i am Laura - Juggling Chronic Illness, Kids, a Job and a Dream

In this heartfelt conversation, I chat with my incredible friend and business inspiration, Carrie Green. Growing up as next-door neighbours, I watched Carrie go from writing a book and building her community to becoming the successful entrepreneur she is today.

In 2020, I attended one of her webinars, where she told us to 'get messy' — and that advice changed everything for me. I finally embraced the messy, which sparked my entrepreneurial journey and led to the start of my business and podcast in 2024.

Carrie and her community were a huge support in helping me regain my confidence after facing mental health challenges in 2022. In this episode, we reflect on our journeys, share insights on business growth, and discuss how Carrie’s mentorship has influenced my success.

Catch up with us as we chat about entrepreneurship, mental health, and the power of messy beginnings. 💫

Stay connected:

🌟 Join the Chronic Illness Mums Biz Club: https://www.facebook.com/groups/919801906650104

🌟 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamlaura_chronicmumsbizcoach/

🌟 Website: https://iamlaura.co.uk/

🌟 Clarity & Confidence Success Accelerator: https://laurafox.co.uk/clarity-confidence-success-accelerator-coaching

🌟 Energy-Friendly Weekly Time Planner: https://laurafox.co.uk/energy-friendly-weekly-time-planner

This second season of the i am Laura podcast is all about the evolution of my journey and how I have grown to where my business is today.

I am sharing with you, through a series of interviews, the people who inspired me and helped me on this journey.

The support I needed to rebuild my strength and my belief.

The second person on this journey was Amber Doughty.

When I met Amber it was under her previous business as a coach. I was just coming out of my lowest point, starting to gather support around me and come back to life. We had several sessions, I used to go and sit out in the car so that no one could hear us and I could speak freely. She was such a huge support to me.

She really helped me to realise that I wasn't a weirdo for wanting more, that it was something that I could still aim for despite being chronically ill.

She has now qualitied as a breathwork coach and in this podcast we chat about her journey and mine to where we are today.

If you would like to connect with Amber here are her links: [email protected] or her website amberdoughty.co.uk, also find her on Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram.​​​​​​​​​​​​​

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Amber Doughty is a dedicated Home Ed Mum and an ACTP accredited Coach, Influential Breathwork® Coach, and BreathHealing Release™ Practitioner based in Cornwall.

With a professional background in education and healthcare, she transitioned from her role as a Health & Wellbeing Coach after experiencing burnout, discovering the transformative power of Breathwork along her journey. 

Amber's passion for personal development, spirituality, and continuous learning complements her love for travel, cooking, live music, and nature—especially the sea.

Through her practice, she helps others experience the profound benefits of a holistic approach to wellbeing, growth & healing.

Combing Coaching, deep trauma-informed Breathwork, & much more fostering deeper self-connection and enhanced wellbeing, just one breath at a time. 

i am Laura - Season 2 - My Inspiration - Ep 1

This second season of the i am Laura podcast is all about the evolution of my journey and how I have grown to where my business is today.

I am sharing with you through a series of interviews, the people who inspired me and helped me on this journey.

The support I needed to rebuild my strength and my belief.

The first person was Jo Howard.

Jo is the CEO of Adventures After Teaching. A group that helps teachers to understand their worth, deal with the emotion of leaving teaching and empowers them to find new and fulfilling jobs and careers.

Without Jo I would not have known where to start with rebuilding my life after having to leave my 18 year teaching career because of my facial pain.

She runs a free Facebook group and a paid membership. Supporting your emotional health as well as the practical side of building CVs, applying for jobs and interview techniques.

I am so grateful to her for her guidance and support at that particularly low period of my life.

If you are interested in reaching out to Jo and finding out more information about her programme, visit: https://www.adventuresafterteaching.com/

Download your FREE Mind Rescue

Join me on the I am Laura Podcast, where we tackle life's challenges with a dose of light-heartedness.

Download a free, little gift from me: your Mind Rescue Companion

Discrimination and Chronic Illness: The Weight We Carry

🎙️ Episode Overview:

I know the title of this episode of the I am Laura podcast is heavy, but stick with me, we get to some light at the end!!

In this episode we dive into the harsh realities of living with chronic illness and the mental toll discrimination takes. From feeling like "damaged goods" to navigating workplace bias and the disbelief surrounding invisible illnesses, there are lots of layered challenges facing those of us managing chronic health conditions.

