Shows
Chronic WellnessEpisode 427: Can You Effectively Advocate For Yourself When Your Medical History Is TOO MUCH？I’m Annette Leonard you can find me on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/theannetteleonard or my website https://www.annetteleonard.com
Have you ever had a doctor be overwhelmed by your complex stew of medical conditions? I recently sought out a specialist to talk about menopause. She read my file before the appointment (which was great) but walked into the appointment looking scared and explaining that she wasn't qualified to manage my case.
I'm sure it's surprising to encounter patients like me who have such involved medical histories. However, should I not be able to access information about menopause be...2024-10-1708 minChronic WellnessEpisode 426: Change The Filter For Your Mental HealthI’m Annette Leonard you can find me on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/theannetteleonard or my website https://www.annetteleonard.com
My wife has been doing some fall cleaning chores. Because I am unable to physically join her, I have a hard time managing. Sometimes I try to join her (usually to my detriment) or I numb out to escape my uncomfortable feelings about not being able to help her. I brought this experience to my therapist.
Today I spent hours on the phone being a professional patient, yesterday I spent close to 4 hours on the phone being a pr...2024-10-1506 minChronic WellnessEpisode 425: The Hidden Dangers of IVIG TherapyThe DANGERS of IVIg. I’m Annette Leonard you can find me on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/theannetteleonard or my website https://www.annetteleonard.com
Last week I talked about IVIg. This week I'm here to talk about the dangers of IVIg. Please note, the *vast* majority of people tolerate IVIg with minimal complications.
However, for a small fraction of us there are few of us who will experience serious complications like these detailed in this episode.
These reactions can sometimes be avoided or mitigated by receiving Ig subcutaneously rather than intravenously.
Have you taken IVIg? Are you curious ab...2024-09-2609 minChronic WellnessEpisode 424: Revealing The Secrets Of IVIG TherapyHere are the truths about IVIG. I’m Annette Leonard of https://www.annetteleonard.com find me on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/theannetteleonard
IVIG What is it? A blood product that's sold as a pharmaceutical product. IGg is a major component in our immune system. Intravenous immunoglobulin is used to treat a wide range of illnesses and conditions to bolster the immune system.
Who is it for?
For those of us with autoimmune diseases it is thought to overwhelm our immune systems and therefore, shut down our over-active immune systems.
How is it administered?
Are premeds required?
How long do...2024-09-2409 minChronic WellnessEpisode 423: Shocking Truths About Mixed Connective Tissue DiseasesWhat are the dangers of mixed connective tissue disease? I’m Annette Leonard of https://www.annetteleonard.com find me on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/theannetteleonard
What are the main MCTDs?
What can happen if you have a MCTD?
These diseases can impact our wellbeing and threaten our lives in several ways. They are not curable, but they are sometimes manageable.
Because they are rare diseases, their treatment is under researched.
Do you have a MCTD? Do you wonder if you have a MCTD? What do you do to manage your MCTD? What do you do to increase your co...2024-08-3006 minChronic WellnessEpisode 422: The Warning Signs Of Mixed Connective Tissue DiseaseMixed connective tissue diseases. I’m Annette Leonard of https://www.annetteleonard.com find me on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/theannetteleonard
These are rare diseases. There are three primary manifestations: lupus SLE, scleroderma, and polymyositis. We have connective tissues all over our body so when they break down the results can be disastrous.
While there are ways to test for these diseases -- they are often difficult/undiagnosed because they are so rare, doctors often overlook them or fail to screen for them. All mixed connective tissue diseases are autoimmune in nature.
Currently there are no known genetic links to...2024-08-2407 minChronic WellnessEpisode 421: Mail Order Pharmacy QuestionsConsidering mail order pharmacy? I’m Annette Leonard of https://www.annetteleonard.com find me on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/theannetteleonard
When I was researching this question, I found the 6-8 mail order pharmacies that I thought best fit my needs and developed a list of questions to call and ask each pharmacy. I put the answers in a spreadsheet to see things visually to be able to rate and rank the options. Prior to choosing a mail order pharmacy, think about what your deal breakers are: timeliness? shipping speed?
My questions were:
Do you auto-renew and send medications ev...2024-08-2008 minChronic WellnessEpisode 420: My Pharmacy Closed - Is Mail Order The Way??I’m Annette Leonard of https://www.annetteleonard.com find me on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/theannetteleonard
About a year ago my pharmacy closed. I was ill-equipped for how disruptive this change was going to be. From none of my prescriptions transferring over automatically, to the new pharmacy hours, to how poor their communication is, there are a myriad of ongoing hassles that have been so frustrating in ways that I don't think many of my peers can relate to or understand.
I get one prescription by mail. It's made me wonder whether I should get all my perceptions by...2024-08-1608 minChronic WellnessEpisode 419: What Pain WantsI’m Annette Leonard of https://www.annetteleonard.com find me on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/theannetteleonard
Every other week (or so) I host an episode of Chronic Wellness Conversations on IG Live where I interview an author, thought leader or sick people. You can find these interviews on my reels here https://www.instagram.com/reel/C8ctCR_vo_9/ or on Facebook, here https://www.facebook.com/reel/757349676310780
My most recent guest was Sonya Huber. She's a very talented author who wrote this article about sex and chronic pain https://www.oprah.com/health_wellness/sex-life-with-chronic-pain_1
We had a...2024-08-1406 min
Scaling Therapy Practice: Digital Course Creation for Clinicians, Coaches, and Content ExpertsTurning Your Passion into an Online Course that Changes Lives with Annette Leonard | STP82Empowering Your Health Journey: Annette Leonard's Story of Advocacy & Chronic Wellness
In this episode of the Scaling Therapy Practice podcast, host James Marland speaks with Annette Leonard, a chronic pain advocate and beacon of resilience. Annette shares her personal journey of battling chronic illnesses, including her time on the lung transplant list, and how it led her to become a powerhouse advocate. She provides insights and tips on self-advocacy in healthcare, wellness strategies, and her transition from patient to advocate through various resources such as podcasts, courses, and blogs. Additionally, James discusses an upcoming webinar for DIY...2024-08-1226 minChronic WellnessEpisode 418: Overscheduled - Procrastination And DreadI don't take my own advice. I’m Annette Leonard of https://www.annetteleonard.com find me on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/theannetteleonard
Transparent. Maybe it's easy to watch me on YouTube or listen to me on a podcast and hear me talk about ways to live our lives with chronic conditions and think I put all of my words into practice. However, I'm 100% human and struggle with all the same things you are.
