"Learning how to transform the things that have happened to us, to create a life that we really love is one of my passions." - Donna Tashjian

Donna Tashjian, a survivor of sexual abuse, guides listeners on a journey of transformation and healing as she empowers them to reclaim their identity and turn their baggage into luggage. "Nothing in our life is wasted. And if we can utilize all of the wisdom that we currently have to do whatever is in our passion, it's possible. It is totally possible." - Donna Tashjian Donna Tashjian is a life coach and founder of Vibrant Living International, helping people to turn their baggage into luggage and create a life they love. She has been married for 38 years, has three married children and seven grandchildren, and currently lives in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Donna Tashjian was a 14-year-old victim of sexual abuse when she became pregnant. After many years of living with baggage and insecurity, Donna began to look for the gift in her adversity and started Vibrant Living International to help others do the same. Through forgiveness, finding the right support system, and learning to embrace her journey, Donna was able to turn her baggage into luggage and create a life she loves. She now encourages others to recognize their worth and use their life experiences to reach their full potential. In this episode, you will learn the following: 1. How do you turn your baggage into luggage? 2. What is the power of forgiveness in times of trauma? 3. How can you use your life experiences to create a life you love?

Connect with me (Jen):

Website: https://www.jenhardy.net

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thejenhardy Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fabulousover50show YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/ Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/thejenhardy LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/thejenhardy Donna's Resources:

Website: https://www.ivibrantliving.com/ Free book available on home page

EMPOWERING HABITS LINK: https://www.ivibrantliving.com/empowering-habits-2/ Connect with Donna on social:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/donnatashjian/

Facebook

Personal: https://www.facebook.com/drtashjian/

Vibrant Living page: https://www.facebook.com/VibrantLivingInt

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drtashjian/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXMFNossw9VN2QwDtVitzKg

Twitter: https://twitter.com/DonnaTashjian

Loved this episode? Leave us a review and rating here: {LINK} Chapter Summaries:

[00:00:11] Today, my guest is going to help you see that whatever you have in the past is in the Past and that it's time to move forward. Donna's story is an incredible story. She is very transparent in sharing what's happened to her and how she's overcome. Here is the episode. [00:01:16] Jen Lancaster talks about turning your baggage into luggage. The first step is to look for the gift in the adversity. Learning how to transform the things that have happened to us is one of her passions. [00:09:09] And even when we have hit our fifties to remember that. I think being 50 is fabulous too. And why shouldn't we do it to the best? [00:09:51] Forgiveness is so misunderstood and it's forgiveness and compassion for others. When it is serious trauma, one of the things I've learned is forgiveness is like peeling an onion. And learning how to allow yourself to be greater healing. [00:16:13] Don't be a dyer. Get support, get some kind of help. I got my deepest healing and set free when I got a coach. Not just for us do we need to get help, but for the people around us. [00:24:33] More millionaires are made between 55 and 75 than the rest of all of the years. There is more success, there's more patents, there're more all kinds of creative things that happen after 50. Nothing in our life is wasted. It is totally possible. [00:26:17] You need to let go of all those voices. Not schizophrenia voices. But voices from people in your past. All the things that tell you you're not worth it or all those they're not true. Let it let it go and become the person that you want to be. [00:29:54] Jen Hardy I am putting together a brand new thing that is a daily video email. It's going to be an encouraging email that goes out every single day for women over 50. Make sure you tune in again next week. Stay tuned & stay fabulous!

Like what you hear? Be sure to follow/subscribe to the show & get every new episode as soon as it's released. (and please share with a friend)

After experiencing two devastating betrayals, Dr. Debi Silber embarked on a journey to uncover the secrets of Post Betrayal Transformation, uncovering a roadmap to help others heal from the physical, mental, and emotional pain of betrayal. You will learn: 1. What does it take to heal from a traumatic experience of betrayal? 2. What are the physical, mental and emotional symptoms of post betrayal syndrome? 3. Is there a roadmap to a predictable healing journey after betrayal? Dr. Debi Silber is a renowned health, mindset, and personal development expert and author of the book "Trust Again". She has dedicated her career to helping people heal from betrayal and rebuild their lives through her groundbreaking discoveries. Find out more when you listen or on the website.

Thank you for joining us today!

I'm having a blast creating Fabulous Over 50 & it would be an honor to have you share it with someone who would enjoy it. Thank you!

