Tulisa reveals her ‘soul mate’s’ cancer diagnosis has made her reevaluate her health as she quits smoking and reflects on a tough year of ’emotional and personal growth’

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Tulisa shared that learning her close friend, who she calls her ‘soul mate,’ has cancer has made her think more about her own well-being.

The 37-year-old singer used Instagram on Sunday to post photos showing how she’s been prioritizing self-care.

She shared a photo of her friend Michelle McKenna with a caption explaining that 2025 was a year of significant emotional and personal development.

It’s been a challenging time, particularly for my sister, Michelle, as she comes to terms with her breast cancer diagnosis.

I’m so relieved to share that the surgery is going well – things are looking really positive! Honestly, she’s an absolute powerhouse. Even through everything, her spirit and ability to find humor have been incredibly inspiring to witness. It’s a beautiful reminder of the strength we all have within us.

You’re more than just my sister – you’re my best friend and the person I lean on the most. I honestly don’t know what I’d do without you. I love you, sis.

You’re not going anywhere! Her courage encourages everyone to prioritize their health. Family means the world! Sending love to you, Daniel Johnson. And please, remember to check for breast health!

It’s been six weeks since I quit cigarettes and a month since I stopped using nicotine altogether! I’m still using a nicotine-free vape to help with cravings, but things are getting easier. I’m incredibly grateful for the personalized support I received from @allencarrseasyway and a special thanks to Bradley at @oyce_oneyoucheshireeast.

Stopping completely has been really difficult for me physically, but I’ve always been very sensitive, so I anticipated it would be challenging.

I was really emotional at first, and definitely did a lot of crying. But I’ve been kind to myself and made sure to prioritize exercise and taking care of my well-being. I’m getting stronger and feeling better each day.

I was really struck by what Tulisa shared about her recent experience in Peru. She described a deeply intense seven-day ayahuasca retreat, and honestly, it sounded incredibly challenging. She said she spent hours crying and was constantly sick throughout the whole process. It really highlighted how powerful and difficult that kind of journey can be.

The celebrity traveled to South America and participated in three ayahuasca ceremonies. These ceremonies involve drinking a strong, mind-altering brew under the guidance of both medical professionals and traditional healers.

Ayahuasca, sometimes called yage, is a mixture made from two plants: the ayahuasca vine and the chacruna shrub. The chacruna shrub contains a hallucinogenic substance called DMT.

It’s illegal in the UK, the US and many other countries.

Tulisa posted videos from her time at a recent ceremony on Instagram, and used the opportunity to criticize people who only view its sacred substances as drugs.

The actress explained that she spent weeks getting ready, focusing on both her diet and practicing meditation, before appearing publicly.

I recently spent seven nights at Etnika Ayahuasca Retreats and participated in three ayahuasca ceremonies. Each ceremony was unique and surprisingly challenging. The experience gave me a deep understanding of why ayahuasca and the ceremonies surrounding it are considered sacred. It’s clear to me that those who dismiss it as simply a drug haven’t looked into it enough.

I saw two people struggle because they hadn’t prepared beforehand. I, on the other hand, spent three months getting ready – avoiding alcohol, meditating, and eating a healthy diet. While only two weeks of preparation is usually needed, I wanted to maximize my experience.

I realized my own strengths and life’s direction through the loving perspectives of the people closest to me.

It was a very emotional experience. I cried for hours during the first ceremony. I felt a deep connection with loved ones who have passed away, like my Uncle B, and with the deeper selves of people currently in my life. I also connected with those I have unresolved issues with, explored past lives or soul connections, and even felt a sense of those who may come into my life, and possible future events.

Only time will tell how accurate that prediction was. I had a strong sense of connection to something larger than myself – a universal consciousness, or God, that connects us all. I was receiving a lot of powerful insights at the time.

Everyone’s experiences in the group were different, but those who had prepared didn’t have any regrets. I was completely drained after the first session – it felt like an intense, six-hour emotional and mental process.

I initially wanted to let go of my ego, but I discovered it was actually a way to protect myself from feeling misunderstood. This realization ultimately made me more confident and stronger on my journey.

The second ceremony was difficult because I was so tired, so I requested to stop participating. The doctors and shamans at Etnikas Ayahuasca Retreats were very supportive and handled the situation well. I initially chose them because of their excellent medical support staff.

During the third ceremony, I experienced a deep emotional release, vomiting for around six hours and letting go of past trauma and anxiety. It’s not that I feel like a different person, but rather I’ve reconnected with and understand my true self. I now feel much more balanced, stable, peaceful, confident, and empowered.

This powerful experience is challenging, but incredibly rewarding if you’re open to personal growth. It’s something to explore if you’re feeling ready. Sending love, Tula 2.0. P.S. I’m still not smoking!

Just last month Tulisa revealed her plans to travel to Peru to take the psychedelic drug ayahuasca.

She posted a photo of herself reading a book about ayahuasca, titled “The Ayahuasca Test Pilots Handbook: The Essential Guide to Ayahuasca Journeying.”

This guide offers practical advice for people considering ayahuasca, helping them choose safe and reputable experiences, find trustworthy facilitators, and understand what to anticipate.

This week, Tulisa is prioritizing her well-being by focusing on happiness, managing stress, and living in the moment.

‘Keeping my mind as clear as possible & trying to stay in the moment.

I’ve started meditating regularly, and it’s already making a big difference. After just a month of consistent practice, I’m sleeping much better.

This is definitely going to be a regular part of my life from now on, helping me work towards lasting peace and happiness.

This follows Tulisa and Dappy (Costadinos Contostavlos) recently unfollowing each other on social media.

Tulisa and Dappy, originally known from the band N-Dubz, have often publicly argued and then made up, leaving their fans wondering what will happen next.

The Sun reports that Taylor and Kanye are no longer communicating online and are likely not speaking to each other, suggesting a breakdown in their previous working relationship.

The Daily Mail reached out to their representatives for comment.

Tulisa had previously said the famous group would return soon, but after recent disagreements, a comeback now appears less and less probable.

She shared on Instagram last month that the past week was hectic, but she’s trying to see it as a chance to learn and grow.

I’m really tired and overwhelmed by everything going on around me, especially since I can’t control it. But even with all the chaos, I’m discovering purpose, learning from difficult times, and growing stronger through the challenges.

Despite everything, I’ve continued to find joy, laugh, and feel grateful for the love I have both around and within myself.

‘I’m happy, letting go, adapting and thriving in chaos. This week has been perfectly imperfect.’

Over that weekend, she added: ‘Last week’s chaos has calmed. This week has been reflective.

I’ve been focusing on self-reflection and taking the time to understand my feelings and experiences, trying to make sense of everything that’s been happening.

You know, I’ve always been fascinated by how successful groups come together! I recently learned that N-Dubz almost didn’t happen as we know it. Apparently, Dappy initially envisioned a solo career, but his uncle, B, had a different idea. He felt they’d be stronger as a group, so he brought me and Frazer into the mix – and the rest, as they say, is history! It just goes to show you how a little guidance can change everything.

N-Dubz, formed in 2000, achieved significant success with two albums that went platinum and eight songs that reached the top 40 charts.

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2026-03-29 15:35