Currently, I'm in the middle of a summer that I swore I wouldn't repeat. Yet, here I am. Last summer I made it to September in...2024-07-0408 minChronic WellnessEpisode 417: Anniversary Y'all!IT'S MY 5 YEAR ANNIVERSARY I’m Annette Leonard https://www.annetteleonard.com find me on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/theannetteleonard
June 18, 2019 was the first day I sent my voice out into the void from here in my guest room.
While some things have changed -- I used to record 5 days a week, many have not: I don't have sponsors, no fancy production or editing. In that 5 years, I've changed. The process of thinking, writing, and speaking about my illnesses has changed.
When I first started I just recently off the lung transplant list, and now I've increased my lung ca...2024-07-0306 minChronic WellnessEpisode 416: You've Been Approved For SSDI’m Annette Leonard of https://www.annetteleonard.com find me on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/theannetteleonard
You finally heard that you've been approved for Social Security Disability. Treat yourself -- whether that's a call to a friend, a gf cupcake, or some other way that you do something good for yourself, take a moment to celebrate. Having this resource to support yourself, matters!
It's been a while since I crossed this hurdle, but to my memory: if you're legally married, you'll have to make some decisions about whether you'll take a greater amount each month or leave a sp...2024-06-1806 minChronic WellnessEpisode 415: Denied For Social Security, What Next?!You've been denied Social Security Disability, now what? I’m Annette Leonard of https://www.annetteleonard.com find me on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/theannetteleonard
You've FINALLY heard back and got the courage to open the envelope and learned that your application has been denied. You're disappointed, sad, angry and grieving. Take time to feel those emotions. Once you've taken a beat, get ready to get back to work.
First, make sure you haven't been denied on an eligibility technicality. Check out this website for more info:
https://usafacts.org/data-projects/disability-benefit-process
If you have met all the eligibility re...2024-06-1308 minChronic WellnessEpisode 414: I've Completed The Social Security Application What Happens Next?You've completed the initial application for Social Security Disability, what happens next? I’m Annette Leonard of https://www.annetteleonard.com find me on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/theannetteleonard
I am not an attorney or legal advisor -- seek professional guidance when trying to make legal determinations or get professional input about important questions. I'm speaking from my experience of applying for Social Security Disability.
You send in your application and they solicit information from others. Your doctors will be contacted. So if you have a rheumatological condition, you need to have a rheumatologist who says so (etc. for a...2024-05-2313 minChronic WellnessEpisode 412: Should I Apply For Social Security Disability?Should I apply for Social Security Disability? I’m Annette Leonard of https://www.annetteleonard.com find me on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/theannetteleonard
I am not a legal advisor -- seek professional guidance when trying to make legal determinations or get professional input about important questions.
I have be getting Social Security benefits for about 10 years. I've helped others apply for Social Security benefits. Maybe you've been wondering whether you should apply for Social Security Disability. Let's discuss.
Do your disabling conditions (mental, physical, emotional or a combination) have serious impacts on your ability to perform major life fu...2024-05-0906 min
Chronic WellnessEpisode 411: Sleep Roller CoasterSleep is the foundation for everything! I’m Annette Leonard of https://www.annetteleonard.com find me on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/theannetteleonard
If you're watching this on video you can see I'm wearing my dark shades -- that means my migraine is off the charts. Part of the reason is that my sleep is gone to s*it. If you're tracking, you'll also notice I haven't dropped an episode in a couple of weeks and that's down to the same reason.
We are the proud parents of (1:05) a 14 year old pit-mix rescue. She is entering a phase of ol...2024-04-2508 minChronic WellnessEpisode 410: Seeking HappinessSearching for joy? I’m Annette Leonard of https://www.annetteleonard.com find me on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/theannetteleonard
I was recently reading about what to do if you've lost your happy. This is not specifically related to depression, which requires more specialized tools and perhaps deeper interventions. This is more about fleeting joy and temperamental stuff.
The suggestion was look your happiness the same way you'd look for your keys. "where did you last see it?" When was I last joyful? When did I last experience happiness? And mine those experiences for cues and clues for how to...2024-04-0405 minChronic WellnessEpisode 409: Colonoscopy and Autoimmune Disease?Colonoscopy and autoimmune disease? I’m Annette Leonard of https://www.annetteleonard.com find me on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/theannetteleonard
Do you have an autoimmune disease and you're getting a colonoscopy? Consult your physician and take their advice, not mine. However, I have a lot of experience so let's get into that.
In advance of the colonoscopy, prep in advance for food. You'll get detailed instructions about what to eat. The instructions are daunting. At the very end your diet will be VERY limited. But keeping enough nutrients and calories is important. Prep, think in advance about what yo...2024-03-2808 minChronic WellnessEpisode 408: Intrinsic And Extrinsic WorthI’m Annette Leonard of https://www.annetteleonard.com find me on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/theannetteleonard
I recently read Emily Henry's, "The People We Meet on Vacation." She did a great job putting to language the ways we are confident and insecure, and how relationships expose us to new layers of ourselves. In the book one of her characters said that the more someone got to know her, the more she was afraid they'd discover the ugly and unlovable in her.
I highlighted that passage and returned to it because I think that any of us who carry an...2024-03-2708 minChronic WellnessEpisode 407: Boundaries 2.0Can setting boundaries be life-saving? I’m Annette Leonard of https://www.annetteleonard.com find me on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/theannetteleonard
$49 Boundary Course (through April 2024) https://jennywalters.thinkific.com/courses/boundary-uprising
A few more words about boundaries. With chronic illness boundaries are critical for our health. I recently read Dr. Pooja Laskhmin's best-selling book book "Real Self-Care." She examines the difference between what capitalism has told us "self-care" is and what is authentic self care. True self-care is 1) an inside job, 2) is values driven, 3) is a journey not a destination. Like so many things it is a practice.
In...2024-03-1710 minChronic WellnessEpisode 405: Your Health Journey Is All Your OwnYour health journey is all your own. I’m Annette Leonard of https://www.annetteleonard.com find me on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/theannetteleonard
Several things made me think about this topic. I recently was talking about my friend Amy. She died almost exactly a year before I got my diagnosis of Pulmonary Fibrosis. She was waiting for her lung transplant and when she passed she was a frail shadow of herself. Also, my mom died with complications of several of the autoimmune diseases that I have.
