A Bit of Optimism

Live Like You Have 2 Years Left with dancer and cancer survivor Angela Trimbur

5 snips
Jul 8, 2025
Angela Trimbur, a dancer, actress, and cancer survivor, shares her transformative journey after a breast cancer diagnosis. She discusses how facing mortality pushed her to live intentionally, prioritizing joy and meaningful connections. Angela's irreverent teaching style brings dance to life, creating an inclusive space for self-expression. She emphasizes the liberating power of dance and its role in personal healing, urging us to embrace our time and foster community. Her infectious optimism inspires us to pursue fulfillment, no matter the circumstances.
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ANECDOTE

Viral Dance Video Origins

  • Angela Trimbur's viral dance video "Dance Like Nobody's Watching" started spontaneously from a personal moment at a laundromat.
  • It unexpectedly launched her dance career and public recognition years before her cancer diagnosis.
ADVICE

Choose Low-Stress Paths

  • Choose any action that causes the least stress to preserve mental peace.
  • Let go of tense commitments and trust the process of life unfolding.
INSIGHT

Live Like You Have Only Two Years Left and Transform Your Life

Angela Trimbur embraced a profound mindset shift after her breast cancer diagnosis in 2018: live as if she only had two years left to live. This outlook gave her clarity to let go of possessions and control, leading her to sell everything and move to New York City to become a dance teacher.

Instead of reacting with despair, Angela focused on joy, gentleness with herself, and trusting the universe, prioritizing decisions that minimized stress. This mindset allowed her to develop unique dance classes that emphasize playfulness, community, and emotional healing rather than perfection or skill.

She explains that two years is a sweet spot — it's not so short that you merely bucket list, nor so long that you procrastinate. It drives purposeful, intentional living and inspired Angela to rebuild her life in alignment with what truly matters to her.

> "If I had two years left, would I want to stay in my rent-controlled apartment? No, I'd want to let it all go and become a dance teacher in Manhattan."

This phrase captures the power of living intentionally with a limited timeline and embracing transformation through vulnerability and creativity.

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