How to Advocate for Yourself When You Have an Autoimmune Disease

EP:93 As we head into this summer season, I want you to take a breath and remind yourself, what is the rush. And the more you do that, you're more the more you're slowing your brain down and reminding your brain there is no threat here, I am safe, and it's really hard sometimes to not just allow yourself to feel safe in threatening moments. That's effort, but it's also effort to allow your brain to feel safe in happy moments and good moments, because we harp so much on the hard, we harp so much on the bad that we forget to acknowledge, or even be present to the good. So I encourage you to start acknowledging that there's good. As you ease into the summer, I want you to keep breathing. I want you to relax your shoulders. Take really big inhales and exhales. Do the thing. Say yes to this the thing, go get the ice cream late at night, let your kids stay up, watch the movie, snuggle with them, have fun, because summer can be magical if you allow it. #thrivelikeaparentpodcast #thrivelikeaparent #podcast #parentingpodcast #podcasts #embracingtheseasons #magicofsummer #selfcare #artofslowliving #nervoussystem #podcastforwomen #emotionalhealth #slowdown #summerseason #thrive #thrivecommunity

EP:92 On this week’s episode of Thrive Like a Parent podcast, Dr. Tracy Dalgleish, a clinical psychologist and couples therapist, shares her journey of becoming a parent and how it inspired her to expand her work to reach more people with resources for healthy relationships. In this episode we talk about... ✔️ How insecurities and self-doubt from the past can shape our present relationships and careers, emphasizing the importance of understanding these inner narratives. ✔️ The value of vulnerability, empathy, and partnership in navigating challenging situations together as a couple. ✔️ The challenges women and men face in expressing needs and emotions within relationships, and the importance of providing constructive feedback and having tough conversations. ✔️ Approaching difficult conversations with an open mindset, focusing on positive change rather than immediate resolution. ✔️ The importance of self-validation and differentiation within relationships, allowing for a healthier interdependent dynamic. ✔️ Maintaining a balanced support system beyond just a romantic partner. ✔️ The intentionality required to maintain connection and intimacy in long-term relationships, especially after having children. Trust me you don't want to miss this one!

EP:91 Today on the Thrive Like a Parent Podcast I’d like to discuss something that has really been on the forefront of my mind lately… We MUST set boundaries and provide a balance between screen time and outdoor activities, while also modeling healthy emotional expression and prioritizing our own mental well-being to our children. Excessive screen time can lead to increased anxiety and decreased ability to explore and learn from mistakes. Social media has been a major contributing factor to cyberbullying, negative self-comparison, anxiety and overall mental health in the next generation. By prioritizing mental health in the digital age, I believe children will be better equipped to handle the challenges of growing up in a world filled with technology. So this weekend.. My challenge to you… GO EXPLORE.. Take in nature in whatever way feels best and right for you!

EP:90 On this week’s episode of Thrive Like a Parent podcast.. ALL your most asked questions answered. Trust me you don’t want to miss this one. I will share with you my journey building a business while raising two children, emphasizing the need to delegate tasks, set boundaries, and prioritize self-care. I will share with you how to let go of perfectionism, being honest about limitations, and putting your own well-being first in order to thrive. I will also discuss managing children’s noise and behavior, distinguishing between dysregulation and baseline sound aversion to choose the right coping strategies. Techniques like noise-reducing loops, breaks for emotional regulation, exercise, meditation, and journaling are recommended for caring for yourself and your family. Additionally, this episode will cover supporting children with ADHD and other neurodivergent conditions without solely relying on medication. I will speak about cautions about blindly adding medications without monitoring effects closely and advocate for trusting your instincts as a parent. And lastly, I will address navigating social media toxicity, emphasizing creating valuable content over chasing algorithms. Overall, this episode provides insights on self-care, regulation strategies, and being a proactive advocate for your child’s wellbeing while balancing the demands of work and family life. If you have any questions you’d like answered on the next Q&A episode, drop in the comments 👇👇👇 XOXO,Dr. B #thrivelikeaparentpodcast #parenthood #healingjourney #q #newepisode #euntrepreneur #buildingabusiness #widow #adhd #medication #trustyourself #advocate #mentalhealth #structure #schedule #parenthood #boundaries #joyinthejourney

EP:89 On this week’s episode of Thrive Like a Parent podcast, I am so thrilled to be joined by Dr. Wentz. Dr. Isabella Wentz, is an internationally acclaimed thyroid specialist, who shares her personal journey with Hashimoto's thyroiditis. Despite initially working in mental health advocacy, her own struggles with undiagnosed Hashimoto's inspired her to dedicate her career to addressing the root causes of thyroid dysfunction. Dr. Wentz also covers the role of diet, nutrients, and lifestyle in managing Hashimoto's and thyroid health. She also shares how valuable insights are provided on testing, optimizing thyroid function, and advocating for proper care. Don't miss this empowering episode as we delve into the complexities of thyroid health and empower you to take control of your well-being. XOXO Dr. B