It's so easy -- especially when we have a difficult or unfamiliar di...2024-02-2211 minChronic WellnessEpisode 404: Chronic Pain and Elite AthletesI’m Annette Leonard of https://www.annetteleonard.com find me on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/theannetteleonard
It's February, Black History Month, and we just had the Super Bowl. After watching the Netflix movie about Diana Nyad, my wife mentioned that people living with chronic pain have some things in common with elite athletes. Intense pain. Of course, unless there's injury involved, athletes can choose to stop.
Obviously, living with chronic pain we can't skip the practice, training, workout. I thought it was an interesting perspective.
Recently, my wife has been experiencing some hip pain and headaches. The onset ha...2024-02-1609 minChronic WellnessEpisode 403: Sick on top of SickChronic illness doesn't exempt me from other opportunistic illnesses. I’m Annette Leonard of https://www.annetteleonard.com find me on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/theannetteleonard
[I don't know what happened to the visuals shortly into this video....]
I didn't record Chronic Wellness last week. Two weeks ago I went to Seattle to meet with my specialists. While up there I contracted a virus. With a fever up around 104, I had fever dreams. When I first started to get sick -- I turned on myself. "What did I miss???" The litany of self-criticism is a habit I could stand to...2024-02-0910 minChronic WellnessEpisode 402: Is There An Antidote To Chronic Pain?Is there an antidote to chronic pain? I’m Annette Leonard of https://www.annetteleonard.com find me on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/theannetteleonard
If you suffer daily from chronic pain, I know that you, like me wish that there were ways to resolve that pain. We've talked about novel ways to try and resolve pain. What if there were other solutions? This one takes a page out of lateral thinking. Hungarian born psychologist, Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi, coined the term "flow," to talk about the state of heightened engagement. Whether that's when you're engaged in a great book, lost in go...2024-01-2606 minChronic WellnessEpisode 401: Micro - DisciplinesCould micro-disciplines be the key to transformation? I’m Annette Leonard of https://www.annetteleonard.com find me on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/theannetteleonard
With the start of the calendar year the allure of resolutions and making sweeping changes is real. However, when I try to make big changes, I am often setting myself up for failure.
The notion of "micro-discipline" came from one of my favorite poets, David Whyte. Rather than making big, sweeping changes, how can I make miniature, infinitesimal changes? We are the culmination of our actions and decisions while also being creatures of habit. It is...2024-01-1110 minChronic WellnessEpisode 400: Chronic Wellness turns 400!400 Episodes! I’m Annette Leonard of https://www.annetteleonard.com find me on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/theannetteleonard
It's 2024 and this is my 400th episode. I've been absent for a couple of weeks. Part of what's been happening is my tech has been hinky but also with the 400th episode looming I wanted to have something profound to say for my 400th episode. How do we self-sabotage and bock the things we most desire?
For those of us living smaller lives because of our chronic conditions we MUST get out of our own way. When our "healthy" counterparts are ex...2024-01-0412 minChronic WellnessEpisode 399: Compassion, Self Compassion And The HolidaysI’m Annette Leonard of https://www.annetteleonard.com find me on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/theannetteleonard
Today I'm wrapping up my series on empathy and compassion. These words are not synonyms. Once I feel empathy - identifying with someone's experience, I can behave compassionately - take action on those feelings.
Empathy's shortcoming: if I don't see myself in someone else, I might not feel empathy. However, compassionate action means that I can lend myself to a cause just because I see that cause as right and good. An example: I believe in housing justice even if I can't id...2024-01-0312 minChronic WellnessEpisode 398: Empathy Vs CompassionWhat's the difference between compassion and empathy? I’m Annette Leonard of https://www.annetteleonard.com find me on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/theannetteleonard
Last week I talked about whether we could feel another's pain. Taking a step back from that I'm deconstructing what compassion and empathy means. I identify as an empath -- in seeing one's pain I feel and identify with that pain.
Mattieu Ricard, a Buddhist monk from France has studied the neurobiology of empathy and compassion. He emphasized that empathy is feeling another's pain. Ex: your child is afraid of the thunderstorm and in empathy yo...2024-01-0209 min
Hosted33 - Chronic Wellness with Annette LeonardOn today’s episode of Hosted, Brandy Whalen discusses health, building a brand and of course podcasting with our guest and fellow podcaster, Annette Leonard. Both Brandy and Annette suffer from a rare condition called “Myositis”, this episode offers a unique perspective of what it’s like living with Myositis and how podcasting has helped.2022-11-2341 min
Maltin on MoviesAnnette O’TooleAnnette O’Toole’s first professional job was dancing with Danny Kaye on his network TV show… and she hasn’t stopped performing since. She’s about to film the fifth season of the Netflix series Virgin River and is brimming with enthusiasm for it. Her credits include six years as Ma Kent on Smallville, an Emmy nomination for playing Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy in The Kennedys of Massachusetts, and an Oscar nomination for the song “A Smile at the End of the Rainbow” from Christopher Guest’s A Mighty Wind (which she wrote with her husband Michael McKean). Leonard and Jessie love...2022-07-151h 00
Chronic WellnessEpisode 286: Blood ClotsEpisode 286: Blood Clots by Annette Leonard2020-08-1701 min
Chronic WellnessEpisode 286: Blood ClotsEpisode 286: Blood Clots by Annette Leonard2020-08-1701 minChronic WellnessEpisode 285: Port ProblemsEpisode 285: Port Problems by Annette Leonard2020-08-1405 min
Chronic WellnessEpisode 285: Port ProblemsEpisode 285: Port Problems by Annette Leonard2020-08-1405 min
Chronic WellnessEpisode 284: The ADA - RepresentationWhat more can we imagine about accessibility?
Today's thought was prompted by reading I'm doing in Layla Saad's book "Me and White Supremacy," thinking about tokenism.
Who are the groups you represent or help make sure are at the table?
When can I be asking "who have we not heard from?" "Who is not represented that needs to be?"
Similarly, where are those of us with disabilities - particularly in media?
Who are your favorite actors/characters with disabilities in entertainment or media?2020-08-1307 min
Chronic WellnessEpisode 283: The ADA - InclusionWhat is remarkable about the ADA?
What else could the ADA be doing?
What's the difference between access and inclusion?
What could full inclusion look like?
