Happy New Year! But before you get too focused on all those noble resolutions you just set, I would like to challenge you to pull back and take a pause. I actually want you to release all the expectations.

In this episode, I’m sharing why it’s impossible to achieve all those amazing goals if you are facing burnout. We'll also talk about why the fastest road to recovery demands that you learn to rest. 

Check out the full show notes at: https://www.findinghappythepodcast.com/episodes/9

In this episode, I’m talking with author and Intuitive Counselor, Michelle Irene. Yet today, she comes on the show as an expert in a another area-being a sibling to someone with special needs. 

Michelle is sharing about how having a brother with special needs impacted her childhood and how she navigates being the legal guardian of her brother as he is an adult now. She will open up about how she has learned to see things from her brother’s perspective.

Michelle will also let us in on how she is choosing to allow the lessons from 2020 to inform her focus (and not set traditional resolutions) for the new year ahead. 

Check out the full show notes at

https://www.findinghappythepodcast.com/episodes/michelleirene

I was inspired by an article I read about Megan Markle where she said that she realized the healing begins when you ask “am I okay”.  I used to ask “what is wrong with me” and would brush off when people asked how I was.  I truly believe in the power of breathwork and what a good tool it is to check in with yourself to see if you are okay.  After going through a breathing exercise you can get in touch with yourself and ask yourself how you can move towards being okay, or even being good. The base of this podcast is to focus on feeling good, and it starts with asking yourself, “Am I okay?”

Michelle Islas' second daughter Dani surprisingly arrived with Down’s Syndrome and despite being told difficult it would be, a nurse with an adult sister with down’s syndrome inspired Michelle that her daughter could do anything.  She stepped away from her career to help navigate her daughter’s care and made tough decisions to find the best education and programs for her care.  Dani learned about meditation and yoga in school and Michelle realized how well these skills were working for her daughter, and she started to learn more about other complimentary therapies.  She experienced a Reiki treatment and knew she needed to learn more.  I love how her Reiki practice has grown and is infused in all parts of her life, from her coaching and consulting to her care for her family.  

https://www.instagram.com/_michelle_islas_/
https://www.michelleislas.com/

Melanie is a fellow Australian and we may have too much fun when we get together!  I wish we had longer to talk, but I am thrilled for you to hear more about her book, Special, and how her love of work in journalism is an important part of her health and wellness, and how she was able to channel that into such a helpful and inspiring book for anyone with a special needs child in their life. 

Link to Melanie’s Book Special 

https://amzn.to/2Hr1W4t

IG 

https://www.instagram.com/the_special_book/?hl=en

I catch up with Michelle Sullivan, a mum of 3 girls and her son who doctors had all but dismissed; who now is a flourishing 6 year old boy.  She recounts their family plan to add their fourth child after a gap between her first 3 children and how adoption did not go as planned. I love how her faith and dedication to her personal health have created an abundance of happiness in her life.  Her business, Littlest Warrior, a line of clothing focusing on Spreading joy, awareness & inclusion is so inspiring, and I personally love everything she does, she is a gem and it was wonderful to meet her in person and an honor to reconnect with her. 

IG Links 

https://www.instagram.com/littlest_warrior/?hl=en

https://www.instagram.com/meeshellsullivan/?hl=en

Including Eli - Childrens Book 

https://www.amazon.com/dp/1089032048/?tag=aiponsite-20&linkCode=ic5&ascsubtag=amzn1.infl.us.product&creativeASIN=1089032048&ref=exp_sineadquinnofficial_dp_vv_d

Littlest Warrior Website 

https://www.littlestwarrior.com/

This first episode is unforgettable!  The birth of baby Ami was like any other for Amber, she already had 4 children!  When she set eyes on her baby, she knew the feelings she had during her pregnancy were true and baby Ami had Down Syndrome.  Amber experienced complete compassion and support from her midwife team and the absolute opposite from a doctor who put nothing but limits on her child, all in the first days of her life.  Their birth photographer captured their family so beautifully, the story of Ami’s birth was picked up by mainstream media, as well as Amber’s forgiveness of the doctor who saw nothing but negatives.

IG 

https://www.instagram.com/justwhenyouthinkshesdown/?hl=en

People magazine 

https://people.com/human-interest/amber-rojas-ami-daughter-down-syndrome/

Buzz Feed 

https://www.buzzfeednews.com/article/theresatamkins/birth-photos-capture-down-syndrome

Pop Sugar 

https://www.popsugar.com/family/Mom-Letter-Daughter-Down-Syndrome-Doctor-45568570

Dear Doctor 

https://yoocanfind.com/Story/1641/dont-let-the-doctors-set-your-limitations

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QW7qTwKEvjM&feature=youtu.be

Welcome to Finding Happy!  Join me your host, Sinead Quinn as I chat with women and mothers in our community of differently-abled children. We will share the real, vulnerable and unscripted stories to support and inspire you in your day to day lives. I started my journey as a mum of a child with Down’s Syndrome, and went through 5 years of hell; the birth of 3 children, family health issues, loss, plus moving twice!  Through it all, my own health started to suffer.  In the search for answers, I discovered how mothers in our differently able community struggle with mental and physical wellbeing. I was inspired to work out how to help myself, and ultimately others. No longer wanting to just survive, I wanted to give my kids and myself the best, I wanted to live instead of dragging myself and my kids through each day. Throughout my own hard times, I was struggling to find inspiration within our community and discovered a deep passion to raise awareness and support for others. I am so honored to bring together women and share with you the uplifting stories from those who are living their full best lives despite the challenges.