Want more? Go to the website and you'll find many ways to live your best life over 50!

I'd love to hear what you think about this episode, and what you'd like to hear about in the future. Send me a message HERE.

Have a blessed week,

Jen

Want to connect on social? You can find Jen Hardy in the following places:

Facebook

Instagram

LinkedIn

Love yourself and be brave.

(How do we do those things? Listen to this episode & find out!)

These are two simple yet powerful statements that can have a profound impact on our lives. We are all worthy of love and deserve to be loved, but sometimes it can be difficult to feel this way. We may have been hurt in the past, or we may have been told that we are not worthy of love. It can be hard to break free from these feelings and recognize our own worth. And when we have the opportunity, we need to let others know how worthy they are.

However, it is important to remember that our worth exists within us. We are all born with inherent worth, just like a newborn. No matter what we may have been told in the past or what we may have experienced, our worth is still there. It is our job to recognize it and to nurture it.

One way to do this is to be brave. It takes courage to love yourself, to break free from the lies and pain of the past, and to recognize your worth. It can be scary to challenge the status quo, to stand up for what you believe in, and to live authentically. But it is worth it.

When we are brave enough to love ourselves, our social and emotional energy shifts. We become more confident, more resilient, and more connected to ourselves and to others. We become more open to new experiences and more willing to take risks. We become more accepting of our flaws and more appreciative of our strengths

00:00:00 Love yourself and others.

00:13:56 Sacrifice leads to hope.

00:20:59 Believe in yourself and flourish.

00:29:45 You are worthy of love.

00:30:14 Validate others' emotions.

Thank you for joining me today! I'm having a blast creating Fabulous Over 50 & it would be an honor to have you share it with some friends who would enjoy it. Thanks!

Have a blessed week,

Jen

"Welcome to the Fabulous Over 50 Show!"

The one consistent thing in life is change. If you're over 50, you've seen your fair share of changes, and this podcast is no exception! Today we're shifting from "Hardy Mom" to "Fabulous Over 50." It's new, it's exciting, and it's all for you!!

Welcome to the podcast where we celebrate a group of women who are defying age stereotypes and showing that life only gets better with time. Your host, Jen Hardy, is going to lead you on a journey to the fabulousness inside yourself. Because no matter what is happening on the outside, you NEED to get things right on the inside.

Jen will be joined on the podcast during some episodes by her epic podcasting friends. These fabulous women, all over the age of 50, are dynamic, inspiring, and will leave you feeling motivated and entertained. From their diverse backgrounds and experiences, they bring a wealth of knowledge, humor, and perspective to the microphone. Get ready to be inspired and join us as we listen to these amazing women share their stories.

Stay tuned, and stay fabulous!

Welcome to "Fabulous Over 50" Where the power of a woman's voice knows no age limit.

We celebrate a group of women who are defying age stereotypes and showing that life only gets better with time. Your host, Jen Hardy, is going to lead you on a journey to the fabulousness inside yourself. Because no matter what is happening on the outside, you need to get things right on the inside.

Jen will be joined on the podcast during some episodes by her epic podcasting friends. These fabulous women, all over the age of 50, are dynamic, inspiring, and will leave you feeling motivated and entertained. From their diverse backgrounds and experiences, they bring a wealth of knowledge, humor, and perspective to the microphone. Get ready to be inspired and join us as we listen to these amazing women share their stories.

Stay tuned, and stay fabulous!

Fantasy author shares her secret - how to gamify your life

Is your life boring? It won't be after this episode!! Not only will Jodi L. Milner take you away into her Fantasy world, don't worry it is appropriate for the whole family, but you will also learn how to gamify your life and make everything you do more fun!

When Jodi L. Milner, a suburban housewife and author of the epic Young Adult Fantasy trilogy 'The Shadow Barrier', finds herself challenged by the 'try fail cycle' of life, she embarks on an adventure to discover a new way of conquering her goals.

"I strongly believe that everybody is the hero of their own story and sometimes our heroes have to do things that aren't really fun to do. Even heroes have to do their laundry sometimes."

Jodi L. Milner is an author of the Young Adult Fantasy trilogy, Stone Bear's Betrayal, Stone Bear's Apprentice and Stone Bear's Redemption. She is passionate about helping people gamify their lives to make everyday tasks more enjoyable.