When barriers are removed, how can people proceed?
Have you participated in places/spaces that are doing this well? We'd love to hear about what that looks like!2020-08-1205 min
Chronic WellnessEpisode 282: The ADA - Rights Without OversightHow did the ADA not go far enough?
This is a law that was put into place without an enforcement body.
How are complaints about access currently addressed?
How could we have more comprehensive oversight or accountability?
What has been your experience?2020-08-1103 min
Chronic WellnessEpisode 281: The ADA - Part We Got RightWhat does "reasonable accommodation" mean?
Why is it one of the things we got right?
How does it impact the provisions of the ADA?
Here's a brief discussion of one of the things we got right with the legislation.2020-08-1103 min
Chronic WellnessEpisode 280: The ADA-Transformation!From working with disability activists around the world, I've learned a few things:
More than 181 countries have passed legislation to protect and provide access to people with disabilities.
How did the disability movement take a note from previous civil rights movements?
What was the hard line they took that brings a lump in my throat today?
How does this call me to be a better version of myself?
Who can I include that I might not have?
For more information contact Mobility International USA MIUSA.org2020-08-0706 min
Chronic WellnessEpisode 279: The ADA - What Is A Disability?In the first 18 years of the ADA, the definition of Disability had gotten very limited.
The ADAAA set out to correct that problem. (To review: watch episodes 241-245 or this playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLursF4R-Unw-HfI7260inwJF15Xy-K03M )
What does it mean to be Disabled?
How does changing the systems, attitudes, structures, and beliefs, start to make positive changes for more than just those we set out to improve things for?
For more information check out this article I wrote about the ADA:
https://themighty.com/2020/07/30-years-americans-disabilities-act/2020-08-0605 min
Chronic WellnessEpisode 278: Thirty Years Of The ADAThe ADA was the first civil rights law in the world to protect the rights of and provide access for people with Disabilities.
If you have chronic illness, you likely have disabling conditions and the ADA is there to protect you!
Education, housing, transportation, employment, and public spaces, these are the areas to which the ADA provided access.
First person stories about disability played a big role in raising the consciousness of the 101st congress about access issues.
How have you been impacted by the ADA?2020-08-0505 min
Chronic WellnessEpisode 277: PostOp RealnessHow have I let our relationship issues impact how I ask for what I need?
What ways do I limit myself or create my own obstacles?
How can I get out of my own way?
The pattern of trying to make myself smaller so that I don't have to have needs of others or rely on them is still ingrained in me after so many years of trying to change it.
This surgery highlighted that again.
Is this something you struggle with, too?2020-08-0404 min
Chronic WellnessEpisode 276: PostOp UpdateHow has it been to get a new PowerPort?
What is the placement like?
I wonder why recovery has been more difficult than I expected?
When do you notice your energy flagging?
What things have taken more out of you than you expected?
In the midst -- what are the things that feed you and light you up?2020-08-0303 min
Chronic WellnessEpisode 275: We Are Mighty Pt 5Mike Porath, founder and CEO of TheMighty.com talks about powerful ways people find one another on the platform.
He then answers the question, “What would you like people to know about TheMighty.com?”
He encourages people on the platform to share their ideas and feedback Mike@TheMighty.com and Community@TheMighty.com
What is bringing him wellness or lighting up his spirit? Mike shares how he is practicing a bit of self care these days.2020-07-3107 min
Chronic WellnessEpisode 274: We Are Mighty Pt 4Mike Porath, founder and CEO of TheMighty.com talks about his hopes for the future.
He discusses a study Harvard did with TheMighty to look at whether content was making a difference people using the site as it related to suicide and suicidal ideation.
How does TheMighty impact its community?
What is the evidence?
How do we make the platform more globally accessible?
The primary thing TheMighty is solving for is isolation, the emotional impact these health conditions have and our tendency to feel lost, scared, and alone.
Mike also share’s a concrete story of how a crowdsourced solution ea...2020-07-3010 min
Chronic WellnessEpisode 273: We Are Mighty Pt 3Mike Porath, founder and CEO of TheMighty.com talks about what he’s learned from parenting a child that was born differently than he expected.
What are their guideposts for parenting?
What would he say to other parents who are on a similar journey?
Finding a present-day focus brought relief.
He also talks a bit where the name "TheMighty" came from and about the roll of guilt and grief.2020-07-2908 min
Chronic WellnessEpisode 272: We Are Mighty Pt 2Mike Porath, founder and CEO of TheMighty.com talks about how The Mighty got started.
The Mighty isn't about health so much as it's about PEOPLE.
What has surprised you about the ways The Mighty has grown and changed?
How have you grown from parenting Annabel?
What would you tell another parent who had a child born different than they expected her to be?2020-07-2809 min
Chronic WellnessEpisode 271: We Are Mighty Pt 1Mike Porath, founder and CEO of TheMighty.com talks about what it was like to have a daughter born with a chromosomal difference.
How did The Mighty get their start?
How has the platform changed from its initial spark?
In the early days of his daughter Annabel's diagnosis, he found an old PDF on the web with 6 stories from parents who had the same condition as Annabel. He really connected with those stories.
Their power moved him, the humor and joy, pierced the loneliness. "There's other people out there dealing with this. We can too." That became the crux of...2020-07-2811 min
Chronic WellnessEpisode 270: PreOp HonestyHere's an impromptu episode from the hospital.
I'm waiting to get surgery.
I had to get a COVID test before this procedure.
How was that?
As I've been waiting for the surgery, my anxiety has been ramping.
What are my fears today?
How am I managing those?2020-07-2404 min
Chronic WellnessEpisode 269: Marital CommunicationHow have my behaviors around the particularities had me showing up like I'm controlling or parental?
What fights have you been having for the whole of your relationship?
How am I still learning to communicate and take up space?
How do I still disconnect from my own experience?
Communication, still at it and having a hard time getting it done skillfully after all these years.
I'm excited to tell you about the guest I have coming on: Mike Porath, founder of the platform The Mighty. It is a place where those of us with mental and physical health challenges can...2020-07-2407 min
Chronic WellnessEpisode 268: Family TiesJust more than a year and a half ago, my mother died. I still miss her terribly.
Our relationship was not always easy, my being gay was a painful and divisive thing between us.
However, once I got sick, we forged a path with one another.
Four months after her death, my dad was engaged. While that was shocking, I was ill equipped for this change.
