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During this episode, you may notice that Becky is struggle with her speech. This is one of the side effects of Dystonia and some days are better than others. But she continued through and shared her incredible story on this episode!

In this  episode I chat with Becky Johnson again! This time we chat about her duathlon while dealing with Dystonia. She did it!! She completed the swim and the bike in Boulder, Colorado.  But it was NOT easy. 

Becky  shares the many different challenges she had during the swim and bike portion.  The challenges most people face during a dualthon might be fatigue, soreness, low energy. Becky faced so much more. Not only with Dystonia but other effects that presented themselves during the event.  Some while swimming causing this to be very dangerous. She felt she was going to drown and even had a kayaker following her to make sure she was ok. Other challenges were on the bike such as, bike parts jamming up. Yet, not only did her competitiveness keep her in it, her fight did as well! Her fight was not just for her, but for her family and friends who were there to support her and cheer her on, and for others facing Dystonia. 

Becky has most recently been diagnosed with seizures.  During this fight it seems she takes one step forward, then several steps back but again, she proves that no matter what one is dealing with, you can keep moving forward and finding the JOY.

She continues to use her meditation and her guiding light to keep her focused, sane, JOYFUL, and moving forward. She also uses her healing and therapeutic modalities she has been trained in. 

I know you will enjoy the conversation with Becky. I took so much of it to value, especially what she says near the end....(You have to listen).

Please share this episode with one person you know who needs this sort of inspiration. Plus you will be providing them with a gift if they decide to connect with Becky. 

Here is Becky's Bio.

In 1997, she had to make the heart-wrenching decision to quit her senior year as a college swimmer due to a debilitating condition that caused her neck to involuntarily pull to the right. Despite intensive therapy and support from trainers, her performance declined, and she ultimately left the sport. This issue persisted even after transitioning to triathlons, where she continued to struggle with her condition.

In August 2022, after starting her role as a social-emotional teacher, she faced a severe migraine that led her to the ER, where she learned she had Cervical Dystonia, a condition that runs in her family. Following a series of treatments, including Botox and consultations with specialists, she prioritized her mental health and began exploring cognitive therapies and nutrition, which significantly improved her well-being. The support from her current medical team of holistic and medical doctors has been invaluable in managing her condition.

Drive-A-Logue link at Bark! https://www.bark.us/blog/drive-a-logue/?srsltid=AfmBOop-1zhhdhu3tNfMSZfR5oMYS6BZMtDnWpsAt4hIIiWFaZMrUlUJ

Lauren's Book, My Dad Died From ALS and How I Found Joy 30 Years Later
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B2J15M3Z

CONNECT WITH LAUREN AND HER FAMILY

Email: [email protected]
IG: https://www.instagram.com/laurensdailyjoy/
FB: https://www.facebook.com/lauren.g.raymond

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Listen in as I share why we didn't publish any new episodes this summer and what the future holds.

Drive-A-Logue link at Bark! https://www.bark.us/blog/drive-a-logue/?srsltid=AfmBOop-1zhhdhu3tNfMSZfR5oMYS6BZMtDnWpsAt4hIIiWFaZMrUlUJ

Lauren's Book, My Dad Died From ALS and How I Found Joy 30 Years Later
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B2J15M3Z

CONNECT WITH LAUREN AND HER FAMILY

Email: [email protected]
IG: https://www.instagram.com/laurensdailyjoy/
FB: https://www.facebook.com/lauren.g.raymond

Send us a text

Jenna B is a wife, mother, and spiritually intuitive. Jenna has worn many hats in life trying to find her own purpose outside of the home. With a very supportive husband, Jenna had the time to sit and pray to find what she was meant to do. Jenna feels her purpose is to help, heal and spread love to others. 

Jenna and I discuss what transpired in her life to lead her to consciously choose joy every single day. She shares that she asks for ease, flow, and grace every single morning and with this, JOY naturally comes.  However, there are times that she gets thrown off, as we all do, and she has to start over again. This is what living consciously to choose JOY is all about! 

