From Surviving to Thriving: Michelle Risser's Path to Recovery
I try to just really celebrate that and grab on to that joy, because those are the things that we miss if we're rushing from thing to thing.
Picture this: you're juggling work, parenting, and daily chores, all while dealing with the aftermath of PTSD and secondary trauma. That's exactly what Michelle Risser faced. In this episode, she sits down with Dr. Kate Steiner to share her transformative journey from mere survival to truly thriving. Initially, Michelle coped by diving headfirst into her responsibilities, pushing aside anything remotely enjoyable. But she soon realized that this approach was unsustainable.
She began to reintroduce activities she loved, like working out and socializing with friends, as part of her self-care routine. Just when things seemed to be improving, life threw her another curveball: a rare cancer diagnosis followed by the challenges of COVID-19. Despite these setbacks, Michelle continued her work through telehealth appointments and found joy in the small, everyday moments.
She emphasizes the importance of self-care, especially for those in caregiving roles, and shares practical 'microstrategies' to incorporate into your day. These include simple yet effective practices like deep breathing, staying hydrated, and planning ahead for self-care moments. By the end of this episode, you'll feel inspired to prioritize your own well-being and find happiness even in life's toughest challenges.