What happens when dad is not showing signs of dementia or Alzheimers?
Not wanting to make things worse, how do I support him when I'm across the country?
My dad is much further along...2020-07-2408 min
Chronic WellnessEpisode 267: Getting Professional HelpHave you sought professional help in your relationship?
What has been your experience with couple's counseling?
How do our patterns of communication still serve or not serve us?
What communication ruts and errors are we getting into?
How does our decision to "chose one another everyday," play into our philosophy of getting couple's counseling?
When did you decide to engage professional help?2020-07-2405 min
Chronic WellnessEpisode 266: The Laws Of AttractionWhat are the tender, raw, exposed parts of my life right now?
How does living through a pandemic and the impact of racial injustices keep show up as overwhelm in my world and yours?
My wife recently told me she has a crush on someone.
Having survived infidelity together, we rewrote the rules of our relationship.
When my body, identity, sense of attractiveness, have all taken hits because of illness and pain, this crush and her keeping it from me, have felt really hard.
How do you navigate crushes in your relationship?2020-07-2405 min
Chronic WellnessEpisode 265: Chronic Disease AwarenessToday, 7/10 is Chronic Disease Awareness Day
7 of 10 deaths can be attributed to chronic disease – 7 in 10!
The CDC says that 6 in 10 of us have a chronic condition in 4 in 10 of us have two or more.
These are staggering statistics. Many of our conditions can be improved or prevented with lifestyle changes. We can shift our quality of life by: stop smoking, reducing alcohol, cleaning up our diet, getting better sleep, and exercising.
What are you committed to doing for your health?
Today is a great opportunity to initiate conversations and begin making changes to improve your health.2020-07-1704 min
Chronic WellnessEpisode 264: Energy And RootsWhen there are a number of things that are feeling raw and exposed, where to start?
We have conflict in my marriage over where I spend my time and energy when I have some to give.
If I think about my energy like the bars in a battery, I have to be judicious about how to use my energy bars.
The decisions I make about my energy, have impacts on and implications for my wife.
Should I use my energy helping around the house? Being intimate with her?
When I make decisions about my energy without including her, I take...2020-07-1604 min
Chronic WellnessEpisode 263: Bare RootsWhat happens when re-potting a plant and you go to expose the roots?
What happens when roots are unearthed?
What tender, raw, exposed parts of myself are showing right now?
My marriage is suffering right now.
Whether it's our sex life, how I prioritize what energy I have, how we relate to one another as partners vs. sick person and care giver, how to maximize my time each day without setting myself back by overdoing it, and a host of other concerns. These are my tender "bare roots."
Like my houseplants, these things have been overlooked for a long time.2020-07-1504 min
Chronic WellnessEpisode 262: Healthy Rootschronic illness,quality of life,autoimmune disease,immunosuppressed,chronic wellness,I am enough,chronic illness and marriage,chronic illness and relationships,chronic illness and quality of life,chronic illness and isolation,chronic illness and depression,chronic illness and tips for managing isolation,pets and chronic illness,creature comforts and chronic illness,mental health and chronic illness,disability and illness,caring for houseplants and illness
Have you noticed this plant before?
How did meningitis impact our houseplants?
What makes a house feel like a home?
In re-potting our houseplants, it got me thinking about myself. How have I been tending to...2020-07-1405 min
Chronic WellnessEpisode 261: Season 2 KickoffThank you for tuning in for season two of the Chronic Wellness podcast!
This season I'll be interviewing the Creator of The Mighty, I'll also interview the founder of HowStuffWorks.co. I'll also be talking about
- mental health and chronic illness
- how and when to apply for disability
- how to feed our minds and spirits when our world is so small or locked down
- what does it take to be a care giver for those of us with chronic illness
What do you want to discuss?!2020-07-1403 min
Chronic WellnessEpisode 260: Juneteenth And AnniversaryWhat is the history of Juneteenth?
How might that relate to us today?
What are we not free of?
What habits do not serve me?
Are there people, habits, behaviors I should let go of?
Acknowledging that there is a lot of privilege in asking these questions.
With these thoughts and questions to think about. With today as my one year anniversary I will be taking the next two weeks off. Please check out my back catalog while you're waiting for me to kick off season two.2020-06-2604 min
Chronic WellnessEpisode 259: How To Thrive With Chronic Illness Part 4Lis wondered, "how can I support others with chronic illness to survive and thrive?" Living with illness for a long time, challenges remained: connecting, creating, finding community with limited energy. Having persevered through darkness (in part, because of creativity), Lis wanted to be a muse, a light for others. With that in mind, she thought, how can I inspire others to survive and thrive? With a number of creative projects in the works, she had a relapse and a wake up call about prioritizing self-care. Giving up on creativity was not the answer. How do we create sustainably? The summit...2020-06-2519 min
Chronic WellnessEpisode 258: How To Thrive With Chronic Illness Part 3Lis published "A Light In The Darkness," in 2018 as a way to share her story and give back. Through writing, she acknowledged the need for support as well as how her attitude impacts her wellness. In a marriage or partnership, how does she contribute to the health of the relationship? When we realize that we are not our disease, how do we transcend? This journey is not liner. What she can now look back and see is that she didn’t process her grief. Immersing herself in creativity became a sort of escape keeping her from facing the darkness. Grief is...2020-06-2411 min
Chronic WellnessEpisode 257: How To Thrive With Chronic Illness Part 2What was it like to leave the working world? Who am I without work? How can I effect change? These are questions Lis was asking. As an environmental scientist, her impact was concrete. Leaving the working world, she threw herself into creativity and struggled to feel like that was “enough.” Creative outlets predate her illness, but her focus on creativity has intensified since being sick. When visiting a craniosacral therapist she had guidance that she should not separate her artistic leanings from her desire to heal. For Lis, the bridge for surviving to thriving is “wellness," and wellness is means attend...2020-06-2307 min
Chronic WellnessEpisode 256: How To Thrive With Chronic IllnessAuthor, singer/songwriter, muse, Lis Sniderman is my guest today. We talk about her journey with the onset of dermatomyositis. At the precipice of being married and going on tour, she became critically ill. Beginning with a rash, this progressive muscle wasting disease changed the course of her future. She was fortunate to get a relatively rapid diagnosis (in the world of autoimmune disease). Her life was further disrupted when her disease took a dramatic turn leaving her hospitalized and needing rehabilitation in order to relearn basic life functions. We talk about surrender, survival, and what it takes to move...2020-06-2209 min
Chronic WellnessEpisode 254: An Act Of Courage And TrustWhat are the impediments to dismantling systems of injustice?