Some of her go-to tools to get her back into JOY are playing some "fierce" Beyonce and dancing the negativity out of her. She also spends time working out. Moving her body is essential to keeping JOY at the forefront.   She suggests if you are just starting out, go for a walk and listen to the birds. 


Jenna also shares where and how her family fits into this focus of consciously living in JOY.  As a family,  they communicate all of their feelings all the time.  She has her son tell his emotions, goes to a chart, and figure out how to work through it. 

We also bring in our children to answer a few questions:

• What does Joy mean to you?
• Are you aware when you are not feeling happiness or joy?
• What is something that you do when you feel mad or sad to help you get happy again?
• What would you do if you saw a friend who was sad, mad, etc
• What is something you would tell your friends to help them be in a more joyful place?

Hear their perspectives on what JOY means and looks like to them. 

One of the biggest takeaways I got from Jenna is what she says at the end. "The world is for you, not against you." What a great thought to focus on.  This is when you can focus more on the little positives and find JOY daily. 

How to connect with Jenna:

Prayer Cards with a Positive Intention:
Etsy shop: https://www.etsy.com/shop/JennaBSpiritual?listing_id=1083647482&ref=simple-shop-header-name

Website: https://www.jennabspiritual.com/

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

Drive-A-Logue link at Bark! https://www.bark.us/blog/drive-a-logue/?srsltid=AfmBOop-1zhhdhu3tNfMSZfR5oMYS6BZMtDnWpsAt4hIIiWFaZMrUlUJ

Lauren's Book, My Dad Died From ALS and How I Found Joy 30 Years Later
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B2J15M3Z

CONNECT WITH LAUREN AND HER FAMILY

Email: [email protected]
IG: https://www.instagram.com/laurensdailyjoy/
FB: https://www.facebook.com/lauren.g.raymond

Send us a text

This week I have a very transparent and real conversation with Becky Johnson.

In 1997, she had to make the heart-wrenching decision to quit her senior year as a college swimmer due to a debilitating condition that caused her neck to involuntarily pull to the right. Despite intensive therapy and support from trainers, her performance declined, and she ultimately left the sport. This issue persisted even after transitioning to triathlons, where she continued to struggle with her condition.

In August 2022, after starting her role as a social-emotional teacher, she faced a severe migraine that led her to the ER, where she learned she had Cervical Dystonia, a condition that runs in her family. Following a series of treatments, including Botox and consultations with specialists, she prioritized her mental health and began exploring cognitive therapies and nutrition, which significantly improved her well-being. The support from her current medical team of holistic and medical doctors has been invaluable in managing her condition.

Now, she is preparing for an Olympic distance swim/bike duathlon in July to raise awareness for dystonia, motivated by her desire to connect with others and support those facing similar challenges. She is collaborating with ‘Beat Dystonia,’ a non-profit organization, to gather donations and share her journey, aiming to foster understanding and compassion for those living with this condition.

Listen in on the wonderful conversation where Becky discusses her symptoms, how she was diagnosed with Dystonia and what life has been like for her. She shares how she has focused on her mental health and the importance of finding the right people who are in your corner. That makes all the difference.

She even shares how she feels she lives in more JOY now then she did before.

Contact information for Becky Johnson:

Email: [email protected]

If anybody is looking for care from a chronic illness or anxiety from a high school or collegiate sport, please check out my website,  https://www.813therapies.com/  I'd love to have a brief conversation with you.

Drive-A-Logue link at Bark! https://www.bark.us/blog/drive-a-logue/?srsltid=AfmBOop-1zhhdhu3tNfMSZfR5oMYS6BZMtDnWpsAt4hIIiWFaZMrUlUJ

Lauren's Book, My Dad Died From ALS and How I Found Joy 30 Years Later
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B2J15M3Z

CONNECT WITH LAUREN AND HER FAMILY

Email: [email protected]
IG: https://www.instagram.com/laurensdailyjoy/
FB: https://www.facebook.com/lauren.g.raymond

Send us a text

My guest today is Michelle Ruddell. Michelle is a speaker, author, and semi-retired teacher who lives in Central Texas.  She speaks to women's groups about how to find joy in the middle of tough circumstances. her book, "Welcome to the Club, I'm Sorry You're Here", was written to offer hope to grieving parents.

