My guest today is Kelli Nefzger who shares of her health journey that reached a peak in her early days of college. Back then climbing the stairs to her apartment left her feeling weak and fatigued.  She was later diagnosed with Chron's disease, which is an inflammatory digestive disease. She shares what her life morphed into with numerous and length hospital visits, listening to her body, and having the mindset to stay the from a course.

I love Kelli’s optimism and perserverance and I recognized in myself how easily I take my own health for granted and it was a reminder to step back and be thankful.

Thank you for listening and be sure to check out my website www.chooseyourjourney.co to hear other episodes of inspiration!

My guest today is Jade O’Connell who shares of her journey of trauma that resulted from the birthing process with her son 2 years ago.  The birth resulted in a 4th degree tear which impacts 4% of women. Jade shares of her struggles and management turned advocacy in what she experienced.

I am so thankful for Jade for her candidness in what she shares especially in regards to what most label sensitive or disturbing or the  topics we just don’t talk about. Jade has been able to speak to hundreds of women and bring awareness and hopefully the start of improvements among various platforms and I am happy to include this podcast to her platforms.

Thank you for listening and be sure to check out my website www.chooseyourjourney.co to hear other episodes of inspiration!

My guest today is Kylie Kelchen, who shares about the journey of her pregnancy with twins; which was high risk because of “twin to twin transfusion syndrome”. Kylie and her husband Travis received joyous news of expecting twins yet also were told that because of the conditions of the placenta,  it could result in the birth of 1 baby or no babies all in the same appointment. Her pregnancy involved the need for immediate decision making, heavy monitoring, and a high volume of doctor visits and even surgery.

Kylie reaffirms the importance to be an advocate for yourself! 

No mater what type of hardship or battle you are experiencing, advocate for yourself and lean on everyone who wants you to lean onto them. 

I was so inspired by the actions and perspective of Kylie and Travis and I hope this episode lifts you up as well!

My guest today is extra special to me as its my youngest sister, Katelyn Thielen, who shares of her relationship journey that included long distance experience with her boyfriend Mitch who enlisted in the marines.

Katelyn and Mitch started dating in 2013 when Katelyn was just 18. When Mitch went off to boot camp, their communication was solely based on letters, an almost forgotten art but one that is so meaningful!

As Mitch went through his journey as a marine, Katelyn went through her own self growth and discovery journey. Although together but physically apart,  Katelyn shares she is so grateful for the experience and the bond she and Mitch have strengthened over time.

I love what Katelyn shared about in having that first hug with Mitch at this graduation from boot camp and what that hug represented and  the unspoken words and feelings from what a hug can do! Also as important, on tough days of having distance, take it day by day and have something to look forward too. 

To our country's servicemen and women who dedicate their time and commitment to preserving our freedom and keeping us safe, THANK YOU!

Thank you for listening to this episode!

My guest today is Erin Clemen who experienced thyroid cancer at age 29 with having such a young family.

Erin shares her favorite quote “We don’t know how strong we are until being strong is the only choice we have” and how she dug into that during her diagnosis and treatment and able to celebrate her 5 year anniversary this summer!

Erin appreciates a 2nd chance with life and gives wonderful advice 1. Surround yourself with with those who make you a better person!

2. Its ok to say no to things!

3. Enjoy life!

4. Be happy you are here!

This is also a great reminder to be your own advocate for your health and if you have a bump or lump or something that doesn’t feel or look right, listen to what your gut is telling you and get it checked out!

Thank you for listening and be sure to check out my website www.chooseyourjourney.co to hear other episodes of inspiration!

My guest today is Erin Clemen who experienced thyroid cancer at age 29 with having such a young family.

Erin shares her favorite quote “We don’t know how strong we are until being strong is the only choice we have” and how she dug into that during her diagnosis and treatment and able to celebrate her 5 year anniversary this summer!

Erin appreciates a 2nd chance with life and gives wonderful advice 1. Surround yourself with with those who make you a better person!

2. Its ok to say no to things!

3. Enjoy life!

4. Be happy you are here!

This is also a great reminder to be your own advocate for your health and if you have a bump or lump or something that doesn’t feel or look right, listen to what your gut is telling you and get it checked out!

Thank you for listening and be sure to check out my website www.chooseyourjourney.co to hear other episodes of inspiration!

My guest today is Erin Clemen who experienced thyroid cancer at age 29 with having such a young family.

Erin shares her favorite quote “We don’t know how strong we are until being strong is the only choice we have” and how she dug into that during her diagnosis and treatment and able to celebrate her 5 year anniversary this summer!

Erin appreciates a 2nd chance with life and gives wonderful advice

2. Its ok to say no to things!

3. Enjoy life!

4. Be happy you are here!

This is also a great reminder to be your own advocate for your health and if you have a bump or lump or something that doesn’t feel or look right, listen to what your gut is telling you and get it checked out!

Thank you for listening and be sure to check out my website www.chooseyourjourney.co to hear other episodes of inspiration!

My guest today is Trish Raap who experienced an unexpected job elimination. We often rely on our job to provide financial security and when a notification comes in that the job is being eliminated that can create challenges and a significant hardship.

Trish shares of her journey of what she felt and experienced as a result of her job elimination and while there was a season of feeling unworthy she also had an amazing perspective sharing “we always land on our feet” and how she allowed herself permission to feel what she felt and why she is such a firm believer in everything happens for a reason.

As a result of Trish’s job elimination she took a "Happy class" on udemy.com and this led to her call for personal coaching.

Trish shares some wonderful tips and reminders in this episode that are super useful! I hope you have some great take aways like I did from this episode!

Thank you for listening and be sure to check out my website www.chooseyourjourney.co to hear other episodes of inspiration!

Be sure to follow Trish on the following media outlets:

FB: www.facebook.com/simplifywithyou

IG: www.instagram.com/simplify_with_you

Website: www.simplifywithyou.com

My guests today are Craig & Karen Wulfekhule, who recall their personal hardship from  the night of September 2, 2019 in which Craig was badly burned as a result of a hog barn explosion when he went to turn off the breaker.  Craig was burned over 60% of his body.

Life changed in a moment’s time for the Wulfekhule family! As Craig and Karen shared about those initial moments along with the road of Craig’s journey and what it meant for them, I was strongly reminded that resiliency is so prevalent in the hardship we go through. Craigs words of "accomplishment" and "triumph" are reflective of the pride Craig and Karen have as a family unit, as multi generational hog farmers and the community they are apart of.

I was so honored to sit down and speak with Craig and Karen and I love Craig’s perspective that “getting old is a blessing” .

I hope you are inspired by their story as much as I was! Thank you for listening!

My guest today is Fr. Carl Ries who recently celebrated his 51st anniversary in the priesthood. I’m actually someone who is deepening my spiritual relationship and every time I have heard Fr Carl speak, I have such immense take awaits and feel motivated by what I hear. Fr. Carl shares on his life journey including his own personal hardships.

His mindset is to “take one day at a time” and “to keep going” and what struck me most is when he shared that if he can’t laugh about it, then he’s not far enough along in his acceptance of it. He doesn’t intend to dismiss what he goes through but rather finds help being able to express laughter. Fr’s humor shines through during our time together and I was so grateful for the chance to sit down and connect with him and wherever you are in your own spiritual journey, I hope you feel inspired by what you hear!