In this episode, Nancy share about the chronic illnesses that both her and her husband deal with on a daily basis. We also talk a lot about having anxiety and how to do with it, support someone who struggles with it and ultimately live happier!*

Nancy said she grew up in home where there wasn’t much room for feelings or vulnerability. She wishes there would have been a little less “suck it up buttercup” and a little more “life is hard and it’s okay.”

Looking back, she could tell her dad suffered from chronic illness. Nancy, herself, does, as well. It took a long time for her to own it. She would come up with excuses like it was because she was overweight or didn’t eat healthy, but once she changed those things, she was still in pain. She was finally diagnosed with arthritis and self-diagnosed fibromyalgia. Nancy and I talk about how you need to let people know when you’re in pain because only you can feel it.

Nancy’s husband has suffered from epilepsy since he was 8. She is his caretaker. He cannot work because of it, so he stays home and takes care of the house while she works. I asked her if she ever gets annoyed with him for not doing things or visa versa and she said no. “The secret is to have your own roles.” She knows what she needs to do, as does he. They don’t cross over.

Next we got into how to live happier! I LOVED this portion of the episode. It was very helpful and informative! I asked Nancy many questions – like as parents or as someone who is around children a lot, what can we do to help our children make sure they feel like they’re enough and feel worthy? How can we encourage people to feel their feelings? What are some natural ways to help yourself or someone else work through their anxiety? How do you deal with doing something you may not want to do – like going to a party, the doctor or dentist? How can we help our children work through their anxieties?

Listen to the full episode here.

*Please note: this is the guest’s story. Their story is how they perceive it. It is not my judgement or responsibility to determine whether or not this story and the things said are true. Please be open minded when listening to/reading these stories.

KEY TAKEAWAYS FROM THIS EPISODE:
-Have clear boundaries! Speak up for yourself. You are your best advocate.

LINKS TO THINGS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:
–Janessa Farrer’s episode
–Picture book
–Hand idea
-Nancy’s favorite book: Radical Acceptance by Tara Brach
–Tara Brach podcast
-Nancy’s favorite product: NettiPot
-Nancy’s song recommendation: Mercy by Dave Mathews Band (listen on the Hard Knocks guest list on Spotify)
-My ending song recommendation: I’m Gone by Brantley Gilbert (listen on the Hard Knocks playlist on Spotify)

Not all storms come to disrupt your life; some come to clear your path.

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