What You’ll Hear in This Episode:

• The discrimination faced at work and in society when your illness isn’t visible.
• Struggles with insurance companies—either being denied coverage or facing exorbitant costs.
• The financial burden of chronic illness, including prescription and medication expenses, alternative treatments, and supplements whilst struggling to work full-time.
• How restrictive diets can lead to judgment and misunderstanding.
• The challenge of balancing limited income with the ever-growing expenses of managing your health.
• The overwhelming emotional toll these struggles take—and how to keep moving forward.
• Working hard to live in feelings of love and abundance instead of those of worry and lack.

How I Cope:

I share my personal method for clearing mental clutter when things feel overwhelming. It involves writing down everything buzzing in my head, a process that I call “mind rescue.” This method helps me to release my negative thoughts and make space for feelings of love, abundance, and magic.

Your Free Resource:

Get my Mind Rescue Companion—a free downloadable guide designed to help you clear your thoughts, and reconnect with yourself.

A Reminder for You:

You are brave and you are strong, every. single. day.

Remember, there’s magic in you.

Keep sharing your magic

Connect with Me:

• Instagram: @iamlaura_chronicmumsbizcoach
• Join our supportive community: Chronic Illness Mums Biz Club

Thank you for tuning in! Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode so that we can raise awareness of life with chronic illness.

Join me on this journey - subscribe, comment, and let's connect.

See you on the next episode! Bye!

If you'd like to email me, please do so. Here is the address: [email protected]

Follow me on Facebook and Instagram - I'd love to connect with you over there and you will be able to stay up-to-date with all things i am Laura! <3

I also have a group of likeminded Mums in my Chronic Illness Mums Biz Club on Facebook, it is free to join and I'd love to meet you there, here's the link to join: Chronic Illness Mums Biz Club

Don't forget to check out my other podcast - 'A Sprinkle of Sunshine - Your Daily Dose of Joy'

This podcast brings you tiny little things that you can do in your day to bring you moments of joy.

Feeling and acknowledging joy is so important to our overall wellbeing and happiness. So, dip in and out of this micro-podcast (episodes are about 2 mins long!) to grab a little bit of inspiration for the day ahead! :)

Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/a-sprinkle-of-sunshine-your-daily-dose-of-joy/id1755928682

Or Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6lFfivhZiAWmKSO0FlSxHI

As well as lots of other podcasting services.

Download your FREE Mind Rescue

Join me on the I am Laura Podcast, where we tackle life's challenges with a dose of light-heartedness.

Download a free, little gift from me: your Mind Rescue Companion

In this episode, my husband and I sit down to discuss how living with chronic illness has impacted our relationship.

From navigating Crohn's flares and debilitating facial pain to supporting me through a major mental health dip, we talk about the emotional and practical challenges that come with being married to chronic illness.

Together, we share how we’ve worked hard to improve communication, and how openness and honesty have been essential in building a stronger connection.

This episode is for mums with chronic illness and their partners, offering real talk about the complexities of relationships, health, and emotional support.

Join me on this journey - subscribe, comment, and let's connect.

See you on the next episode! Bye!

If you'd like to email me, please do so. Here is the address: [email protected]

Follow me on Facebook and Instagram - I'd love to connect with you over there and you will be able to stay up-to-date with all things i am Laura! <3

I also have a group of likeminded Mums in my Chronic Illness Mums Biz Club on Facebook, it is free to join and I'd love to meet you there, here's the link to join: Chronic Illness Mums Biz Club

Don't forget to check out my other podcast - 'A Sprinkle of Sunshine - Your Daily Dose of Joy'

This podcast brings you tiny little things that you can do in your day to bring you moments of joy.

Feeling and acknowledging joy is so important to our overall wellbeing and happiness. So, dip in and out of this micro-podcast (episodes are about 2 mins long!) to grab a little bit of inspiration for the day ahead! :)

Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/a-sprinkle-of-sunshine-your-daily-dose-of-joy/id1755928682

Or Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6lFfivhZiAWmKSO0FlSxHI

As well as lots of other podcasting services.

Download your FREE Mind Rescue

Join me on the I am Laura Podcast, where we tackle life's challenges with a dose of light-heartedness.

Download a free, little gift from me: your Mind Rescue Companion

In this episode, I dive into the realities of managing chronic illness while raising children, juggling a job, and pursuing your dreams.

