The fourth and final episode of the "Chronic Pain Series" features Donna Irene, a commercial traveler and lifestyle photographer who's lived in the thralls of pain and disability since she was 8 years old. In speaking with Alyssa, she shared that it wasn't until August 2022 that she received a formal diagnosis.

These answers propelled her healing journey, which took place in parts, and ultimately guided her into an ongoing state of acceptance and surrender. It's not always easy in the midst of her struggles, yet through vulnerability in sharing her story, she's found immense hope and peace.

"These struggles that you're facing...as hard as they can be...can also be an amazing opportunity and window into really connecting with others. And being able to connect through shared experiences in empathy and love." - Donna Irene

Thanks for tuning in! Connect with Alyssa and Donna on Instagram:

@uproot.and.uplift

@itsdonnairene

We love your feedback!

Sheena Rydings, a psychotherapist and chronic pain specialist, is the amazing guest for Alyssa's third episode of Uproot and Uplift's "Chronic Pain Series".

Together, the two discuss the connection between perfectionism and chronic pain. Many who suffer with chronic pain may not be aware of the harmful pressure they put on themselves when they crave a cure and ignore their mind and body's deeper needs.

Sheena herself shares her experience living with pain and her mother's beautiful example. She mentions the importance of making a plan and self-care. Also detailing acceptance and commitment therapy techniques, she recognizes that we can focus on what's more meaningful for progression and true healing.

"What I'm doing is not less, it's just different." -Sheena

*Connect with Alyssa on Instagram @uproot.and.uplift

and Sheena @the_pain_therapist

**Thanks so much for listening! Please leave a comment on Spotify or Instagram if you enjoyed this episode. Reviews and feedback are also welcome! Be sure to tune in for more of the "Chronic Pain Series." coming soon.

Episode 2 of the "Chronic Pain Series" features Catherine Courtice, a chronic pain coach, author and survivor. In 2007, Catherine fell backwards down a flight of stairs...and her life was never the same. She was confined to her bed and couch with only doctor's appointments on her calendar within the terrifying, foreseeable future. One day she had her "catalyst moment". She was done giving power to others to decide HER fate.

Little by little, she learned to partner with her body and reframe by "saying yes" to her life! Catherine supports and coaches individuals struggling with debilitating diagnoses and chronic pain through her AARC framework (acknowledge, accountability, reframe, choice).

*You can find her book "When Life Gives You Lemons, Choose the Lime: Embracing Life After Diagnosis" on Amazon.

**Connect with Alyssa on Instagram @uproot.and.uplift and Catherine @overcomechronicpain

Welcome to the first episode of the "Chronic Pain Series"!

Are you battling chronic pain, desperate for relief, hopeless, anxious, depressed, and terrified of the future? You are not alone! Unfortunately, the incessant chase for relief is insatiable and destructive.

In this episode, Alyssa talks with the incredible Dr. Daren Brooks, founder of The Bridge Total Health Recovery Center. From the trenches of chronic pain and illness himself, Daren adresses the emotional turmoil that follows this chase. By flipping the switch, one can find liberation and peace in taking back the driver's seat of their life instead of remaining a passenger to their pain.

"All of those sensations that used to crush you regularly, you're like 'I know you...sit in the back!'"-Dr. Daren Brooks

*For more information about The Bridge check out their website below

https://thebridgerecoverycenter.com/

**Connect with Alyssa on Instagram @uproot.and.uplift

*Content Warning: This episode is intended for mature audiences only and involves depictions of intense traumatic life events (attempted rape, tragic deaths (by shooting, falling, illness), and serious drug/alcohol abuse). Please listen with caution.*

In this episode, Alyssa interviews her very first guest Dr. James Flowers, PhD, LPC-S. Recounting his childhood and the extremely traumatic events throughout his life, he stands as a remarkable example of resilience and strength. He shares his "why" and passion for becoming an expert in chronic pain, PTSD, addiction, and mental health. The two discuss rejecting victimhood and the emotional impact during the recovery process for those who may identify deeply with trauma and chronic pain.

"Whatever it is that you've been through, there is a way out. There is a light and you're not alone. And you always have some way of being helped and someone will be there if you ask for it. And I'm a perfect example of that..." -Dr. Flowers

Learn more about Dr. Flowers and his incredible work at https://jflowershealth.com/ and check out his podcast "Understanding the Human Condition".

Connect with Alyssa on Instagram @uproot.and.uplift and

Dr. Flowers @jflowershealth !!

At the end of 2022, Alyssa had the absolute privilege and opportunity to attend a total health recovery center/retreat in Southern Utah called The Bridge.

This experience was deeply transformative, bridging Alyssa to her new self and life on the mend.

Being introduced to several new modalities and tools, she reminisces about her five biggest takeaways:

1. ​Rejecting her Victim Mentality
2. ​Embracing/Acknowledging her Inner Child
3. ​Trusting Herself
4. ​Forgiving her Parents
5. ​Discovering the Medicine Wheel

Learn more about The Bridge at https://thebridgerecoverycenter.com/ 🫶

Connect with Alyssa on Instagram @uproot.and.uplift !!

How often do we take the time every day to embrace simple stillness and silence? It may seem like a simple task, but with the many and varied distractions of our modern world and lifestyles, embracing this can be a daunting task.

Join Alyssa as she details why accepting and allowing stillness/silence into our lives brings major benefits, peace, and healing.

Are you feeling overwhelmed and burnt out from the healing process? Do you find life feels more chaotic and roller coaster-like than average?

Alyssa shares that taking the time to acknowledge the process while giving yourself grace truly opens the door to peace. After all, healing is not linear!

Presence. Living in the moment. Right Now. Being.

It seems simple enough, but it's not always easy. How often do we deny our circumstances by clinging to the past or living in the future?

Eckhart Tolle's "The Power of Now" sparked today's episode as Alyssa shares personal experiences and takeaways from his influential book.

There are three ways we can all remain more present:

1. Recognition of Thoughts

2. Body Awareness

3. Acceptance/Surrender

Are you ready to trust in the undeniable present moment? This will catapult your healing!

*Trigger Warning: This episode details a suicide by overdose and the traumatic events that followed. The depiction may be graphic or triggering for certain listeners. Please use discretion as this content is intended for mature audiences only.*

An extremely traumatic experience turned out to be the ultimate shift for true, sustainable healing.

In the third part of her "Mother Hunger Episode Series", Alyssa recounts the absolute worst day of her life and the tumultuous events that followed. From grief to betrayal, sadness to anger, and finally forgiveness, join the story that promoted the creation of this podcast!