EP:88 On this week's episode of Thrive Like a Parent podcast, I am so thrilled to be joined by Dr. Shefali.Dr. Shefali received her doctorate in clinical psychology from Columbia University. Specializing in the integration of Western psychology and Eastern philosophy, she brings together the best of both worlds for her clients. She is an expert in family dynamics and personal development, teaching courses around the globe. She has written six books, three of which are New York Times best-sellers, including her two landmark books The Conscious Parent and The Awakened Family. There is so much value in authenticity and embracing pain in your personal growth journey. We must own our true self, even if it means confronting uncomfortable realities.Dr. Shefali says " when we allow toxicity to exist for the sake of peace, we are actually perpetuating the war." How powerful is that??Join us on this week's episode to discuss this and so much more! #thrivelikeaparent #thrivelikeaparentpodcast #newepisode #ownyourtrueself #managinganxiety #managingemotions #authenticity #painingrowth #release #removetoxicity #radical #radicalawakening #emotionalregulation #support #supportyournervoussytem #healingjourney

EP:87 On this week’s episode of Thrive Like a Parent Podcast, I want to talk to you about emotional regulation and emotional dysregulation.The definition of emotional dysregulation are things like mood shifts, constantly finding it hard to deal with stress, angry outbursts, high anxiety, feelings of shame, self-harm, suicidal thoughts, or actions and substance misuse.Emotional dysregulation can absolutely be debilitating for you. And that is why when I work with clients, we work so closely on the regulation of our moods and the regulation of our emotions, because if we don’t have regulation over our emotions, we will allow our emotions to control us.Oftentimes, what people do is they try to take their emotions and shove them down, or put them on a shelf, or they ignore them, or they push them away, or they lash out at others. They allow their emotions to become other people’s responsibility. I would say that the biggest emotion that I see that needs to be regulated through is anxiety. Anxiety is a symptom of emotional dysregulation.There are things you can do in order to teach your brain how to release the anxiety. There is a way to support your brain and body through anxiety and into emotional regulation.Please know you do not have to remain emotionally dysregulated. You have the right to enjoy your life. You are so worthy.There are ways for you to learn how to be emotionally regulated with support. Anything we offer is with support, you are never 100% on your own. There is a place for you. Comment “support” below and let’s chat!XOXO,Dr. B#podcast #thrivelikeaparent #thrivelikeaparentpodcast #emotionalhealth #emotionaldysregulation #emotionalregulation #mentalhealth #mentalhealthawareness #anxiety #dealingwithanxiety #regulatingemotions

EP:86 Today I have back with me, a very awesome special guest Carter, who, as you know, is my partner. And today we are going to talk about communication. Communication is a topic that we really want to talk about. But it's also a topic that you all have been very interested in. Because it's really hard to have healthy communication within a partnership. And it's something that we have worked on, as well as something that we make an active effort to have strong communication skills within our partnership.  Carter and I come from partnerships where we didn't feel strong communication was there. We just recently did a reel which was a real conversation. And so many had so much to say, especially how they wish they could have that type of communication with their partner. And so, we felt it would be really supportive to you to discuss how we've gotten to where we've gotten, what has worked, tips and tricks and tools and kind of our journey along the way of how our communication has gotten to where it has gotten. Carter and I truly believe that the key to a healthy and strong communication partnership is the “I” statements. Expressing your feelings with “I” statements, whether they are negative or positive makes a huge impact in your relationship. But it's also the active listening of hearing those “I” statements and then not taking it on, that you yourself are a failure. Being self-regulated, requesting our needs, checking in with one another as well as knowing one another’s defense mechanisms are also important areas and discussions to have when working on thriving in a healthy and strong communication partnership.   But without a doubt intentional commitment is a requirement needed in order to see change. You have to be willing to “do the work”. Carter and I both agree that you must get to the point where you put the time and effort into bettering your relationship. So, until next time, XOXO Dr. B

EP:85 It's really hard to have healthy communication within a partnership. It’s something that you have to make an active effort to build within your partnership. There's three levels of communication. First phase: The chaos tit for tat. YOU. YOU. YOU. Second phase: the psychological phase of communicating..  I'm trying to hear you but I don't understand because I did that and you did this. Third phase: the most deep layer is how do I feel… The I statements. Carter and I have put in a lot of work to get to where we are today and we thought it would supportive to all of you to share what has worked, tips and tricks and tools and our journey along the way of how our communication has gotten to where it has gotten. We would love to know what holding you back from building stronger communication within your partnership in the comments below.

EP:84 I used to be a raging people pleaser. I did everything for everyone, for all the wrong reasons, I did what I thought I should do, I did what I thought I should do as a mom, what I should do as a wife, what I should do as a friend, what I should do as a sibling. You name it, I did it. If you ever find yourself saying yes to things, you have absolutely no time or energy for or to complete. And you maybe even shy away from difficult conversations, or you find it really difficult to ask for help. Or you never accept help when it's given, you could potentially be a people pleaser.One of the biggest gifts of doing this work with clients is getting to observe their own shedding and their own people pleasing. And it is truly part of mental health is releasing your people pleasing tendencies. Because if you're doing everything for everyone else, you're not doing for yourself, not nearly as much as you should. And if you're not doing enough for yourself, then that means that your mental health is suffering. That means that you are neglecting yourself. Living in integrity with yourself aligning your self to your own purpose. That takes time that takes energy that takes effort, but don't ever settle. Don't ever settle for showing up in the world just simply for others. Because when you continue to self neglect when you continue to support others and not yourself, it does eat away at you. And so start small. Take the steps that I've given you and remind yourself that you're worthy, even if it ruffled feathers, you're so worthy. On this week’s episode of Thrive Like a Parent podcast.. Learn how you too can become a reformed people pleaser.