You've Got This Sis

Most twelve year olds are in the thick of middle school. Most are embarking on new life as a semi-independent tweenager. What happens, when none of this rings true?

Avery was trying to be a typical sixth grade girl--learning in class, excelling in sports, making friends and discovering new interests. As much as she tried to keep up the pace, she kept feeling exhausted, unable to do the things she enjoyed. She thought this was how life went. She wasn't just exhausted, she was terribly sick.  Her body wasn't able to process sugars, it wasn't making insulin it needed, the build up of glucose was draining her life, both literally and figuratively. Join me as Avery shares her story of Type 1 Diabetes, and learning to thrive again. 

Rachel's daughter Avery was diagnosed a year ago with Type 1 Diabetes at the age of 12. Rachel shares her life changing story of mothering Avery and loving her through the diagnosis, while balancing her own feelings of helplessness. 

November is Diabetes Awareness month.  I honor all those who have battled their own battles with diabetes as well as the families that are there to love and support. 

It's a new normal. A lifetime of balancing. 

Contact info for Rachel Graham is:

https://www.facebook.com/rachel.g.graham

and 

https://www.instagram.com/rlgraham85/

If you are new here with me at Sis, I'm Trio. I like to focus on all things that will lift us. That's a lot.

This week is Halloween. I remember the days of being a young mom. It was difficult to get kids ready, feed them and have them ready to trick or treat by the time their dad got off work. Stress. Yes! It is important to take a few minutes and freshen up. I updated some lipstick, put on cute clothes, and then felt ready to be present for the festivities.  As the kids got older, I took more time for me. Take time for you. Make this week fun by being intentional. 

I'm the grand daughter of one who succumbed to breast cancer. I share with you a piece of my grandmother's life, her journey, and the independence my dad took as he experienced his mother's death. 

"They said he has stage four cancer." Samara couldn't believe it. He was child number six and now their family was thrown a curve ball they would have to wade through. 

Samara shares her journey of Malcolm's diagnosis from beginning to end. She is a woman of strength, light and resilience. She is a warrior woman to me. A hero. I hope you feel her light. I hope that your hope increases. I hope you dream a little more today Sis and allow your heart to be grateful for today.

Here is the link for Malcolm's Book, Jared the Blood Genie.

https://read.amazon.com/kp/embed?asin=B08GQKJPMK&preview=newtab&linkCode=kpe&ref_=cm_sw_r_kb_dp_AK4JFbGPXB93N

As well as Corporate Angel Network mentioned in the podcast.  

You can find Samara on Facebook, https://www.facebook.com/samara.thornock

When I look back at the journey, I'm so proud of the person I am. I' am brave.  I am strong. I am crazy and fun. Thirty-nine years, and I'm here. I remember being scared, unsure, insecure and trying to make others happy.

I hope this episode cheers you on to become your best self.  It's a process. A journey. It requires you recognize how freakin' amazing your are.  No one else can do that for you!  Here are my notes.

Five Things I've Learned.

1. "I don't do this for just anyone" and you can pop a squat anywhere because you've done it before!

2. No amount of trying to be something for someone else will bring you peace. 

3.Enjoy learning something new

4.Give yourself grace and others grace

5.Love yourself every day!

You are worth it!

20 years of military service, 13 moves, 14 homes...how do you keep your family grounded in the midst of so much change?

Learn from our friend Kathryn about how she's approached life as a military wife, and how she and her husband have been united and successful for twenty plus years.

Sometimes we surf through life trying to find those that get us, that accept us and love us as we are, for all that we are—the good, the bad and the ugly.

We call that safe. 

Being safe and feeling safe is better anything else. People hope to be SAFE with you. ALWAYS. On your tongue. In your home. On your keyboard. On the road. In public. In schools. In private. I will always try to have integrity and be SAFE for you.

Pulling together and creating unity is a gift and skill we seek to embrace.  I've often heard the saying, "Bloom where you are planted."  We encourage you to "bloom."  

The world needs your gifts, talents, and skills to unify and heal.  

So serve, unify and heal.  Our world looks better with a little bit of your color in it.  

"Mommy, I think your Sad Sickness is coming back."

If you struggle with depression, or know someone that does, this episode is for you. Join our chat with Cheryl Roper to learn how she faces her daily battle with depression, accepting both good days and not so good ones. Cheryl's Facebook group (link below) works towards suicide prevention through fighting stigma, sharing real experiences, and building a community of support. 

Links to Cheryl, and her Facebook Group:

Cheryl's Facebook Page

Cheryl's Instagram Page

seeme.notthestigma

We're so lucky to have Brenda and Kristi from Normal Bias Podcast with us! It's especially easy for these two to recognize other people's accomplishments, and cheer others on. When we take time to recognize the accomplishments of others, we get inspired to try just a little harder.

This week use the hashtag #accomplishmentslookbetterincolor to recognize a friend's victory on social media, and you'll get a free "You've Got This" all-weather sticker. Let's spread the love, and a little bit of color!