And it went to good use. But that's when I started digging more. And then a little bit after that is when I opened my Instagram account. And I started sharing recipes because I believe that— We don't have to eat boring to eat well and enjoy our food. That's my whole, that's my whole thing. I'm like, I can make this yummy. Like, trust me, let me, let me feed you and you'll see. So that's where the whole wellness started.

So what is interesting about that story? Cause I don't, I knew a part of that, but I didn't think I knew all of that. Something you said just a second ago. Was that that was the hardest thing that for you, like, from in life was to nurse your son. But I know that you had a diagnosis that I would assume was a little bit harder, but that's just a perception from my side. So tell me a little bit about in comparison with that experience versus your own personal diagnosis. So I would say let us know if you feel comfortable telling us what the diagnosis is.

I'm just assuming people know. No, you're fine. Yes. Yes. So I guess I'll start with saying I was diagnosed with ovarian cancer at the age of 24. So my son was 2 and a half. Yeah, 2 months and 2 years and 7 months. I say that it's one of the hardest things that I have done, nursed him because it was this huge responsibility that I had. And, and as a first-time mom, it was like, it was on me for, for my child to, to get the nutrients. And I was like, am I starving him? I, I became so stressed and paranoid, and it was like this whole other human that I had to provide for in that way. And I refused to stop. Like, I was very stubborn and I'm like, this is what I believe is the right thing for my son. And I don't, I don't care what anybody says. This is what I believe and this is what's going to happen. And I put my body through a lot, which I don't regret. He is one of the healthiest kids I know, and I'm very thankful for that. And I don't regret that. But in comparison with being diagnosed with cancer, it was more of a battle that I had to do for myself, you know, in order for me to be there, be there for my son and see him grow up and see him become a person and become a young kid and become a man. And our spirituality is very important. So seeing him, um, talk to people about the Bible, that was something that I'm like, I have to be here for that. There's no option, you know, there's no option. I am— I have to be here for that. Um, so, but it was more of like a personal, just me.

Yes.

You know, like nobody could do it for me. And, and when it came to nursing, it was like I needed him to latch on. I needed him to pull. I needed him to suck it. I needed him to be able to— my body to feel him so that my body could be like, OK, there's a kid here. We need to provide for a kid. And it was— I mean, while I was nursing, I was awake. If I would sleep 2 hours, It would have— it was a lot a night. And that was probably for the first year. Oh, yeah. So I was, I was nursing, then I was pumping, then I was nursing, then I was pumping day and night, day and night. So it was— yeah. And I mean, cancer is a completely different thing. By that time, he was old enough where his dad and his dad helped I mean, my husband, I'm very, very blessed to have the husband I have. He's always been amazing and he's helped since day one. I mean, we parent together, but with the cancer, it was more like my body needed to go through it by— I needed to do it by myself.

Yeah.

In a way, you know, the injections and the treatment and the all of that, I needed to to do that by myself with my support system, but I needed to. It was on me.

Yeah, it's so different, I think, too, when you're going through health challenges, like, in general, um, that are affecting you, just solely you. Our family and our support system, God love them, and they are like, I'm in this with you, we're doing this together, and it's like, well, technically you're just here with me. You're just here with me. But I appreciate that. That makes a world of a difference. And I do appreciate you sharing that because I do know there's a lot of women that listen to my show who have children, who have children of their own, and they have had those challenges and they want so, so much to provide like a healthy life for them. But also like, I feel like it's also to be like when they get older to show them that they can do anything even when it's hard, like even when things aren't, you know, super perfect or a certain way that you expected them to be or thought that they should be, you can still succeed. Um, and you can still do the hard stuff, right? So I think that is such an encouraging thing in general. And I also think that same thing serves you in business. Like it serves you in taking care of the things you need to do when you own your own business is learning how to be stubborn with some things. And then also learning that, you know, it doesn't always look pretty on the outside, but it's still getting done.

Yeah.

So let's shift gears a little bit. Like, so, and I say shift, but it's really like your, your life and what you do are so like interconnected, like health and taking care of your family. And also then helping other people to do that. What have been some challenges from that aspect of finding the harmony or the balance between doing what you need to take care of your family and then running a business?

So I think one of the biggest things is I remember what's my priority, you know, and remember the scripture in Philippians 1:10 that we we have to make sure of the more important things. And it's not easy. It's not an easy thing to do for sure, but it is something that is possible. And there's gonna be times when you feel like you haven't done enough. I feel that a lot of the time. I always feel like I haven't done enough, but then I have to come back and make, I actually come back and make, you know, I love this. I make a list.

