How Brain Tumor Diagnosis Led Maria Menounos to “Rethink Priorities”

Source: Brandon Hickman/E! Entertainment

It’s been a little over two months since 39-year-old Maria Menounos underwent surgery for a brain tumor and the Sirius XM host revealed to US Weekly how the diagnosis has changed her life.

I can't believe it's been two months since I had brain surgery!!!! It's surreal to me to look back at photos and videos. I see this photo taken TWO days after a 7.5 hour Brain surgery and am so thankful to all the doctors and nurses who helped me. I never realized how much pain I was in until I slowed down the ride. It was a huge reality check for me. That's why I'm hoping the message is heard loud and clear-listen to your bodies and take action. There are a lot of things I'm going to do with this new found wisdom. Helping those going through similar things is at the top of my list. I've never been more excited about life. I feel so free! Most of all I'm so thankful to god , my family , friends , colleagues all of you who have sent me so much love and support at this time. And of course..whinnie. Therapy dogs are so helpful for healing. Thankfully she's been on the payroll since we found each other years ago at he west valley shelter!

A post shared by maria menounos (@mariamenounos) on Aug 8, 2017 at 10:14am PDT

“What this has done is shift my focus into more of like a mind, body, spiritual kind of grounding that needs to happen,” Maria revealed following her February diagnosis. “Having a healthy lifestyle was always important for me. I think this has convinced me to give myself more time, mentally, to breath.”

Happy Sunday! Remember we are human beings not human doings! Enjoy the day!

A post shared by maria menounos (@mariamenounos) on Aug 20, 2017 at 4:53pm PDT

The busy presenter, who will be returning to work after Labor Day, told US Weekly she has since scheduled her career priorities around her life and not the other way around. She is also making time to do more things for herself.

Menounos revealed her therapist also suggested spending more time with girlfriends. “It’s not that I don’t have female friends,” Menounos said, “I was just working – it was always work, work, work.”

It was love at first sight for me and @Pure_barre and I’m thrilled to officially announce our partnership. Today they launch their new, intense #PureEmpower class, which will kick your butt! This high-intensity low impact workout will empower your mind and strengthen your body. I’m excited to get back to doing Pure Barre to help me get stronger as I complete my full recovery, and beyond. You can try it for free! www.PureBarre.com/freeweek #PureBarrePartner

A post shared by maria menounos (@mariamenounos) on Aug 14, 2017 at 9:34am PDT

Maria is also able to get back to enjoying her favorite form of exercise – Pure Barre. “You feel like a million bucks when you’re done,” Maria revealed. “And it really makes such a difference in your body.”