Health & Warrior
Themes
Within the pages of her first published book, Bless the Meds, Cristie shares her first hand lived experiences of how she persevered and thrived through uncertainty, pain and everything that comes with disability. Although there is no magical pill to make pain disappear there are many techniques that can transform your relationship with pain; and that is where our power lies. Prepare to transform from a victim to warrior mindset as Cristie guides you to radically accept limitations due to chronic pain; creating a new reality where you find happiness and new dreams despite the difficulties that come with living in pain.
The following are themes related to health and her inner warrior, which she has shared with audiences on stage and through podcasts
Chronic pain awareness & disability advocacy
Cristie’s first experience with disability, prior to her own health decline, was with her sweet godson Nicholas who has hydrocephalus, cerebral palsy, non-verbal and is tube fed. Despite his challenges, he is one of the happiest and loving boys and taught Cristie what is truly important in life.
Being a vocal disability advocate is an important part of her life, for her and on behalf of her godson.
What I wish I knew when I was first diagnosed with chronic illness; all the things’ doctors don’t tell you
Most people assume if you get sick, a doctor will work tirelessly to find a diagnosis and a cure; unfortunately the reality is strikingly different. Doctors don’t prepare you for the realities that come with complex chronic pain and illness including the loss of self, grief of the life and dreams you imagined for yourself, loss of relationships, constant tests and trying different treatments and so much more.
From a victim to warrior mindset – how to change your relationship with pain
The most powerful way to change your relationship with pain is to first become aware of the negative thought patterns and words you use and start replacing them with positive ones; this process is how neuroplasticity works and will change your life. Another important step is radical acceptance and dialectical awareness taught in CBT and DBT therapies.
Like a dance, as we learn to go with the flow, even if there are back steps, learn to make it part of the movement; part of life. Eventually, you will move forward. Just take one step at a time.
Mindfulness techniques to build resilience and strength in the face of adversity
From breathing techniques, journaling and meditation to things like neural nostalgia, reframing belief systems and emotional freedom techniques (EFT)/tapping, there are many ways to incorporate mindfulness techniques into your daily life. Sometimes, spending time in nature and simply stopping to smell the flowers can have a powerful impact on your mental and emotional state.
The importance of creating community and increasing your emotional intelligence
Living with chronic illness can be a very isolating experience, especially when you are immunocompromised and live with chronic fatigue which can make socializing challenging. Creating community online or in person with people that live with similar limitations due to their health is a very important element because they understand you in a way that your healthy family and friends can’t relate.
Relationships and having empathy for other people’s struggles is a way to increase your emotional intelligence and build strong relationships. As well, it is important to create healthy boundaries that prioritize your physical, emotional and mental wellbeing.
Contact us.
If you are interested in having Cristie speak at your next event or be a guest on your podcast, send us a message and we look forward to connecting with you!
Photos by Julie C Butler