I love it. I love it.

I make a list. Of the things that I was able to accomplish that day. And at the end of the week, I go and I go over what, what we did. And if at the end of the week I feel like I didn't do enough or I was, I wasn't enough in any aspect, I go back and I'm like, were the more important things taken care of? Yes. That's, that's really what I'm striving for. So, so that's, you know, really realizing that I can only do what I can do and that has to be enough. It just does.

Yes. Oh yeah. That's a conversation I think all of us has to have more often. And I love that. That's one thing that you do. That's something I encourage my girls to do too. It's just like, write it down. Like, In our heads, we are so negative about what it is that we're actually accomplishing that we forget all that we actually have accomplished. And it's like, oh, that list. Oh, wow, I did. And I think what's beautiful about what you said is that, like, is the important things that matter the most on this list, and did they get done? And that can be the measuring stick to all the other things. It's like, okay, maybe I didn't get to washing the dishes today. But man, I did spend some time in prayer and meditation. That's a huge, huge thing. And it matters. And because those are the things that helps us in the future to do all the other things that are important. So I love that you shared that. What are some challenges or fears that you've had to overcome while doing this thing we call business?

Life. And life.

Yeah.

Well, this thing we call life. I think some of the challenges, especially when you go through something like cancer or something that really makes you like, you appreciate life, but it's like you need to appreciate it just a little more because hello, it can end. It just can. And that was a huge thing that I had to overcome, that fear of that ending for my family and really realizing that it's going to be OK. Like, that's— it just is. We have that promise. It's going to be OK. And against that, we can't argue. So at the end of the day, at the end of everything, yeah, it's going to be OK.

Yeah, it's so interesting that— I was talking to my husband about this the other day because we were talking about— because he's never really dealt with health, health issues. And he's never really lived with family who's dealt with health, health issues, like diagnosis like terminal cancer and things like that. And unfortunately, and then at the same time fortunately— and I say this with a caveat— I have. I've literally grown up living with people who have gone through lots of hard struggles with life and health and stuff like that. Giving me a completely different appreciation. Like you just said, of like, at the end of the day, those little things that are little things, it's going to be okay. Like, it's going to be okay. Cause they're not that, not, not this toxic positivity thing that's going on where it's just like, oh, well, we're just going to wish it away and dit-dit-dit up. But it's finding the contentment of, you know what, even though this could happen, It's going to be okay. It's going to be okay. The worst thing is still going to be okay. You're still going to be okay. And I love that you said that because it does. I think when you have gone through cancer, gone through chronic illness, or living through these things, your perspective completely shifts. It completely shifts because you're looking at life like what matters the most, what's most important, and all the other things kind of get stacked up against that. They're like, okay, well, I'm not going to flip out about, you know, somebody unfollowed me on Instagram. Like, I'm not going to be upset about that. Like, things like that. Or, um, like, you didn't get that email out to somebody. Okay, well, I got out of bed today, and a couple months ago I didn't think that was possible. Those kind of things really help put things into perspective. Um, so I love that you shared, like, it's gonna be okay, it's gonna be okay.

Yeah, yeah. And, and, you know, it's something that we have in, in the back of, like, for me, I have in the back of my mind, there's not a day that I don't wake up and I'm extremely grateful to be alive and to be able to open my eyes. And, um, and just going back to fears, it's something that, that's— I'm always gonna have that until it gets better, you know. So for now, not, not a day goes by, not a week goes by, or a month goes by that I'm not like I have to make sure of what's more important. I have to take care of my health because treatment is painful and it's very real, you know? And that's, that's another fear for me. I remember like being almost in panic attacks before going to get my treatment. Being— I chose to do a natural treatment, which I guess I should have said that earlier. I just do natural treatment and I don't— I'm not going to say do natural or do, you know, that's a personal choice. We do what we believe is best for ourselves and for our family. We chose to go the natural way, but it got to a point where my veins were just so tired and they would just burst. And it was burst after burst after burst after burst, poke after poke after poke. And it was like bruises, bruises, bruises. And it's painful, but it's very traumatizing. When you have to do that and then go home, wake up 6 in the morning, get everything ready, get in the car, drive 2 hours, get your treatment, not be able to get your treatment because you're not— your body's like, I'm done, you know, come back home, be 10 p.m. and then have to do it again the next day.

Hmm.

You know, so it's that, that overcoming that and realizing it. And that's something that I would tell myself also. It's going to be okay. Like, there's going to be a tomorrow, no matter what happens today. There's going to be a tomorrow, you know, whether I'm here or not, there's going to be a tomorrow and it's going to be okay.

