Paper and Strings Podcast

This week Julie shares her own sobriety story with you.  Find out the reasons she gave up alcohol, how she finally made the decision to lead an alcohol-free life, and what she learned along the way. Being sober in a world where alcohol consumption is the norm is tough but very, very possible.  Do you want to quit drinking?  Do you know someone who struggles with theirs?  Julie shares the 10 things she did when she was giving it up.  Come and listen.  

Links and resources:

• Meredith Atwood- https://swimbikemom.com/
• Holly Whitaker- https://www.jointempest.com/
• Laura McKowen- https://www.lauramckowen.com/
• Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services
• National Institute on Drug Abuse 
• Follow me on Instagram: @paperandstringslife

Make sure you hit SUBSCRIBE so you don't miss out on any of my tips, tricks, and all things big-life-changing-decisions. 

And, if you enjoyed this episode, please leave me a rating and a review- Thanks!

This week's episode dives into the words and concepts of "addiction" and "dependency."  What are the differences?  Does it matter?  What causes addiction and what do we do if we are struggling with something?  Join Julie as she shares insight into the issues people face with all kinds of substances and reasons why some people grapple with tough situations.  

Links and resources:

• Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services
• National Institute on Drug Abuse 
• Follow me on Instagram: @paperandstringslife

Make sure you hit SUBSCRIBE so you don't miss out on any of my tips, tricks, and all things big-life-changing-decisions. 

And, if you enjoyed this episode, please leave me a rating and a review- Thanks! 

This week we are exploring the happiness chemicals that help us with mood, excitement, general feelings and stability.  Find out more about dopamine, serotonin, oxytocin and endorphins and why it's important to have all of these present in our bodies.  Be aware of what these do and how we can get more of them.  Find out the connection between these chemicals and addiction.  

You don't want to miss:

• Find out what these chemicals are and where they are housed
• Understand the differences in these chemicals
• How can we get more of them naturally?
• What can we do if we are still struggling with getting enough of these?

Links and resources:

• Center for Mental Health Services
• Follow me on Instagram: @paperandstringslife
• For more about me and my mission: check out my website.

Make sure you hit SUBSCRIBE so you don't miss out on any of my tips, tricks, and all things big-life-changing-decisions. 

Let's look at the concepts of moderation and abstinence this week.  Both of these can aid in knowing our boundaries and advocating for ourselves.  We need to be aware of the role that each of these play in our self-improvement journeys.  Join Julie as she discusses these notions and how we can explore them by looking at our previous experiences and future experimentation.  

You don't want to miss:

• A discussion about the differences in these concepts.  
• What to think about the statement "Everything in moderation."
• How can we learn to moderate better? 
• When do we need to abstain from something?  How do we know?

PLUS, your heart homework. 

Links and resources:

• Article about Human Beings and Emotions
• Follow me on Instagram: @paperandstringslife
• For more about me and my mission: check out my website.

Make sure you hit SUBSCRIBE so you don't miss out on any of my tips, tricks, and all things big-life-changing-decisions. 

And, if you enjoyed this episode, please leave me a rating and a review- Thanks!

This episode is a follow-up to episode #1. Life changes physically and emotionally after bariatric surgery.  Find out what I had to do to prepare for surgery and what I did in the weeks directly after.  And now, 6 months after WLS, find out what an average week entails.  From food and vitamins to sleep and exercise.  Find out some of the challenges as well as the small victories and larger pieces of success.   

You don't want to miss:

• The pre-op diet and steps taken prior to surgery
• The post-op diet and mental struggles
• My thoughts surrounding my own privacy in the months after surgery
• Average daily life now (6 months post-op) and food intake

PLUS, my hopes and homework for you, the listeners. 

Links and resources:

• Let's Soar!  Subscribe and download my free infographic: 
• • Ready for Surgery? The Top 4 Things to Help you Prepare
• Follow me on Instagram: @paperandstringslife
• For more about me and my mission: check out my website.

Make sure you hit SUBSCRIBE so you don't miss out on any of my tips, tricks, and all things big-life-changing-decisions. 

And, if you enjoyed this episode, please leave me a rating and a review- Thanks! 

One of the scariest decisions I made in my life was to have weight loss surgery, known as VSG (Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy).   This type of weight loss surgery (WLS) has many benefits including weight loss and reduced risk of potentially life-threatening weight-related health problems, including Type 2 diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and infertility.  In this episode, I explain my lifelong struggles with weight loss and my reasons for finally undergoing VSG.

You don't want to miss:

• The reasons I went to a surgery center instead of a hospital
• The 5-day process that included: my travel, doctors' appointments, and surgery, START TO FINISH
• What led to me deciding to have surgery
• How I handled aftercare

PLUS, my biggest takeaway about life and food after bariatric surgery

Links and resources:

• Contact information for Blossom Bariatrics 
• Follow me on Instagram: @paperandstringslife
• For more about me and my mission, check out my website.

Make sure you hit SUBSCRIBE so you don't miss out on any of my tips, tricks, and all things big-life-changing-decisions. 

And, if you enjoyed this episode, please leave me a rating and a review- Thanks!