Team Vasculitis: Thriving through Life with Chronic Illness

Because our illnesses are invisible, they are often overlooked by those around us, and we're used to that. What we sometimes forget is that the illness being invisible gives US PERSONALLY some much needed mental and emotional separation from the pain we're going through. They are tiny moments, but they really help us survive. So when something happens that makes the invisible illness VISIBLE sudde...

It's been NINE YEARS since I was diagnosed. In that time I have relied on my friends, family, doctors, and even strangers at times. I couldn't have functioned without them. I would not be where I am today, or who I am today, without them. Today my Mom, Husband, Sister, and life long friend answer two questions: 1. What do you tell someone when they ask about my health? 2. How would you say this ha...

PSA: You don't have to punish yourself for that extra slice of pie or skipping a workout. If you're consistent in your goals, these things won't stop you. Find the Video Here: http://www.instagram.com/marketlikeamama

Today I want you to hear my heart when I say, there are very beautiful things that can come out of this difficult journey. No one would ask to be set on the path of chronic illness, but once you're there - when you're ready - there is beauty to be found. We see  things differently because our lives our different, and we bring joy, acceptance, grace, support and kindness to the world around us in w...

If you're new to this whole Chronic thing, there is something you need the low down on: nutrition. Now, I am absolutely certain that everyone and their second cousin has told you - Oh, my so and so had something like that and they did (fill in the blank) and got better! Those fill in the blank things are usually gluten free, dairy free, sugar free… maybe an essential oil combination, or of course...

I want you to try and remember two things: 1. You don't know where people are at mentally and emotionally. Accept them for where they are now. 2. It's not about you. However they respond or don't respond. Love them where they're at. You can watch the video at: http://www.instagram.com/marketlikeamama

It's everywhere, right? People posting a daily gratitude, commercials about giving thanks and being blessed… heck that trend has even taken to clothing now a days and every store we walk into has graphic tees telling us to be thankful, grateful and blessed. Life is hard for everyone. Even those without chronic illness making everything feel like a fuzzy, out of focus, and over exposed video from t...

Create a way to connect with the people in your life both personally and professionally that does NOT include social media. Dave Chappelle was 100% right when he said (in The Closer) Twitter is not a real place.

Meet Dena Williams! This amazing woman has been through it all. 3 different treatment plans, hospital stays, more than 20 doctors and health professionals... and of course all the blood, sweat, and tears. Today she shares her journey, and get's really open and raw. You can follow Dena at: https://www.instagram.com/denawilliamsss/ **WARNING** I drop an f bomb and call someone a c bomb at the end. I...

The problem is society in general believes this. That I am overweight so I must eat really unhealthy food. That when I come asking for help I must be pill seeking. That if I just got my lard ass off the couch, or took the stairs, I wouldn't need medical help. The truth is we don't know what causes onset of these diseases and I am proof that it isn't about lifestyle. Link to Reel Mentioned: https:/...

In our busy lives it is so easy to lose track of things that light us up and bring us joy. Today I talk about something my good friend Jeni the host of Positively Jeni - Coming Dec 1st - said about finding passion. It doesn't have to be an every day thing. What is has to be is FOR YOU. Even if it's word vomiting to a friend about it. As you talk, you feel that passion - right? We NEED a few minute...

Oh my friend, what a world we travel through. Where once you are outside of the bell curve you have to fight so much harder. It is what it is, and in some ways will always be, but know this - you are NOT alone. There is NO shame in any assistance you need. Needing accommodations does not diminish you or your worth in ANY way… and there are resources to help you. Search for them. Ask others with si...

The most wonderful... and most crazy time of the year is here! I give my three survival tips and a reminder that your kids being crazy is NOT a reflection of parenting!

It felt so cruel, I finally met my person and now I was seriously considering breaking up with him. How could I ask him to stay and not be able to have a partner who builds things with him, who travels with him, who can raise children with him? If he stayed with me, I would take away everything he dreamed of. If he found someone else, he could have that… and if I loved him, shouldn't I give him th...

In a world of carefully curated content it is even MORE important and MORE powerful to show up as you. In the big and little wins and in the big and little failures. To show up with messy hair and no make up. To show up dressed your best and living it up. Yes, you'll lose some people if you do this. More importantly though, the right people will find you. Watch the live video in my hot mess-ness t...

Meet the awesome Holly! Diagnosed with Wegener's at 14 after a nearly 3 year battle she has faced kidney failure, continues to have sinus complications, and has navigated her way through the medical system and natural health to figure out what works best for her - all before turning 25! You can find Holly at: http://www.instagram.com/healthyhealthyholly

Where do we stand in a very capable world? Where around us everyone is doing more with their time than you are. We have the same amount of hours in the day, but it can be really difficult to remember that we don't have the same amount of ability. That can come from lack of energy, strength or some form of physical disability. We aren't on the same level of playfield as everyone else. You are worth...

We all have so much going on in our heads and in our lives. The people around us don't have any way of knowing what is going to be our tipping point. They don't know you're three year old won't stop yelling at everyone. They don't know you have a difficult relationship with a family member. One client has no idea what is going on with another client. Today I talk about a quick way to deal with str...

We all know how incredibly draining and stressful dealing with three year old behavior can be when you're not sure how to handle it. Among the parent grapevine I am sure that you have heard that this so-called "bad behavior" starts with the Terrible Twos and often gets worse before it gets better. Hence, the threenager stage was born. Today I give support and a couple of tips on navigating this re...

Have you ever been going through a tough day only for someone to say - what can you learn from this or ask you to "flip the script?" Where you're at is OKAY. It's not only okay - it's normal, healthy and NECESSARY to go through the tough stuff. Rushing past it or ignoring it only hurts you and those around you. Listen to today's episode to hear more. You can watch today's episode at: http://www.in...

Having extremely low ferritin, when you are not clinically anemic, is a specific type of anemia called Hypoferritinemia without Anemia or HWA. There is no kidney involvement and there are no other clinical issues like typical iron deficiency causing anemia.  It typically goes undiagnosed, and can cause permanent damage! Links to resources mentioned: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC598...

Have you ever given someone information or instructions and then they did something completely different than you expected? Have you ever followed the instructions EXACTLY only to have someone upset with you for not listening? Today I talk about this communication problem and give a couple of tips on how to fix it! You can watch the video at: http://www.instagram.com/marketlikeamama

Being a parent is TOUGH. Having a chronic illness is TOUGH. Combine the two... and man. It's so easy to feel like you're failing EVERYWHERE. Tune in to this episode for some love... I get it. I see you. I've been there too.

It's easy to be motivated when you start. You're excited. Then life goes on and it gets more and more difficult to prioritize. Right?   In today's episode I talk about my trick to give my brain those serotonin bursts and feel more motivated every week! You can watch the video of this episode at: http://www.instagram.com/marketlikeamama Look under the IGTV tab, and choose the Messy and Mindful Mome...

Do you ever look at your "to do" list and wonder how you'll get it all done? Do you ever get anxiety or feel depressed because you see yourself never getting it all done? Do you ever look at the people around you and find yourself comparing to how they seem to do it all, but you never can? No matter what phase of life you're in. Single. Dating/Married. Married + Kids. Single + kids... I am here fo...