Yeah. Wow. Yeah, that one, that needs to be on a t-shirt somewhere. No matter what happens today, there is going to be a tomorrow. I think it's, I think, yeah. Yeah. I don't, there's nothing. I don't have anything to say to that other than it takes a different type of faith and determination, I think, to tap into that. And I say different type of faith. I just mean like a really deep rooted faith, like super deep and rooted because it is, it's, um, I've said this before in a podcast episode before, like Nobody knows that feeling when you go to bed praying that if you don't wake up tomorrow, or it like that, it's going to be okay. Like nobody, like, unless you've honestly had those prayers multiple times over your life, you don't really get, you don't understand the peace that comes from when you've had those prayers and those conversations until you've gone through it. So all the other things that you go through in life compared to that, like Unfortunately, but fortunately, because it just puts things in perspective, I think, for sure. What is something that you enjoy about what you do now, like for, for your work and what you do with your business? Because every time you show up on social media, if anybody is going to follow Liz on Instagram, you're going to be like, it's like sunshine and unicorns and rainbows and like I don't know. It's just awesome. So what lights you up when you are doing this work?

You know, I want to say that I love to live. It's a beautiful thing. It's a beautiful thing. Life is so precious, and it's beautiful. And really, if we can't fix something, then why dwell on it? You know, focus on the positive of the day. Not saying that I don't have things going on or that I don't have my struggles or that there's not moments where I'm like, I'm going to homeschool my kid in bed all day today. And that's going to be me. That's the mom I'm going to be today. And it's OK to be that. I give myself that permission because I'm just worn out. And whether we have something, we're fighting something, or we're not fighting something, we don't ever want to compare ourselves to and say, but I like sometimes I'm like, but I don't have cancer anymore. Why am I worn out? You know, like, I can't even compare myself to the old me because it's like, but I still do a lot. So it's okay for me to just plop on my bed and do nothing, which thankfully my husband has no problem with that because he, you know, he appreciates everything I do. So it's like, so when I, when I show up on Instagram, I really like to help people feel that there's so much stuff going around and maybe things that we're dealing with, but if we just really focus on the positive that we're going through, it makes a world difference. If we focus on the positive, it just changes our mind shift and it changes the way we look at the day. If we start our day, you know, with our prayer and our meditation and we start our our day with our Bible reading. If, you know, personally, if I do that with my son, it is a huge difference than when I have to wake up rushed and not— and don't have the time to do that, you know? And there's times that that happens and you see the contrast, you know, you feel the contrast when it does happen that way. And it's like, let's take care of ourselves and focus on the positive, write down positive things. I've been into affirmations a lot and, you know, writing down and not feeling— sometimes I feel like we may feel shy or embarrassed to almost hear ourselves up because I know personally I never want to be portrayed, whether to other people or myself, as a hottie person. So sometimes it can be difficult to write down, I am capable, you know, because others might say, yeah, she's capable. But the reality is we can be capable, but we all have to work to be capable. It's not something that we're born, we're not born with anything, you know, it's like we have to work and cultivate what we wanna be and who we wanna be.

Yeah.

And yeah, I just, I love, I love putting a smile on people. I just love that. It's something I, My mom tells me that I've always, ever since I was little, I love doing that. My aunts remember me as ever since I was little, like I would, I would, I don't know. They just, it just brings me joy.

So I think it's really great. I think your advice on like, even when things are really hard to find the good, I was listening to something recently and it's like, that's, that's grit. Like that's true grit. Being able to be in the worst situation you could possibly think of and still be able to pull out a nugget of things to be grateful for. And that's positive. And that takes a lot of work. But my coach always says it's impossible to be in a negative mindset when you are actively searching for good. They cannot coexist at the same time. They just don't. And what you said is just perfect. Like, yeah, even if it's really bad, even if things are hard, there's always this— there's always something. Maybe it's like you can't find it find somebody to tell you about it. Like, ask a friend, uh, reach out. I know I have my list of people where it's like, it's one of them days where nothing looks good, nothing. I can't find a single thing even though I know there is something. I have a friend and I will send her a text message and be like, girl, it's one of them days. And she'll be like, okay. And she'll send me a text. It'll be like something that I need to be like, it's just like, did you open your eyes? I'm like, yes. Something to be grateful for, and it does help you kind of get out of those, you know, not so great moments in your life. So I love that you shared that as well.