Why are conversations about race so difficult?
When I'm held accountable for my 1) racist 2) privileged or 3) non-ally behaviors it's painful and so easy to get defensive.
When my identity is challenged it feels threatening and it is difficult to press on.
However, when I pan back and take myself out of it, I can see that the person holding me accountable is giving me a tremendous amount of love, grace, and TRUST. Because if I didn't matter to them, they never would have trusted me with this conversation. If they didn't...2020-06-1806 min
Chronic WellnessEpisode 253: Conversations Are KeyWhat are my reflections on whiteness?
How does being in touch with my whiteness inform my perspective?
White privilege is based on whiteness being invisible.
We have likely not been told we have to represent our race.
If you aren't already, start talking about whiteness with other white people, particularly your family.
Would you rather your children learn about sex and violence from TV and kids at school?
If the answer is no, isn't the same thing true about race. Wouldn't you rather shape the conversation?
We start to dismantle white supremacy by having these conversations.
It is better to...2020-06-1705 min
Chronic WellnessEpisode 252: CommitmentCommitment is required for the work of dismantling white supremacy.
How is today's uprising going to be different from those in the past?
For change to occur, this work is a long game.
When I say and do things in error, I must accept that, take time to heal/figure my shit out, pick myself up and keep going.
Curiosity, love, and commitment, three skills that are necessary that we white folks need to address systemic bias and for dismantling white supremacy.
Reading Resources
Ta-Nehisi Coates’ article, The Case for Reparations
Van Jones’ article, “Black People ‘Loot’ Food..White People ‘Find’ Food”
...2020-06-1603 min
Chronic WellnessEpisode 251: What's Love Got To Do With It?Can we solve a problem with the same energy that created it?
I don't think we end hate by meeting it with hate.
I think love is required. We must love ourselves and one another.
Self-love because we white people are not used to seeing ourselves in a negative light around issues of race and equity. If we say things and get it wrong or are afraid to say things and get it wrong - we need self-love to cope with the difficult emotions that are going to arise.
Standing up for the right is a thankless job fraught with...2020-06-1504 min
Chronic WellnessEpisode 255: How Can We Handle Shame?How is shame like vampires?
Why is it so difficult to hear information about ourselves that doesn't fit with what I believe to be true?
How should we receive race related criticism?
We shouldn't manage our white guilt and shame with BIPOC.
Shame can derail our work if we do not allow it to be aired so it can dissipate and be gone.
Reading Resources
Ta-Nehisi Coates’ article, The Case for Reparations
Van Jones’ article, “Black People ‘Loot’ Food..White People ‘Find’ Food”
Books
The New Jim Crow, Michelle Alexander
Caught, Marie Gottschalk
Between the World and Me, Ta-Nehisi Coates
White Fragility...2020-06-1304 min
Chronic WellnessEpisode 250: CuriosityWhat skills are required for dispute resolutions?
A mind that stays curious -- remains open, engaged, questioning, able to see the possibilities.
Can you hear about another's lived experience?
Curiosity is a key skill in unlearning white supremacy.
We must be curious to learn about the systems that continue to prop up and sustain the inequity of white power.
To gain understanding and make change, we must be curious.2020-06-1203 min
Chronic WellnessEpisode 249: Steps Toward ChangeHow do we change our habits?
First we must see and name them.
Individuals cannot change what is happening in our nation until we acknowledge what has been happening.
While these systems predate us, we now all play a role in their continued existence.
Acknowledging that I have these privileges, naming, and surfacing what is true, is the precursor for change.
We cannot change what we don't name or see.
How are you having these conversations?2020-06-1104 min
Chronic WellnessEpisode 248: How Do We Disarm?What does it mean to personally disarm?
How do we do that?
How do I embody practices of love?
This relates to what's happening in the world right now in the wake of George Floyd's death because the more I can become less defensive, less fragile, less tentative, less uncertain about my role in white supremacy and structural bias, the more opportunity we have for creating a different society.2020-06-1004 min
Chronic WellnessEpisode 247: White Is A RaceHow do systems of injustice get dismantled?
We, the powerful, must decide it's time.
Are you fluent in race conversations?
Do you think of yourself as having a race?
How is talking about it critical to change?
White is a race, and we must be more comfortable talking about race.
What kind of world do we want to live in?2020-06-0904 min
Chronic WellnessEpisode 246: Who Are We?chronic illness and quality of life,chronic wellness,white supremacy,George Floyd murder,unlearning racism,how do we change the power in this country?,blackoutTuesday,Black Lives Matter,BlackLivesMatter,Chronic illness and hate,bigotry in all forms,racism and illness,chronic illness and race,the stress disease connection,who do you want to be in the world,white is a race,white privilege,racial fluence,talk about race,diversity and change
Feeling broken, disheartened, sad, outraged, and horrified.
Why are we waging war on people of color?
How does white supremacy still inform our decisions as a nation?
This is...2020-06-0802 min
Chronic WellnessEpisode 245: TABschronic illness and quality of life,chronic illness and self-worth,chronic illness and lack of control,chronic illness and grief,chronic illness and autoimmune disease,chronic illness and self-talk,illness and relationships,chronic illness and marriage,disability and chronic illness,am I disabled?,person-centered language,human rights model of disability,medical model of disability,universal design,hierarchy of disability,TABs,applying for disability
TABs (Temporarily Able-Bodied) folks, tend to think of a person in a wheel chair when they picture someone with a disability.
Where does that lead us with chronic illness on the hierarchy of disability?
Why was claiming...2020-06-0506 min
Chronic WellnessEpisode 244: Disability And ChangeIn England, the leaders and community members that we met said, "I am disabled." Not, "I am someone with a disability," or "I have a disability," but "I am disabled." That was challenging for every member of our group who had been taught person-first, human rights framework and believed that it was disempowering to use that kind of descriptor.
When we explored this further, we learned the reasons why...