As a mum with chronic illness, I know first-hand how important it is to be open and honest with our kids.

Join me as I share my personal experiences, including candid audio interviews with my children, where we talk about how my illness affects them. We explore the power of transparency, the deep empathy our kids show, and the importance of creating a space where they feel comfortable asking questions and expressing their concerns.

If you're a mum with chronic illness balancing it all, this episode is for you.

Join me on this journey - subscribe, comment, and let's connect.

See you on the next episode! Bye!

If you'd like to email me, please do so. Here is the address: [email protected]

Download a free, little gift from me: your Mind Rescue Companion

Follow me on Facebook and Instagram - I'd love to connect with you there <3

Don't forget to check out my other podcast - 'A Sprinkle of Sunshine - Your Daily Dose of Joy'

This podcast brings you tiny little things that you can do in your day to bring you moments of joy.

Feeling and acknowledging joy is so important to our overall wellbeing and happiness. So, dip in and out of this micro-podcast (episodes are about 2 mins long!) to grab a little bit of inspiration for the day ahead! :)

Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/a-sprinkle-of-sunshine-your-daily-dose-of-joy/id1755928682

Or Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6lFfivhZiAWmKSO0FlSxHI

As well as lots of other podcasting services.

Download a free, little gift from me: your Mind Rescue Companion

In Episode 5 of the i am Laura Podcast - Juggling Chronic Illness, Kids, a Job and a Dream, we dive into the challenges of balancing a career while living with a chronic illness, especially when it’s invisible to others. We discuss the frustration and discrimination that can arise in the workplace due to a lack of understanding and compassion. It’s not something we choose, and yet we often face additional hurdles simply trying to do our jobs well.

How we can raise awareness, advocate for fair treatment, and continue to pursue our careers and dreams despite the obstacles.

Additionally, I’m excited to introduce my new podcast, "A Sprinkle of Sunshine - Your Daily Dose of Joy." This series offers tiny, quick episodes filled with little things you can do to bring joy to your day, complementing this podcast perfectly. New episodes in this series will be released weekly, the link to have a listen is in the show notes. I can't wait to see you there!

Join me on Facebook and Instagram for more insights and updates. Don’t forget to follow, share, and subscribe to never miss an episode. See you soon!

Download a free, little gift from me: your Mind Rescue Companion

Follow me on Facebook and Instagram - I'd love to connect with you there <3

Don't forget to check out my other podcast - 'A Sprinkle of Sunshine - Your Daily Dose of Joy'

This podcast brings you tiny little things that you can do in your day to bring you moments of joy.

Feeling and acknowledging joy is so important to our overall wellbeing and happiness. So, dip in and out of this micro-podcast (episodes are about 2 mins long!) to grab a little bit of inspiration for the day ahead! :)

Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/a-sprinkle-of-sunshine-your-daily-dose-of-joy/id1755928682

Or Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6lFfivhZiAWmKSO0FlSxHI

As well as lots of other podcasting services.

Download a free, little gift from me: your Mind Rescue Companion

In this episode, I delve into the daily reality of living with chronic illness while trying to maintain a semblance of normality. We often deny our pain and conditions because life must go on, which leads to the people around us frequently failing to understand what is really happening. Off-the-cuff comments about weight loss or referring to my facial pain as headaches, highlights this lack of empathy. All of this makes it easier for us to hide, especially when our conditions are invisible.

Acknowledging and accepting our reality is crucial. It empowers us, helps us regain control, and provides clarity. I have shared two powerful techniques that I used during my lowest moments in the companion booklet available for download in the show notes. These methods can really help you feel clearer, more like yourself and help you to reclaim your power.

Additionally, I’m excited to introduce my new podcast, "A Sprinkle of Sunshine - Your Daily Dose of Joy." This series offers tiny, quick episodes filled with little things you can do to bring joy to your day, complementing this podcast perfectly. New episodes in this series will be released weekly, the link to have a listen is in the show notes. I can't wait to see you there!

Join me on Facebook and Instagram for more insights and updates. Don’t forget to follow, share, and subscribe to never miss an episode. See you soon!

Download a free, little gift from me: your Mind Rescue Companion

Follow me on Facebook and Instagram - I'd love to connect with you there <3

Don't forget to check out my other podcast - 'A Sprinkle of Sunshine - Your Daily Dose of Joy'

This podcast brings you tiny little things that you can do in your day to bring you moments of joy.