Michelle shares with us the story of losing her 5-year-old child over 30 years ago, how a neighbor told her she would never be happy again, and how she has consciously learned to find and choose joy in the midst of grief and hardship.  This is an inspiring story to offer hope to parents out there who have lost a child.

We also hear tools she uses personally to tap into JOY; gratitude, taking care of yourself and serving others.  Listen to how she serves others by helping them find joy during difficult life events.

Connect with Michelle:

Email: [email protected]
Website: michelleruddell.com

FB: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100071241318194

IG: https://www.instagram.com/michelleruddell_speaker/

Drive-A-Logue link at Bark! https://www.bark.us/blog/drive-a-logue/?srsltid=AfmBOop-1zhhdhu3tNfMSZfR5oMYS6BZMtDnWpsAt4hIIiWFaZMrUlUJ

Lauren's Book, My Dad Died From ALS and How I Found Joy 30 Years Later
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B2J15M3Z

CONNECT WITH LAUREN AND HER FAMILY

Email: [email protected]
IG: https://www.instagram.com/laurensdailyjoy/
FB: https://www.facebook.com/lauren.g.raymond

Send us a text

In this episode, I have the privilege of talking to Tanya Hackney.  Tanya graduated with a B.A. from Middlebury College in 1997, where she majored in English and double-minored in French and Education. She married her high school sweetheart and taught kindergarten in Atlanta, Georgia before transitioning to homeschooling her own five children aboard sailing vessel Take Two. She’s lived aboard, traveled, and written for the Take Two Sailing blog for the last fifteen years. She has always had a bad case of wanderlust, having taken countless road trips as a child, spent a semester in Paris during college, and honeymooned in Mexico. In 2021, she published an award-winning memoir, Leaving the Safe Harbor: the Risks and Rewards of Raising a Family on a Boat. In her free time, she plays the ukulele, paints landscapes, and kayaks

Our conversation is about life raising a family on a boat and how her family has found a way to find JOY among the difficulties of sailing and living on the sea.

Tanya also shares with us a wonderful story about her Mother-in-Law, Mary who lost her life to cancer.  She shares how her family and friends celebrated with Mary during a "Death Day" party...before Mary passed and how they all felt JOY during a time of deep grief. 

Finally, Tanya shares the important of gratitude and how that has helped her tap into JOY even during life's massive challenges. 


How to find Tanya:

Blog- www.taketwosailing.com 
Book- https://ingeniumbooks.com/LTSH 
Facebook- https://www.facebook.com/tanya.hackney.71 
                         https://www.facebook.com/TakeTwoSailing/ 
Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/taketwosailing/ 
Pinterest- https://www.pinterest.com/tanyataketwo/

Drive-A-Logue link at Bark! https://www.bark.us/blog/drive-a-logue/?srsltid=AfmBOop-1zhhdhu3tNfMSZfR5oMYS6BZMtDnWpsAt4hIIiWFaZMrUlUJ

Lauren's Book, My Dad Died From ALS and How I Found Joy 30 Years Later
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B2J15M3Z

CONNECT WITH LAUREN AND HER FAMILY

Email: [email protected]
IG: https://www.instagram.com/laurensdailyjoy/
FB: https://www.facebook.com/lauren.g.raymond

Send us a text

This episode is hosted by Hunter. To be completely honest, we were having a hard time finding a moment we could all sit down together to record so he took the bull by the horn and did his own episode.

We had no idea what he was going to talk about until he recorded it. He "killed" it.  Maybe he said the title of our podcast wrong, but he definitely knows what to talk about when it comes to creating JOY. 

Drive-A-Logue link at Bark! https://www.bark.us/blog/drive-a-logue/?srsltid=AfmBOop-1zhhdhu3tNfMSZfR5oMYS6BZMtDnWpsAt4hIIiWFaZMrUlUJ

Lauren's Book, My Dad Died From ALS and How I Found Joy 30 Years Later
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B2J15M3Z

CONNECT WITH LAUREN AND HER FAMILY

Email: [email protected]
IG: https://www.instagram.com/laurensdailyjoy/
FB: https://www.facebook.com/lauren.g.raymond

Send us a text

How does MUSIC bring one JOY?