This was a revelation for me. Until *others* shift the systems, structures, and attitudes, I am disabled not because something is wrong with this BODY, but because things are wrong and...2020-06-0405 min
Chronic WellnessEpisode 243: Universal Design/Accesschronic illness and quality of life,chronic illness and self-worth,chronic illness and lack of control,chronic illness and grief,chronic illness and autoimmune disease,chronic illness and self-talk,illness and relationships,chronic illness and marriage,disability and chronic illness,deaf or hard of hearing? which is right?,am I disabled?,person-centered language,human rights model of disability,medical model of disability,universal design,universal access
What do you know about universal design?
What if systems, structures, and attitudes changed?
How do any of us benefit from accessible deign?
While universal deign began as an architecture concept: how do we...2020-06-0305 min
Chronic WellnessEpisode 242: Models Of DisabilityWhat is the right language to speak about disability?
How has that come about?
What's functional about person-first or person-centered language?
What is the human rights model of disability?
If variety is the norm, disability is not outside the norm but is on the spectrum of the norm.
What is the medical model of disability
How do we straddle the divide between the medical and human rights model of disability?2020-06-0206 min
Chronic WellnessEpisode 241: My Introduction To DeafnessWhat do you know about sign language?
Have you ever been exposed to Deaf language and culture?
Deafness was my introduction to the world of people with disabilities.
Is it correct to call individuals with hearing loss D/deaf or hard of hearing?
What is your experience with disability?
As someone with chronic illness, do you think of yourself as disabled? Why or why not?2020-06-0105 min
Chronic WellnessEpisode 240: What Is Polymyositis?How is polymyositis identified?
When I was actively muscle wasting I lost 40 pounds in 2.5 months.
I first noticed having difficulty standing from a seated position, then I had trouble raising my arms above my head, and other impacts from there.
Because our diaphragm is smooth muscle tissue, things like breathing were also impacted.
How fortunate I am that we have been able to halt the progress of my muscle wasting is something I'm very grateful for.2020-05-2904 min
Chronic WellnessEpisode 239: What Is Sporadic Inclusion Body Myositis?What is sIBM?
Why is it so difficult to diagnose?
Who dose it typically impact?
Dysphagia, drop foot, falls, these might be the reasons someone goes to the doctor and gets a diagnosis.
This disease is typically not symmetrical in it's presentation and is NOT relapsing/remitting. Once this disease is activated, it is generally progressive in it's advance.
Do you know someone with sIBM? What has been your or their experience with the disease?2020-05-2903 min
Chronic WellnessEpisode 238: What Is DermatomyositisWhat are the indicators of dermatomyositis?
The rash that goes along with dermatomyositis, while often uncomfortable if not painful, is so helpful in assisting the diagnosis. The presentation of the rash make it more identifyable.
Inflammation of blood vessels (vasculitis) cause the muscle weakness in dermatomyositis.
The pain and weakness tends to be symmetrical and the muscles first impacted tend to be the large muscle groups nearest to the core.
Tasks likes rising from a seated from a position, going up stairs, lifting objects above your head, are some of the difficulties reported.
There are no cures for any of...2020-05-2706 min
Chronic WellnessEpisode 237: Myositis Awareness MonthFor more information Myositis.org or UnderstandingMyositis.org
What is myositis?
How do they impact people?
What are the broad categories of myositis?
These irreversible muscle-wasting conditions are rare diseases.
There are no drugs specifically for the inflammatory myopathies, just off-label therapies borrowed from other conditions like Crohns and Rheumatoid Arthritis.
Do you have experiences or stories of myositis?2020-05-2605 min
Chronic WellnessEpisode 236: Immunosuppressing Drugs, Rituxan Part 3How do I feel after the infusion?
What are the benefits?
What does the muscle wasting feel like?
With chronic pain and chronic conditions, any bit that we can carve out or reclaim is giant territory that is not ceded to our disease.
My infusion gives me several months of positive effects. We've gauged the time of my infusions based on when effects start to wear off.
Consider these autoimmune diseases without the benefits of modern medicine. How fortunate we are to live during a time when there are these options.
Have you tried infusing meds? Have they worked for...2020-05-2506 min
Chronic WellnessEpisode 235: Immunosuppressing Drugs, Rituxan Part 2How do I get my Rituxan treatments?
How does prednisone impact getting an infusion?
What are premeds and why are they important to the process?
Because I am at a rheumatology clinic, I am with other autoimmune patients during my infusion. That is also a therapeutic part of the treatment. We learn from each other and share war stories, share tips, share the burden of living with these illnesses.2020-05-2206 min
Chronic WellnessEpisode 234: Immunosuppressing Drugs - Rituxan Part 1Autoimmune disease is our body fighting our self.
Without Ig products I needed other meds online. My doctors decided on Rituxan/Rituximab.
During the 2.5 years of IVIg/SCIg I didn't catch colds and flus.
However, since being off IVIg, I catch any and every virus that's circulating. That was a tremendous benefit. The difference is remarkable.
Our bodies cannot rally a defense on immunosuppressing drugs. This is so that our bodies are kept in a state that lessens the attack we are mounting on ourselves.
Rituxan keeps my B cells from maturing. Have you taken an infusing med or been...2020-05-2106 min
Chronic WellnessEpisode 233: Trusting Myself About TreatmentWhat happens when we don't agree with our doctor's recommendations?
Do you know your body well enough that you can make decision about the best course of treatment?
My doc in Seattle was frustrated that I couldn't/wouldn't continue with Ig products for treatment of my autoimmune cluster and pulmonary fibrosis.
Lung transplant was going to be unlikely or at least a long shot, his job was to preserve and protect my life and I think he was afraid.
I'm Annette Leonard, speaker, coach, and sick person who believes that my illnesses do not define me. If health is the...2020-05-2006 min
Chronic WellnessEpisode 233: Trusting Myself About TreatmentWhat happens when we don't agree with our doctor's recommendations?
Do you know your body well enough that you can make decision about the best course of treatment?
My doc in Seattle was frustrated that I couldn't/wouldn't continue with Ig products for treatment of my autoimmune cluster and pulmonary fibrosis.
Lung transplant was going to be unlikely or at least a long shot, his job was to preserve and protect my life and I think he was afraid.
I'm Annette Leonard, speaker, coach, and sick person who believes that my illnesses do not define me. If health is the...2020-05-2006 min
Chronic WellnessEpisode 232: The Adventures Of SCIg Part 2Would I get meningitis with SCIg?
With weekly infusions of SCIg and my lap dog as my companion, I began the process.
After 6 weeks bam, meningitis.
So, I called it off.
When is the treatment worse than the disease itself?
How do you discern quality of life over quantity of life?