Feeling and acknowledging joy is so important to our overall wellbeing and happiness. So, dip in and out of this micro-podcast (episodes are about 2 mins long!) to grab a little bit of inspiration for the day ahead! :)

Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/a-sprinkle-of-sunshine-your-daily-dose-of-joy/id1755928682

Or Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6lFfivhZiAWmKSO0FlSxHI

As well as lots of other podcasting services.

Welcome to the 3rd episode of the i am Laura Podcast.

Download a free, little gift from me: your Mind Rescue Companion

Today, I am discussing the journey of living with chronic illness, exploring its impact on mental health, and the struggle to accept the term "health issues."

This term was incredibly difficult for me to hear and accept about myself. I didn't want people to see me this way, and it felt like a sudden inequality. I initially got mad and felt the unfairness of it all. But I realised that to move forward and protect myself, I had to change my mindset.

In this episode, I’ll discuss the emotional toll of chronic illness, from battling with our health to dealing with the frustration and anger that come with acceptance. As a mum, these challenges can feel even more overwhelming, as we strive to care for our children while managing our own health. Despite these struggles, I realised that I still had all the same qualities I had before my diagnosis and how crucial it was for me to accept the term "health issues" (even though I still hate it!!) so that I could move forward with my life. I learned the importance of forgiving yourself when you need to take time to reset, rest, and sleep. This self-care is essential for looking after your health, and your ambition and drive.

Join me as we explore how to navigate these struggles and find strength in vulnerability. Together, we’ll discover the healing that comes from connecting with others who share our journey. Even in our darkest moments, we are never truly alone.

If you’re living with chronic illness or know someone who is, especially if you're a mum balancing these challenges, please listen in.

Don't forget to subscribe to my channel to stay updated on future episodes and become part of our growing community of chronic illness warriors. Together, we can face these challenges with courage and resilience.

Download a free, little gift from me: your Mind Rescue Companion

Follow me on Facebook and Instagram - I'd love to connect with you there <3

Don't forget to check out my other podcast - 'A Sprinkle of Sunshine - Your Daily Dose of Joy'

This podcast brings you tiny little things that you can do in your day to bring you moments of joy.

Feeling and acknowledging joy is so important to our overall wellbeing and happiness. So, dip in and out of this micro-podcast (episodes are about 2 mins long!) to grab a little bit of inspiration for the day ahead! :)

Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/a-sprinkle-of-sunshine-your-daily-dose-of-joy/id1755928682

Or Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6lFfivhZiAWmKSO0FlSxHI

As well as lots of other podcasting services.

Download a free, little gift from me: your Mind Rescue Companion

Welcome to the latest episode of the i am Laura Podcast. Today, I'm delving deep into the journey of chronic illness, exploring its impact on mental health and the feelings of isolation that often accompany it. Living with chronic illness can feel like navigating a stormy sea, with each day bringing new challenges and struggles.

In this episode, I'll discuss the emotional toll of chronic illness, from the constant battles with our health to the loneliness we feel when others don't understand what we're going through. But amidst the darkness, there is hope. By reaching out and connecting with others who share our journey, we can find solace, support, and strength.

Join me as we explore the power of community and the healing that comes from sharing our stories. Together, we'll discover that even in our darkest moments, we are never truly alone. So, if you're living with chronic illness or know someone who is, please do listen in.

Don't forget to subscribe to my channel to stay updated on future episodes and become a part of my growing community of chronic illness warriors. Together, we can face the challenges of chronic illness with courage and resilience.

Download a free, little gift from me: your Mind Rescue Companion

Follow me on Facebook and Instagram - I'd love to connect with you there <3

Don't forget to check out my other podcast - 'A Sprinkle of Sunshine - Your Daily Dose of Joy'

This podcast brings you tiny little things that you can do in your day to bring you moments of joy.

Feeling and acknowledging joy is so important to our overall wellbeing and happiness. So, dip in and out of this micro-podcast (episodes are about 2 mins long!) to grab a little bit of inspiration for the day ahead! :)

Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/a-sprinkle-of-sunshine-your-daily-dose-of-joy/id1755928682

Or Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6lFfivhZiAWmKSO0FlSxHI

As well as lots of other podcasting services.