In this final episode of Chronically Living, we discuss the concept of willingness and how living with a chronic illness or chronic pain requires a certain amount of willingness in order to live a fulfilling life.
In this episode we discuss:

• the two meanings of willingness
• knight in armour analogy

Follow the Chronically Living blog: chronically-living.com
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Yoga is a mindful movement practice that a lot of people with chronic illnesses have said is helpful for them. There is also a ton of empirical research supporting its use with a number of conditions. But what exactly are the benefits? MS Warrior and Yoga Instructor, Clarissa Hidalgo joins us to explain the benefits she has found.
In this episode we discuss:

• the benefits of yoga
• different types of yoga practices
• why you shouldn't dismiss it so quickly

Guest Bio
Clarissa Hidalgo (RYT 200) received her yoga teacher certification in the spring of 2017. She began practicing after being treated for Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis in 2010, and experiencing mobility issues since 2012. Since the beginning, yoga benefited her physically, yet since her training she realized the various emotion, mental, and wellness benefits of her practice. Receiving her BA in psychology from the University of California, Merced in 2012, she was not only able to incorporate and recognize the benefits of yoga physically and mentally, but tap into the mindfulness and self-healing powers as well.
After the delivery of her beautiful baby girl, she embraced her renewed sense of self and life, realizing that after many years she would finally fulfill her destiny to become a diffuser of yogic wisdom. Her personal philosophy is, YOGA IS FOR EVERYONE, EVERYTHING, AT ANY TIME!!
Follow Clarissa across social media @MultipleSclerosisMamas

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Support the show on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/chronically_living

TW: talk of death, thoughts of dying.

Many people hate the "m" word for various reasons, but the reason often given is "it' won't help me or cure me." Here's the thing, many people have said it does help them, and mindset doesn't necessarily mean being an eternal optimist. Terry Tucker, a cancer warrior, talks about mindset, health and his principles to a good life.
In this episode we talk about:

• the idea that pain is inevitable but suffering is optional
• keeping hope alive
• Sustainable Excellence

Guest Bio:
In 2012, Terry Tucker was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer called Acral Lentiginous Melanoma, which presented on the bottom of his foot. By the time the melanoma was detected, it had metastasized. Over the past 9 years, Terry has had several different treatments, and keeps fighting. One thing he learned during all his pain and suffering is that you have two choices. You can succumb to the debilitating discomfort and misery, or you can learn to embrace it and use it to make you a stronger and better human being. He chose the latter.
He recently wrote a book, entitled Sustainable Excellence, Ten Principles to Leading Your Uncommon and Extraordinary Life, to help people find and live their uncommon and extraordinary life. The ten principles outlined in the book will provide the bedrock necessary to form the foundation of unshakable beliefs and dedicated behaviors to reinforce your attitude, no matter how much pain you must endure or how many obstacles you must overcome. His hope is that people who read the book will lead a life of significance, as well as a life of success.
He understands what it is like to fight for your life and one thing I’ve learned is that as long as you don’t quit, you can never be defeated.

Check out Terry's website: https://www.motivationalcheck.com/
Follow Terry on Twitter: https://twitter.com/terrytucker2012
Follow Terry on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/terry-tucker-9b5605179/

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Here's the problem with routines, while many people find them extremely helpful, it can be hard to establish one when you have a chronic illness because you never know how you're going to feel physically from day to day. My guest this week, MS warrior, Patti Kaye Bevilacqua explains how she has been able to establish a morning routine and how it has helped her.
In this episode we talk about

• Mantras and setting intentions
• how to establish a daily routine
• MS stands for mindset shift

Guest Bio:
In September 1989, Patti Kaye Bevilacqua started her dream job, teaching high school physical education. However, five months later, before the end of her first year of teaching, she was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. Ten years later, she was forced to leave the only job she ever wanted due to worsening symptoms of MS.In 2001, she went back to university to pursue graduate studies at the University of Toronto. Her ultimate goal in life was to teach and supervise others keen to enter the teaching profession. In 2005 she graduated with a Ph.D. in Teacher Development. My research focused on the impact of chronic disease on teacher identity. She never secured a tenured position as a teacher educator and went on long-term disability in 2007. Fourteen years later, she discovered her life with MS was far richer when she focused on living each day as my best self. This shift in mindset became my newfound purpose in life; to help others with chronic diseases move forward with renewed optimism and a zest for life. She is committed to sharing her message with as many people facing challenging obstacles as possible, urging them to replace "I can't" with "I will" and embrace the best version of themselves. She is a dedicated MS influencer, motivational speaker, personal coach, and writer.
Check out Patti's website: https://pattikaye.com/
Join her Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/empoweringwomenwithms
Buy Absolute Will on Amazon.

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The noticing self is that part of you that notices everything. It can help you see that you are more than just your illness (or pain). You are more than just your thoughts and feelings and sensations.
In this episode we talk about: 

• what the noticing self is
• life being like a stage show
• 2 exercises to help you with the noticing self

Here's some guided practice as well:
There Go Your Thoughts: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LQ_LEQVERH8
The Continuous You: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dir7xpDcX2A

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Support the show on Patreon and get weekly bonus content:
https://www.patreon.com/chronically_living

This week my guest, actress and psoriatic arthritis warrior, Jessica Lorion, and I discuss the idea of having a baby and starting a family when you have an autoimmune disease. This includes some major lifestyle changes Jessica has had to make.
In this episode we talk about:

• family planning with autoimmune disease
• the Autoimmune Solutions Diet/AIP diet
• The "Why" Behind Your Goal

