Episode Description: 

In this deeply moving episode of Mission Driven You, Rachel Abbasi shares her incredible journey of resilience, recovery, and reinvention. A former marketing executive, Rachel's life took an unexpected turn when she had a stroke in 2021, forcing her to confront a new reality. But as someone who had already navigated the difficult path of addiction recovery, Rachel realized something profound—recovery is a lifelong process, whether from addiction, illness, or any major life transition. 

Rachel shares how the lessons of slow, intentional change transformed her approach to healing and purpose, ultimately leading her to launch the Recovery Daily Podcast, where she inspires others facing their own challenges. If you’ve ever struggled with change, felt stuck, or wondered how to "go anyway" when life gets hard, this episode is for you. 

Show Notes: 

Guest Information: 

• Rachel Abbasi – Stroke survivor, addiction recovery advocate, and host of Recovery Daily Podcast. 
• Website & Podcast: Recovery Daily Podcast 
• Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and more. 

Key Topics Discussed: 

Resilience & Overcoming Challenges 

• How Rachel’s career-driven mindset was disrupted by unexpected health challenges. 
• The moment she realized something was deeply wrong—and how her husband’s quick action helped save her life. 
• The emotional toll of stroke recovery, from cognitive issues to chronic pain, and how it reshaped her identity. 
• What addiction recovery taught her about patience and why it helped her navigate her stroke rehabilitation. 

The Power of Slow Change & Daily Progress 

• The connection between addiction recovery and stroke recovery—and why “keep coming back” became her guiding mantra. 
• The hidden power of micro-habits—small, consistent actions that add up to transformation. 
• How writing daily reminders on her mirror and celebrating small victories helped combat hopelessness. 
• The importance of doing the next right thing, even when the road ahead feels overwhelming. 

Finding Purpose Through Service 

• How Rachel turned personal pain into a global platform for healing through her podcast. 
• Why she believes everyone is recovering from something and why storytelling is a critical part of that healing. 
• How she rediscovered creativity—from painting pill bottles to starting an Etsy shop to help others. 
• The role of gratitude, connection, and community in moving forward. 

Lessons for Leaders & Changemakers 

• Why returning to work wasn’t an option—and how she redefined success. 
• The importance of empathy and connection in leadership and life. 
• How embracing "go anyway" can help us push forward, even on the hardest days. 
• If society embraced slow, intentional change, how would our workplaces, relationships, and communities transform? 

Reflection Questions for Listeners: 

• Have you ever faced a major life change that forced you to slow down and rebuild? 
• What small habit or daily action could you implement to support your own recovery journey—whether physical, emotional, or professional? 
• How can you extend compassion and patience to yourself in times of transition?  

Resources Mentioned: 

• Rachel’s Podcast: Recovery Daily Podcast (Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and more) 
• Concepts Discussed:  
• B-FAST Stroke Warning Signs 
• "Go Anyway"—Rachel’s mantra for resilience. 
• Doing the Next Right Thing—A guiding principle from addiction recovery. 

Join the Conversation: 

• Listen & Subscribe to Recovery Daily Podcast: Website 
• Follow Rachel on Social Media for updates and insights. 
• Subscribe to Mission Driven You for more inspiring stories on resilience, purpose, and transformation. 

💡 Final Takeaway: 

"The most important thing isn't how fast we change—it's that we keep moving forward. No matter what, go anyway." 

Mentioned in this episode:

Speaking Enagements- Dr. Will Samson

Email [email protected] to learn more information about booking Dr. Will Samson to speak at an engagement or visit https://willsamson.com