IN THIS EPISODE, WE TALK ABOUT:

• Benefits of music
• How we have used music to:
  • Lift a family member up
  • Start our day joyfully
  • Alleviate a long car ride
• What have we tried that has worked? 
• What have we tried that has failed?
• One action step

Drive-A-Logue link at Bark! https://www.bark.us/blog/drive-a-logue/?srsltid=AfmBOop-1zhhdhu3tNfMSZfR5oMYS6BZMtDnWpsAt4hIIiWFaZMrUlUJ

Lauren's Book, My Dad Died From ALS and How I Found Joy 30 Years Later
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B2J15M3Z

CONNECT WITH LAUREN AND HER FAMILY

Email: [email protected]
IG: https://www.instagram.com/laurensdailyjoy/
FB: https://www.facebook.com/lauren.g.raymond

Send us a text

This topic came up at the end of our dinner time. Addison announced she wanted to talk about something. This is the usual in the Raymond Household. Important topics come up during our dinner time. I pulled out my phone and started the voice recorder.

She pitched us in making her curfew later...to 12:30 or sometimes to 1:00 am. 

What are her reasons? 

She wants to practice time management before she goes to college in a year and a half.

How do Mark and I respond?

We have similar responses however we do disagree in some parts of this.  With that being said, curfew is a struggle for us because Addison does not always have  a set plan of what her friends and her are doing. We do not want her driving all around town at night so how do we come up with an appropriate curfew time?

She has to have more of a solidified plan of what she is doing in order for us to be comfortable making her curfew later. And it depends on what is happening the next day as well. 

Listen in as to what we decide.

Our goal is to make sure everyone is feeling good at the end of the conversation, to avoid anger and frustration, and to keep navigating JOY in our household.

Please share this with ONE person who you know will take value in this. Someone who has teens or will soon have teens and wants to hear how we navigate these conversations.

Please share with us your thoughts, ideas and feedback!

We all learn from each other as PARENTING IS HARD!!!

Drive-A-Logue link at Bark! https://www.bark.us/blog/drive-a-logue/?srsltid=AfmBOop-1zhhdhu3tNfMSZfR5oMYS6BZMtDnWpsAt4hIIiWFaZMrUlUJ

Lauren's Book, My Dad Died From ALS and How I Found Joy 30 Years Later
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B2J15M3Z

CONNECT WITH LAUREN AND HER FAMILY

Email: [email protected]
IG: https://www.instagram.com/laurensdailyjoy/
FB: https://www.facebook.com/lauren.g.raymond

Send us a text

Ahhhh, social media! The bane of my existence with my children! The 13 year old is pitching his reasons why he wants Instagram! We let his sister get Snapchat when she was 13 and if we could rewind, we would NOT have allowed that for at least a couple years later!  

So now Hunter is trying to convince us why he wants IG.  There are very clear reasons why as you will hear in this episode. Adding social media comes with a host of problems such as; more time spent on the screen, arguing about screen time, posting, strangers, fake crap, social pressures, and many more issues.  As Mark and I navigate this discussion, we work on keeping it real and light with low reactivity. However you can tell at the end of the conversation, Hunter is not thrilled with the outcome.  Since we did not receive clear reasons why we did not say "yes", he was not happy about it.  

We even added some teen slang into the conversation to keep it fun and light.

Do you think there were some clear, good reasons as to why Hunter should get IG? Tell us why or why not and how have you navigated these conversations with your teens?

Drive-A-Logue link at Bark! https://www.bark.us/blog/drive-a-logue/?srsltid=AfmBOop-1zhhdhu3tNfMSZfR5oMYS6BZMtDnWpsAt4hIIiWFaZMrUlUJ

Lauren's Book, My Dad Died From ALS and How I Found Joy 30 Years Later
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B2J15M3Z

CONNECT WITH LAUREN AND HER FAMILY

Email: [email protected]
IG: https://www.instagram.com/laurensdailyjoy/
FB: https://www.facebook.com/lauren.g.raymond