Have you had to go against a doctor's recommendations?
The cost was too high to pay. If I only had a few months left to live, I was not going to spend them with meningitis.2020-05-1907 min
Chronic WellnessEpisode 231: The Adventures Of SCIg Part 1What happened when I failed IVIg?
My doctor wanted me to try SCIg.
Using a giant syringe with a craning pump at home, I was trained to administer SCIg to myself at home.
Each of the five lengths of tubing I had to attach to myself with a small needle, injecting the medicine under my skin into fat tissue.
Why do we pay so much for people to donate plasma? Because we are making pharmaceutical products like IVIg and SCIg and selling them for top dollar!
Viscous like honey, the welts where I injected did not resolve or absorb quickly...2020-05-1806 min
Chronic WellnessEpisode 208: The Lady's Handbook For Her Mysterious Illness Part 3How can our illnesses mirror the Heroine's Journey?
The hero's journey is so compelling. We are drawn into that messaging and are looking for our redemptive conclusion. However, most of us with chronic illness don't achieve those ends.
The story of trauma, loss, grief, and going into the underworld that can give us a framework for understanding what happens to us with illness.
The roots system of the underworld forces us to look plainly at what is really going on.
What are the things that are bring Sarah life?
Sarah's tools for self care: move my body (but not so...2020-04-1512 minChronic WellnessEpisode 208: The Lady's Handbook For Her Mysterious Illness Part 3How can our illnesses mirror the Heroine's Journey?
The hero's journey is so compelling. We are drawn into that messaging and are looking for our redemptive conclusion. However, most of us with chronic illness don't achieve those ends.
The story of trauma, loss, grief, and going into the underworld that can give us a framework for understanding what happens to us with illness.
The roots system of the underworld forces us to look plainly at what is really going on.
What are the things that are bring Sarah life?
Sarah's tools for self care: move my body (but not so...2020-04-1512 min
Chronic WellnessEpisode 207: The Lady's Handbook For Her Mysterious Illness Part 2When struggling with mysterious illnesses, what is the significance of privilege?
What is the significance of being believed?
How do we find practitioners who will be curious and invested in us?
Why is this so rare and where do we turn?
What is functional medicine and why would you want to start here?
Win a copy of Sarah's book on 4/17/20! Go to my Instagram @theAnnetteLeonard or Twitter @Annette_Leonard to learn how!2020-04-1408 minChronic WellnessEpisode 207: The Lady's Handbook For Her Mysterious Illness Part 2When struggling with mysterious illnesses, what is the significance of privilege?
What is the significance of being believed?
How do we find practitioners who will be curious and invested in us?
Why is this so rare and where do we turn?
What is functional medicine and why would you want to start here?
Win a copy of Sarah's book on 4/17/20! Go to my Instagram @theAnnetteLeonard or Twitter @Annette_Leonard to learn how!2020-04-1408 min
Chronic WellnessEpisode 206: The Lady's Handbook For Her Mysterious Illness Part 1On today's episode I'm hosting my first guest!
Sarah Ramey, the author of The Lady's Handbook for Her Mysterious Illness is joining me for Part 1 of our conversation.
As her health was unraveling, she started writing to try to understand what was happening to her.
"You are not crazy. And you are not alone" is the thesis of this book.
With so many of these mysterious illnesses, the dominant experience is being told, "no you don't."
How can we change the way that patients are treated?
Here is the magical term you should all learn WOMI.
It is important to...2020-04-1309 minChronic WellnessEpisode 206: The Lady's Handbook For Her Mysterious Illness Part 1On today's episode I'm hosting my first guest!
Sarah Ramey, the author of The Lady's Handbook for Her Mysterious Illness is joining me for Part 1 of our conversation.
As her health was unraveling, she started writing to try to understand what was happening to her.
"You are not crazy. And you are not alone" is the thesis of this book.
With so many of these mysterious illnesses, the dominant experience is being told, "no you don't."
How can we change the way that patients are treated?
Here is the magical term you should all learn WOMI.
It is important to...2020-04-1309 min
Chronic WellnessEpisode 203: The Coronavirus/COVID - 19 - Try AnalogI started this whole broadcast because I live with chronic illnesses and I want to talk about how we keep ourselves well on the inside, how we have spiritual wellness.
That seems particularly important right now during the specter of COVID-19.
One of the ways to increase your spiritual wellness is to go analog.
It is so easy to always be on our devices, phones, laptops, tablets, TVs.
While parents are actively trying to limit children's screen-time. What about our screen-time?
Set a timer, put your phone in a cupboard or turn it off. Take a phone sabbath.
See how...2020-04-0805 minChronic WellnessEpisode 203: The Coronavirus/COVID - 19 - Try AnalogI started this whole broadcast because I live with chronic illnesses and I want to talk about how we keep ourselves well on the inside, how we have spiritual wellness.
That seems particularly important right now during the specter of COVID-19.
One of the ways to increase your spiritual wellness is to go analog.
It is so easy to always be on our devices, phones, laptops, tablets, TVs.
While parents are actively trying to limit children's screen-time. What about our screen-time?
Set a timer, put your phone in a cupboard or turn it off. Take a phone sabbath.
See how...2020-04-0805 min
Chronic WellnessEpisode 202: The Coronavirus/COVID - 19 - The One You FeedMy friends and the people I coach are experiencing a lot of anxiety, much of it unfounded.
I think the news is preying on our worries, and isolation is certainly contributing to this as well.
I'm reminded about the parable about the wolves.
When the grandson tells his grandfather about the two wolves battling for dominance inside him and asks which one will win. His grandfather responds, "the one you feed."
This seems relevant to what we're experiencing now.
Am I feeding my fear or my joy? Am I nourishing my hopes and confidence or my anxiety and anger?
I'm...2020-04-0703 minChronic WellnessEpisode 202: The Coronavirus/COVID - 19 - The One You FeedMy friends and the people I coach are experiencing a lot of anxiety, much of it unfounded.
I think the news is preying on our worries, and isolation is certainly contributing to this as well.
I'm reminded about the parable about the wolves.
When the grandson tells his grandfather about the two wolves battling for dominance inside him and asks which one will win. His grandfather responds, "the one you feed."
This seems relevant to what we're experiencing now.
Am I feeding my fear or my joy? Am I nourishing my hopes and confidence or my anxiety and anger?
I'm...2020-04-0703 min