"Life Stories From the Soft Edge of a Hard Place" by Denise Druce

This is my big sister, Denise Druce's full life story interview. It is episode #3 from our “Truth, Tears, and Turning Points” series. In this series, I interview each willing member of my family, telling similar stories but vastly different journeys, and outcomes.

Denise (aka The Elevator) aims to elevate conversations and experiences, so that we can all stand on higher ground. I would add, from knowing her (or even just listening to her story) your life will ascend to a higher level! She is living an incredible life, despite the fact that she is living with stage four terminal cancer! She is a beautiful human, inside and out. Thousands look to Denise for advice and inspiration. I feel honored to call her my sister! You can learn more about Denise at denisedruce.com, and connect with her on any of her social media channels.

Topics: “We are the main character in our life.” Born June 3, 1963 @ 6:36 am. Early childhood memories. Born to teach. Siblings lost her baby brother. Her other little brother, Daren. Memories of Dad drinking. Moved to Payson where Sheri was born. Hard times w/ Dad in Payson. Mom and kids moved to Salt Lake. Another home and school in Murray. Parents got back together. Moved to West Jordan (3rd - 7th grade). Parents divorced @ 13 years old. Dad went to prison. Short courtship w/ new stepfather. Moved to South Jordan. Personal experience with new Dad. Recollection of Daren’s bike accident. Role of being in charge. Summer in New York, 9th Grade. First job. Social life. Experiences w/ church turned. Ed’s (stepfather) pre-conversion story. Rick’s College, hated the strict rules. Utah State, party school. Faith, Beliefs + Fun. Put herself through college teaching aerobics. Graduate from Utah State in 1986 with a Bachelor's degree in Health Education. Corporate Wellness. Opened “Anatomy Academy” Gym. Ran it for 12 years. Karl Malone and other celebs were teachers and patrons. Met her husband, Michael Druce. Cruise to The Bahamas. Fitness Business, other jobs & businesses. Family/Individual Religious beliefs. Personal experience w/ Prop 8 (same-sex marriage ban). Avoids Exclusiveness. Coming into a new personal relationship with Jesus. Political Climate perspectives. Yoga “Come together to unite”. Work in Prisons w/ Yoga Forward. Received IDEA World Inspiration Award. What she’s doing today. Living with Stage 4 Cancer. Right now is her favorite season of life with her husband, and boys, and businesses. Best parenting advice. More to come…

My hope is that these stories will inspire you to tell your life story, and interview your family members. What experiences have you and they had that shaped who you are? And what does your 'dream future' life look like?

If you're single and committed to making a positive impact in your life and the lives of others, open to change, and willing to put in the effort to upgrade your life, join us at thrivingsingles.com 💕 Let’s get connected!

I created a workbook with story prompts for you to use if you want an easy outline to write, embrace, and share your life story. Apply to be on our show @ https://forms.gle/bJYbT7A9sWWqcnx56