The inspiration for this blog

It started as a book idea. I wanted to help newly diagnosed adults navigate the nightmare that is cancer. So I registered the url and let it sit there for a while.

Then as life got busier and busier, I decided a blog might be more doable. But as soon as I set it up, I realized a blog called Diagnosed, Not Dead was going to be way too edgy – and limiting.

Cancer may be part of your story, as it was part of mine. But we are all infinitely more than our diagnoses or worst chapters. Those hard times shape us, but they don't have to define us.

So I went with my name instead, and voila: Gina-DeLapa-dot-com was born. In the six short days that the site's been live, I've continued to narrow my audience and expand my scope.

Instead of writing for everyone, I've decided for now to write for women like you and me, who are navigating midlife with as much grace, gratitude and humor as possible.

My goal is simply to help you and all of us maximize our joy – whether it's setting better boundaries, redefining success, or just taking more time for what matters most.

What does maximizing joy look like for you? Leave a comment below!