Jodi L. Milner embarked on a journey of self-discovery, learning to gamify her life in order to make mundane tasks more fun. She realized that by changing her mindset and looking at tasks as challenges, she could bring an element of adventure and excitement to her life. Through her journey she learned that failure is just an opportunity to try again, and that rewards can be found in accomplishing even the smallest of tasks. With her newfound knowledge and a pack of 200 stickers, Jodi was ready to take on the world.

In this episode, you will learn the following: 1. Discovering how to create a character by mixing elements from various people and characters. 2. Exploring the "action fantasy" genre and how to create an exciting and engaging story. 3. Learning how to re-frame mundane tasks as exciting side-quests.

Thank you for joining me today! I'm having a blast creating Hardy Mom & it would be an honor to have you share it with someone who has a chronic illlness, pain, or disability, or who loves someone with one of those. Thanks!

Want more? Go to HardyMom.com and you'll find hacks to simplify this chronic life, and ways to live well and enjoy your life again - with any health challenges.

I'd love to hear what you think about this episode! Send me a message at HardyMom.com/contact

Have a blessed week,

Jen

Connect with Jodi: Links:

Website: http://jodilmilner.com

Twitter: https://twitter.com/JodiLMilner

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JodilMilnerAuthor/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jodi.l.milner/

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/11569331.Jodi_L_Milner

Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/Jodi-L.-Milner/e/B00SGCGYHC/

Stonebearer's Betrayal on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0838BG2GJ/

Stonebearer's Apprentice on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08954BYTL

Stonebearer's Redemption on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Stonebearers-Redemption-Shadow-Barrier-Trilogy-ebook/dp/B0BN6XTT9G/

Shadow Barrier Trilogy on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08B85QQC4

Freebie - Novelette "Of Stone and Spark" A Shadow Barrier Trilogy Prequel https://storyoriginapp.com/giveaways/a3548b04-7984-11ec-afa3-6fdfd6a40df8 Connect with Jen:

• Send me a message HERE
• Facebook: @thejenhardy
• Instagram: @thejenhardy
• Twitter: @thejenhardy
• Want a community of moms who understands? Join us on Facebook!
• Want to learn more about coping with a new diagnosis as a patient or caregiver? Go to hardymom.com/new-diagnosis for lots of great info!

Do you know how to navigate the disability system with an advocate?

In this episode of the Hardy Mom podcast, DeeJae Durante shares her inspiring story of advocating for individuals with mental health disabilities and trauma, empowering them to take charge of their futures and face their fears with hope.

You will learn:

1. Mental Health and Disability Advocacy: Learn more about DeeJae's two decades of experience advocating for people with disabilities and how she uses her platform to share stories and create community and hope. 2. Applying for Social Security: Understand the process of applying for Social Security and how to best gather evidence and advocate for yourself or a loved one. 3. Disclosure of Disabilities in the Workplace: Discover how to approach conversations about disabilities in job interviews and the importance of knowing when and how to disclose personal information.

DeeJae Durante is an advocate for disability, mental health, and trauma. For the past 20 years, she has worked in the mental health field, earning a Bachelor's in psychology and pursuing grad school for mental health counseling. She now streams her own show, Let Your Mayhem Be Known, to provide resources and hope to those facing similar challenges.

Thank you for joining me today! I'm having a blast creating Hardy Mom & it would be an honor to have you share it with someone who has a chronic illlness, pain, or disability, or who you love who has one of those. Thanks!

Want more? Go to HardyMom.com and you'll find hacks to simplify this chronic life, and ways to live well and enjoy your life again - with any health challenges.

I'd love to hear what you think about this episode! Send me a message at HardyMom.com/contact

Have a blessed week,

Jen

The Best Way to Change My Life

TL;DR - You and I are going to go on a journey. Is it a journey of 1%. We are going to make our lives 1% better per day. Do you know what that means? That means that in 3 1/2 months our lives are going to be 100% better.

I'm gonna be honest, life was hard.

There's a lot of things that were hard about it that I won't be discussing here and now, but I will definitely share about my health.

In 2012 I fell down the stairs twice, and they found out that most of the muscles in my lower back had atrophied - they were never going to come back. (I have limbe girdle muscular dystrophy, but it took 6 years to discover that.) Back in 2012 I had a one-year-old, a three-year-old, and five teenagers! I was in and out of the doctor, and it was rough! Fast forward to 2014 when I was misdiagnosed and then treated for that diagnosis causing me to have $400,000 in medical bills because, well, that's a story for another day. Probably has something to do with the fact that I just started that medical gaslighting podcast.

