How to Stay Positive When Life Throws Curveballs – Lessons from Amy Dowden

We all go through tough times. Whether it’s a health scare, a string of missed opportunities, or just the feeling that life’s getting on top of us — it’s hard to stay upbeat when things don’t go to plan.

Strictly Come Dancing star Amy Dowden knows this feeling better than most. Behind the glitter and sequins, she’s been quietly fighting two major health battles: Crohn’s disease, which she’s had since childhood, and more recently, breast cancer. Along the way, she’s missed out on performances, spent time in hospital, and had to rebuild her strength from scratch — more than once.

But through it all, Amy has found ways to keep going, stay positive, and help others do the same.

In this blog, we’ll look at what we can all learn from Amy’s story. Not just as a professional dancer, but as someone who’s faced adversity head-on and still found reasons to smile, keep moving, and give back.

Amy kept her battle with Crohn’s disease private for years, even as it left her hospitalised and in chronic pain. But when she finally spoke out publicly in 2019, she discovered how powerful it was to share her story. It allowed her to connect with others going through the same thing, and to raise awareness of a condition that’s still widely misunderstood.

Speaking openly can feel daunting, especially in professional settings. But vulnerability builds connection. Whether you’re leading a team, supporting a friend, or just trying to get through the day, honesty goes hand in hand with support, and helps you realise you’re not alone.

As a Motivational Speaker, Amy encourages others to own their story — the good and the bad — and understand that it’s not weakness, but strength.

Amy’s journey hasn’t been defined by big comebacks, but by quiet resilience. Time and again, she’s returned to the dancefloor, even when her health was fragile or treatment left her exhausted.

Staying positive doesn’t mean pretending everything’s fine. It means choosing to keep going, even in small ways. That might be getting out of bed when you don’t feel like it, taking a walk, or making one phone call that moves you forward.

Amy’s story shows that persistence beats perfection. One step at a time is still progress.

When Amy returned to the Strictly dance floor after undergoing chemotherapy and a mastectomy, she knew her return wouldn’t be perfect, but it was the being present that mattered. Dancing again, even briefly, was a win.

When you’re facing something tough, even the smallest victories deserve celebration. Finished a task you’d been putting off? Got through a difficult day? That matters.

Amy reminds us that joy doesn’t have to be loud or dramatic. Sometimes it’s in the quiet moments: a laugh with a friend, a hug, or just knowing you made it through.

After revealing her Crohn’s diagnosis, Amy partnered with Crohn’s & Colitis UK to launch their ‘It Takes Guts’ campaign. More recently, during her breast cancer treatment, she worked closely with CoppaFeel! to raise awareness of early detection and to support others navigating cancer.

Adversity can feel isolating. But when we use our experiences to help others, it can be really healing. Amy’s strength as a motivational speaker lies not just in her achievements, but in how she’s transformed pain into purpose.

You don’t need a large audience or social media following to do this. Sharing a post, supporting a charity, or speaking up in your community can all make a difference.

Amy is so much more than a survivor of her challenges. She’s used them to grow. She now delivers motivational speeches at events, conferences and schools, sharing the lessons she’s learned and inspiring others to face their own obstacles with courage and grace.

If you’re looking for a motivational speaker with a story of overcoming challenges, Amy Dowden is a great choice.

Contact  The Speakers Agency to enquire about booking Amy today.