Yeah, I think it's the little things too. Um, something that I've, I've even written down as things to be grateful for is the sense of smell. Oh yeah, you know, that, that can bring so much joy to us. And even like for ones that are able to be with family right now during this, I'm sure the ones that aren't, they miss that, their family smell, you know, all the little things because every person has their own unique aroma. They just do. So that is—

Good or bad.

Yeah, good or bad, we do. And that just, Um, yeah, that's a wonderful thing to be able to have.

Yeah. Okay. So tell me what inspires you.

I think it goes back to— no, I don't think, I know it goes back to being able to help other people. Um, and being able to see other people start a wellness journey, being able to see other people thrive. Being able to be part of that, to be even just a little part of someone's life becoming better. You know, saying that, oh, I had a little part in that. I don't have to shout it out or, you know, tell, oh, I, that girl, I helped. No, but just, you know, knowing, knowing what we've done. Yeah, that's why I keep I keep doing this on Instagram and I keep, you know, with my social media and I keep talking to people and I keep doing what I do because that's something on the business, quote unquote business level. That's what inspires me. And of course, I mean, on a more personal level, my family every day, my family, my son, I That kid, love him. I love that kid.

And yeah, and we can tell because he's like on every Instagram story, if not every other one anyway.

Yeah, that's my baby boy.

So what are some tools and tricks that you have kind of like in the business that you're in? It can be like maybe challenging to show up on social media or difficult. Are there any ways that you found that's helpful as a business owner in your health industry journey to show up, like, for your business? Are there any tools you use, or is there any mindset tricks you use?

Um, I think one of the biggest things is being honest with, with myself, you know. If I feel that something— because it can be hard, it can be hard to do things on social media because you feel pressure You can feel pressure from so many different angles. And then there's the thing which I've talked to you about before. I don't want to make people— I don't want to hurt people's feelings. I don't want to make people think bad of me. There's this whole other thing. But what helps me is I sit down and I'm like, why is it bothering me? Why am I letting this bother me? Am I doing something wrong? No, okay. Or truly being vulnerable. Do I need to just take a day break? Yeah. You know, and taking breaks, I think that's a huge thing. Taking breaks, it's a huge thing for our mental health and for our physical, everything. Taking breaks from from social media, completely disconnecting, it's a good— it's definitely a good thing. And just remembering that, again, going back to I can only do what I can do, and that's enough. That's enough. I'm enough, and that's it.

I love it. I love it. So everybody, you're enough. It's enough. It's OK. There's so many really quick, simple, but such powerful Phrases like, I'm enough. I've done what I can. Taking a break is okay. Like that. We need to— I feel like in general, like in general, I don't think this is just business. I think this is cultural. I think this is even some, in some ways, depending on how you grew up, like taking a break seems like a bad thing. It's like, no, like it's okay to take a break. You have to refresh yourself. You have to take care of yourself mentally. It's the Olympics. If you guys like me, when Liz and I are recording, this is around the Olympics. And what's her name? The gymnast has decided to take a break. She's like, you know what? My mental health is more important than the pressure of this game. And so I'm not going to participate in the competition, which is huge for her to say. But what I've really enjoyed watching is like, everybody's like, thank you. Someone who is like, a human and is big out there saying it's okay to take a break, even at what might have seemed like the craziest time to say it. Like, look, you got to the Olympics. How— why are you saying take a break? Like, you're at the Olympics. It's okay. And I think in everyday life, we need to be okay with— it's okay to take a break. It's okay to step away from social media. It will probably still be there tomorrow. Um, and I say probably unless it crashes or something, but it's all gonna be there. And if it's not, it'll even be better the next time. Like, you know, like wherever you're going, it's like not— it's better to live life without the— without not taking— without not not taking a break. So live life, take breaks, because if you don't, are you really living life? Yeah, like, are you really having a life? So It's beautiful. Thank you so much for sharing a bit of your story and your journey with us. I know you were nervous, but you were amazing.

Thank you. Thank you for having me. I really, I really enjoyed this.

So if anybody wants to support you and like catch up with you and learn more about how they can be more well in their life, food, body, and all that jazz, how can they find you online?

Um, just on Instagram under Lisbeth underscore Robertson, my name.

Perfect. And I'll have that in the show notes, you guys. So, um, thank you again.

Thank you.

All right, y'all, that's a wrap.

Thank you for listening, and I hope this conversation inspired you.

Be sure to visit craftedtothrive.com to check out our show notes, connect with our guests, and grab some of those goodies. Join us for the next episode. And in the meantime, remember, yes, yes, yes, you are crafted to thrive.