Then I was told in 2018 that I had about a year to live. Talk about depressing! So I had to make a decision! Was I going to die then and leave all these kids? Or was I going to push? Man have I pushed!

And, as I said in the episode, I am absolutely not saying that if we just think positively everything's going to be fine and we're going to be healed. If that was a thing, no children would have cancer, so I am not trying to let you down that rosy, fake path.

Here's how I changed my life and here's how you can do it too...

Change the way you think about everything.

Long story short, find something you like in everything, and focus on that.

You and I are going to go on a journey. Is it a journey of 1%. We are going to make our lives 1% better per day. Do you know what that means? That means that in 3 1/2 months our lives are going to be 100% better.

Listen to the episode for the rest...

[TRANSCRIPT COMING SOON]

What is the path to happiness? What if I told you I know the answer & I can help you get there?

So what is the secret to life? For each person it's something a little bit different, but basically all of us want to be happy. We might get there in different ways, (we definitely get there in different ways lol.) I live on a beautiful island where it is hot, and I go to the beach all the time. Other people like the cold and the snow, and some don't like either extreme, but prefer to be somewhere in the middle. And no matter what you like it's OK. The secret to happiness is attainable, and different for everyone.

The key is to knowing what you like, and to discovering what makes you happy. Unfortunately, too many people don't even know what would make them happy anymore. They feel like they're miserable and they always will be, or even like they deserve to be (not true!)

My goal is to help you find your happiness. There are several ways I could do that. You can listen to the podcast, you can read the sick moms guide and discover 100 things you can do with your kids to have fun 50 of them if you can't even get off the couch. You could join my happiness coaching program. Details about that are on the website hardymom.com/coaching.

I have spent a lot of time, trying to figure out how to be happy. As someone who has dealt with depression, my life, and comes from a family of depressed people, happiness can be elusive. That's why I took the happiness coaching course and got certified, because I needed to know not just for me, but for the people around me, how in the world can we be happy when things are hard?

What was fabulous about that is that I took a bunch of the keys that I learned and turned them into a five year journal. It has a prompt every month that you get to fill in with the things that will help you reach your goal of achieving happiness. Not only that, but you'll be able to stay happy. And when something happens that brings you down, you will be able to pull yourself back up out of that pit and find your happiness again. What do you say, are you ready to try? You can find the path to happiness 5 year journal here. https://www.amazon.com/dp/0998961663?ref_=pe_3052080_397514860

Come back tomorrow, where we are going to talk about something else that will help us make this year of the most fabulous year ever.

Thank you for joining me today! I'm having a blast creating Hardy Mom & it would be an honor to have you share it with someone who has a chronic illlness, pain, or disability, or who loves someone with one of those. Thanks!

Want more? Go to HardyMom.com and you'll find hacks to simplify this chronic life, and ways to live well and enjoy your life again - with any health challenges.

I'd love to hear what you think about this episode! Send me a message at HardyMom.com/contact

Have a blessed week,

Jen

I've made a decision - 2023 is going to be FABULOUS!

Let's have a talk about the last few years, shall we?

In short, they've been a disaster! I'm sure that you have so many stories that you could tell about bad things that have happened over the last few years. So let's make a decision together. 2023 is going to be fabulous! That is going to be my mantra.

I need it to be better, you need it to be better, our kids need it to be better, and the whole world needs it to be better.

So, you ask, how in the world are we going to make it better? We are going to make a choice. If there's anything I have learned in my years of living, it is that we have a choice and how we handle things. We can either lose it every time something rough comes along, or we can calmly figure it out, and then make decisions rationally.

I am going to choose to rationally decide the 2023 is going to FABULOUS no matter what is happening out there in the world. Because in my house, in my family, in these four walls, I can make those kind of decisions. Plus, I want my kids to learn to be happy when they grow up and not think that it's horrible. Are you with me?

Thank you for joining me today! I'm having a blast creating Hardy Mom & it would be an honor to have you share it with someone who has a chronic illlness, pain, or disability, or who loves someone with one of those. Thanks!

Want more? Go to HardyMom.com and you'll find hacks to simplify this chronic life, and ways to live well and enjoy your life again - with any health challenges.

I'd love to hear what you think about this episode! Send me a message at HardyMom.com/contact

Have a blessed week,

Jen