If you live with a chronic illness and feel like you and your body are in a constant battle, this is the episode for you.
Today I’m joined by Tami Stackelhouse, a certified fibromyalgia coach and host of The Fibromyalgia Podcast, who shares how empowering yourself through chronic illness IS possible.
But this episode isn’t just relevant for people with fibromyalgia or chronic illness. Whether you live with chronic pain or illness or just don’t feel at home in the body you live in – you’ll be inspired by this conversation.
Inside, Tami and I talk about
- How to come into an accepting and friendly relationship with your body even when your body doesn’t “work” quite right
- How to use tracking and data to support your healing
- How chronic illness can actually be an invitation to care for ourselves better and have better boundaries.
About Our Guest
Tami Stackelhouse is doing all she can to give fibromyalgia patients the knowledge, care, and support they need to thrive. A fibromyalgia patient herself, Tami has gone from disabled to having her fibromyalgia in remission. For more than a decade, her compassion, gentle support, and fun coaching style have helped fibromyalgia patients all over the world take back control of their lives. She is the executive producer of the fibromyalgia documentary, INVISIBLE, and founder of the International Fibromyalgia Coaching Institute, where she teaches her Certified Fibromyalgia Coach® training program. You will find Tami sharing her joy and expertise on her Fibromyalgia Podcast® and through her award-winning books, “Take Back Your Life” and “The Fibromyalgia Coach”.
Listen Here or Read the Summary Below
Episode Summary
Empowering Yourself with Chronic Illness: The Journey of Acceptance and Healing
If you’re battling chronic illness and feel locked in combat with your own body, you’re not alone. The narrative of struggle is all too familiar to many, but what if the path to healing began with befriending your body, despite its limitations? This concept is at the heart of today’s discussion, as we dive deep into empowering yourself with chronic illness and explore non-diet approaches to management and healing with fibromyalgia.
Understanding Fibromyalgia: Beyond the Pain
Fibromyalgia, a condition characterized by widespread pain, fatigue, and other symptoms, is often misunderstood. However, as our guest, Tami Stackelhouse, reveals, it’s possible to experience significant improvement and even remission. The key? Addressing not just the physical, but also the emotional and psychological aspects of the condition.
Healing with Fibromyalgia:
Tami’s journey from diagnosis to a life of thriving offers hope. Her approach emphasizes:
- Accepting your body with chronic illness rather than fighting against it.
- Employing non-diet approaches to chronic pain that focus on overall well-being rather than restrictive eating.
- The importance of health coaching for chronic Illness to navigate the complexities of treatment and self-care.
Non-Diet Approaches to Chronic Pain: A Holistic Perspective
Moving away from punitive diets and exercise regimes, our host Kim, a certified body image coach and personal trainer, along with Tami, discuss the importance of intuitive eating and joyful movement. These non-diet approaches to chronic pain emphasize listening to your body’s needs without judgment and nourishing it accordingly.
Accepting Your Body with Chronic Illness:
The first step towards healing is acceptance. This involves shifting the focus from what your body cannot do to appreciating what it can, fostering a compassionate and supportive relationship with yourself.
Health Coaching for Chronic Illness: Guiding You Through the Fog
Tami highlights the transformative power of health coaching for individuals navigating chronic illness. A coach offers personalized support, helping to demystify the condition and tailor strategies that align with one’s lifestyle and goals.
Essential tips from Tami include
- Journaling to process emotions and reflect on your journey.
- Tracking physical activity and symptoms to understand triggers and tailor your routine for optimal energy management.
- Seeking out positive influences, whether through podcasts, books, or supportive communities, to foster a healing mindset.
- Getting support from someone who understands – whether a peer, a spiritual advisor or a qualified coach.
Empowering Strategies: Living Well with Chronic Illness
Empowerment comes from making informed, self-compassionate choices. From setting healthy boundaries to incorporating self-care into your daily routine, empowering yourself with chronic illness is about finding balance and peace within your body’s capabilities.
Accepting Your Body with Chronic Illness:
Learn to see your body not as an adversary but as an ally in your journey towards health. This shift in perspective is crucial for mental and emotional well-being.
Self-Care Strategies for Fibromyalgia:
Simple, everyday actions, like ensuring enough rest, engaging in activities that bring joy, and practicing mindful eating, can make a significant difference in managing symptoms and enhancing quality of life.
Conclusion: A Path Forward Together
Confronting chronic illness is undoubtedly challenging, but it’s also an opportunity to deepen your relationship with your body and discover strength you never knew you had. By embracing a holistic approach to treatment, prioritizing self-care, and seeking support from health coaches or like-minded communities, you can pave a way forward that is both healing and empowering.
Remember, your journey is unique, and so is your path to wellness. With the right tools and support, embarking on this path can lead to a life not defined by illness, but by resilience, health, and happiness.
Empowering oneself with chronic illness isn’t just about managing symptoms—it’s about reclaiming your life, piece by piece, day by day. It’s about not only surviving with your condition but thriving in spite of it. Here’s to your health, healing, and the unwavering spirit within each of us to overcome the challenges we face.
Connect with Tami Stackelhouse
Free quiz: FibroQuiz.com
Free ebook: TakeBackYourLifeBook.com
Instagram: Instagram.com/fibrocoach
Facebook: Facebook.com/fibrocoach
Radiant Vitality – Kim Hagle
Body Image Coaching – Size Inclusive Fitness – Non-Diet Nutrition
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