Guest Bio
Jessica has spent the past 10 years as a professional actor and voice over artist in New York City. Now, as the Host and Producer of the Mamas in Training Podcast, she supports pregnant women and aspiring moms on their journey into motherhood.
What makes her show different from other pregnancy and motherhood podcasts is that she is NOT yet a mom. An autoimmune disease has delayed her journey into motherhood and she has decided to learn right alongside her audience.
With a background in performing on stage, in front of camera, as well as being a professional singer, her mission is to spread the importance of studying motherhood. She intends to use her voice and desire to connect with women everywhere, to share the lessons she has learned and give community to those in need.
Check out Jessica's websites: https://www.mamasintraining.com/ and https://jessicalorion.com
Follow Mamas in Training on Instagram @mamasintrainingpod and on Facebook @mamasintraining
Follow Jessica on Instagram @jessicalorion

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Support the show on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/chronically_living

You may have heard of the vagus nerve before, and it's wondrous healing powers. You probably haven't heard of microcurrent stimulation for the vagus nerve... and if you're like me, you won't have heard of the Hache protocol which integrates these with some lifestyle factors. My guest this week is holistic healthcare practitioner and former chronic pain warrior, Dr. Rob Vanbergen, who tells us about this protocol.
In this episode we discuss:

• what is the Hache protocol
• the vagus nerve and microcurrent stimulation
• at-home tips you can use now!

Guest Bio:
Rob Vanbergen is a Certified HHP (Holistic Healthcare Practitioner) with training in Biofeedback, Neurofeedback, Hypnotherapy, Homeopathy, Auriculotherapy, and Counselling. In 2021 he went on to receive is Doctorate of Natural Medicine and a PhD in Natural Medicine. After discovering the Hache Protocol for Pain Resolution, he healed his scoliosis and continues to use it today as he parents his autistic son.
Rob has devoted his professional life to educating people about the effectiveness of natural pain management methods in relieving pain and anxiety and initiating healing in the body.
Check out Rob's website: https://painfreeforlife.com/

For a Lovingkindness meditation: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FsLG52NuvGk
For a Kind Hand meditation: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tbRsZ68dOcY

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We're talking about values-based living. Doing things to improve our lives, even with chronic illness and chronic pain, which sometimes means going outside of our comfort zone. This is the second-part to the episode, "Why Can Connecting With Your Values Improve Your Well-Being?"
In this episode we discuss:

• what values based living is
• SMART goal setting
• HARD barriers to living by our values and how to overcome them

Support the show and get this week's Patreon contact by following this link: https://www.patreon.com/chronically_living
Follow the show on Instagram @chronically.living_

Sometimes we get advice from our doctor's that we don't like. Sometimes we get advice that is hard to follow. This could be lifestyle changes, or taking medication properly. Either way, we need to at the very least take it into consideration and hopefully actually follow it. Emily Marquis, health coach and chronic illness warrior, is here to share how we can do this.
In this episode we talk about:

• what a health coach does
• how to get started with following doctor advice
• SMART goal setting

Guest Bio
Emily Marquis is a Clinical Health and Wellness Coach, board certified NBC-HWC. She is an RYT200 Yoga Instructor and Mindfulness Consultant. Emily works with individuals and groups in support of creating healthy habits for sustainable lifestyle change. Drawing from her professional training and personal health challenges; she has experience in preventing, reducing, and managing chronic illness from stress to sleep to weight loss to work life balance. With her combined coaching and corporate HR background, Emily works with organizations in creating cultures of wellness and is NAHU certified. Emily also works with clinics and fellow practitioners to create a village for clients to best support their well-being. She is an Instructor at Emory University in their graduate Coaching certificate program. Emily lives in Colorado, USA with her family and loves the balance between a good TV show and an outdoor adventure.
https://emilymarquis.com/

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Support the show on Patreon and get bonus content weekly! https://www.patreon.com/chronically_living

Plant-based lifestyle coach and cookbook author, Kathy A. Davis, joins me this week as we discuss the benefits of eating plant-based foods and the impact on overall health and wellness, as well as results she's seen with some of her clients who have chronic illnesses.
In this episode we discuss:

• benefits of plant-based diet
• how to track how food makes you feel
• an awesome recipe to get us started

Guest Bio:
Kathy Davis is a plant-based lifestyle coach and recipe developer, the CEO of VegInspired.com, and the author of three cookbooks: The 30-Minute Whole-Food Plant-Based Cookbook, The Super Easy Plant-Based Cookbook, and The Budget-Friendly Plant-Based Diet Cookbook. She helps people successfully transition to a plant-based way of eating that supports a fast-paced lifestyle, without requiring hours in the kitchen or added stress. 

Kathy has been eating and creating vegan meals for more than seven years. Over the past year and a half, she shifted her daily habits to follow a whole-food, plant-based lifestyle. She experienced amazing results: renewed energy, a newfound sense of joy, and a healthier mind and body! Kathy’s brand, Veginspired, is dedicated to providing people with the resources to make a similar transformation. She is eager to guide others on their journey to get from where they are to where they want to be. 

Fun fact: Kathy and her husband, John, are living their plant-based dream while simultaneously traveling the United States in an RV with their cats. They’ve been to 22 states and 18 national parks so far, and have a goal to visit all the US national parks!

Follow Kathy on Instagram @veginspired
Visit Kathy's website for her cookbooks and coaching: veginspired.com
Join Kathy's Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/veginspiredfoodies

Follow the show on Instagram @chronically.living_ and on Twitter @janevspain.

Support the show on Patreon to access weekly bonus content (this week: why water intake is important): https://www.patreon.com/chronically_living