It’s All Good… Except When It’s Not (And How to Keep Going Anyway)

By Narelle Todd

Welcome to the Book Club Discussion Guide for It’s All Good… Except When It’s Not (And How to Keep Going Anyway). This book is an invitation to explore mindset, resilience, and the power of defining your own journey—whether you're facing a health challenge or just navigating life’s curveballs.

Below, you’ll find thought-provoking questions and exercises designed to encourage personal reflection, spark meaningful conversations, and inspire action.

Getting Started: First Impressions

Before reading this book, how did you think you would react to a life-changing diagnosis or challenge? Has your perspective shifted after reading about Narelle’s journey?

The book is a mix of personal storytelling, humor, and practical mindset strategies. What tone or aspect of the book resonated with you most? Why?

Did you find yourself relating to any of Narelle’s experiences? If so, which ones and why?

Personal Reflection & Mindset

Narelle emphasizes “staying in the step you’re in.” What does this mean to you? How do you think this mindset shift can help in everyday challenges?

Throughout the book, humor plays a key role in navigating difficulty. How has humor helped you through tough times?

If you had to sum up your own personal mindset in one word, what would it be? Would you want to change it? Why or why not?

What expectations—either from yourself or others—have you struggled with in your life? How did you handle them?

Narelle writes about the importance of defining your own expectations instead of letting others dictate them. What expectations have you accepted that may not actually be yours?

Key Themes: Resilience, Control, and Perspective

In what ways did Narelle’s approach to her cancer diagnosis challenge traditional ideas of “fighting” illness? Do you think reframing challenges in a different way makes them easier to handle?

Resilience isn’t about being strong all the time but about adapting and continuing. What does resilience look like in your own life? Where have you surprised yourself with your ability to keep going?

Narelle describes how other people’s well-intended advice and expectations often felt overwhelming. Have you ever felt pressured by the expectations of others? How did you navigate it?

She also speaks about controlling what you can and letting go of what you can’t. What’s something in your life that you’re holding onto that may need to be let go?

Applying the Lessons to Your Own Life

The book highlights how small mindset shifts can change how we experience difficulty. What is one small mindset shift you could implement in your daily life?

Are there moments from the book that made you pause and rethink something in your own life? What were they?

If you were to create your own “resilience toolkit,” what would be in it? List five things that help you reset, recharge, or stay grounded.

What’s one thing you want to remember from this book next time life throws you a curveball?

Group Exercises & Interactive Discussion

Expectation Mapping Activity: Take a moment to reflect on an expectation you’ve been holding onto (from yourself or others) that may not actually serve you. Share how you might redefine it in a way that aligns with your values.Narelle offers a free guide, Peace & Power Playbook, which guides you through a series of easy exercises to help you find your center so you can navigate cancer or any challenge on your terms. Go to 

Affirmation Challenge: In the book, Narelle shares the affirmation “Cancer out. Abundance in.” Create your own short personal affirmation to help you through difficult moments. Share it with the group!

Letter to Your Future Self: Imagine yourself a year from now. What do you hope to have learned or embraced from this book? Write a short note to your future self about the mindset you want to cultivate.

Wrap-Up & Final Thoughts

If you had to describe this book in one sentence to someone who hasn’t read it yet, what would you say?

What’s the biggest lesson or takeaway you’re walking away with from this book?

If you could ask Narelle one question about her journey, what would it be?

Thank You for Reading & Discussing!

If you’d like more resources to support you on your journey, visit itsallgoodbook.com for free downloads, discussion guides, and more.

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