Happy is the New Pretty

In this episode of Happy is the New the Pretty, Christy, and Jillian talk with Andrea Suffern, a mother whose son has taught her the superpower of Autism.

 The diagnosis 

After noticing Nathan was a little different socially and developmentally from the other children his age, Andrea and her husband decided to have Nathan tested for autism. Once the testing was complete, they learned that he was a high-functioning child with autism. They decided that they would seek therapy outside of the school system. 

 Research

As a parent, it is extremely important to research different options for therapy. Find support groups for yourself and your family. Understand that you are not alone; we can learn so much from each other. Check out the Book The Reason I Jump by Naoki Higashida, which helps us understand how someone who is living with autism explains his superpower.

 Show Links:

The Reason I Jump!

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Happy is the New Pretty Podcast

In this episode of Happy is the New Pretty Podcast, Christ and Jillian talk about relationships and the different perspectives that men and women have!  They are joined by Dan Waddick who opens up and talks about his experience!  They discuss relationships between the difference genders and hear his take on different scenarios when it comes to relationships!  

We also talk about how to navigate a relationship before and after kids and also getting into a relationship with someone who already has a child from a previous relationship! And how co-parenting can be challenging for all parties involved!

We also discuss love languages and how important that really is to understand in your own relationships!  And that discovering what your significant others love language is can be very important in a relationship!

Take the love language quiz yourself: https://5lovelanguages.com/quizzes/love-language

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Happy is the New Pretty Podcast

In this episode of Happy is the New Pretty Podcast, Christ and Jillian joined by afternoon radio host and friend, Hannah B!  Us ladies are all different ages and in different stages of lives and relationship!  We talk about the benefits of each stage and also about the stress of them too.  We talk about how important it is to find your authentic self and how amazing it feels once you do! We also discuss tools you can use when it comes to finding a good partner and how to establish and listen to the red flags!

We put together a fun playlist based off our conversation that can empower you if you are dealing with a break up or just need that extra encouragement.  Here are some of the songs we chose:

Selena Gomez, "Lose You to Love Me"
https://youtu.be/zlJDTxahav0?si=vk7vTKxymYwWEL9g

Creed, "One Last Breath"
https://youtu.be/qnkuBUAwfe0?si=_8TAobfWhLY2Wff2

Sara Evans, "A Little Bit Stronger"
https://youtu.be/22zB6Soc2Gk?si=1CT-YydGcLIo0OR-

Coldplay, "Bigger, Stronger"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aEN4__UhghU

Britney Spears, "Stronger"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aEN4__UhghU

Kelly Clarkson, "Stronger"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aEN4__UhghU

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Hannah B

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Happy is the New Pretty Podcast

In this Happy is the New the Pretty episode, Christy and Jillian discuss with Megan Wendtand about losing her firstborn child and learning to grieve, love, and find life again. 

Gastroschisis 

Gastrochisis, according to the CDC is a birth defect where there is a hole in the abdomen wall next to the belly button, causing the intestines to exit the body. This birth defect occurs in 1 in 1953 babies born each year. Rarely does it cause death, and it is very uncommon in females.

The Decision

Megan and her husband had to make a decision that no parent should make—signing the DNR for their newborn child. After bringing their newborn home to spend her last weeks with her family, she passed away. Moving on from that point was complex, but it also took years to realize it was time to mourn. 

Show Links:

CDC

Mortgage Mom Wines

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Happy is the New Pretty Podcast

In this Happy is the New the Pretty episode, Christy and Jillian start February off with a conversation about learning to love your finances. 

 Stressors of Money

One of the biggest stressors in a relationship of any kind is finances. They can make or break your relationship. 42% of Americans are anxious about money. So, what can we do to help alleviate financial stress in a relationship with others and yourself? 

 Get Comfortable with Your Finances

So much easier said than done. Christy talked about creating buckets to help separate your needs and wants with your money. Developing a technique that will help normalize your budget and savings will release many stressors in your relationship.

 Tools for You

Whether you want to teach your children or revamp your finances, it can happen regardless of age. 

1. Understand your needs and wants (Be real with yourself about what is a true NEED)
2. Get comfortable with the uncomfortable feelings of finances. (It is okay not to feel okay about understanding money.)
3. Decide what tool fits your personality and start setting it up, and make one change at a time. 

 Show Links:

CBS Word Mental Health Day

13 Important Statisc You Need to Know

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Happy is the New Pretty Podcast

In this Happy is the New the Pretty episode, Christy and Jillian discuss with Chrissy Brown, Personal Trainer, and Gym owner, how exercise helps overcome mental health struggles. 

Why

Chrissy, in her early twenties, had a mental health crisis that changed her life. After seeking help, she discovered lifting weights and exercising. Once she began to get comfortable with her emotions, she became a trainer in a gym. 

Show Links:

First Premier Club

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Happy is the New Pretty Podcast

In this episode of Happy is the New the Pretty, Christy, and Jillian are joined by Sam Higgins, about knowing when to say goodbye to a toxic work environment. 

You don’t have to work in a toxic office, you can reboot, and start a career that you didn’t even know you could do. Sam talks about the mindset of doing everything you can and then deciding to walk away. 

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Happy is the New Pretty Podcast

In this episode of Happy is the New Pretty Podcast, Christy and Jillian discuss New Year's "Resolutions"!  They discuss some of the most popular ones that people make for themselves! You can find the full list here:
https://www.forbes.com/health/mind/new-years-resolutions-statistics/
 
We also discuss why we both choose to call them "Goals" instead of New Years Resolutions!

There is an acronym that you can use and follow to reach general "SMART" goals. We discuss this during this episode but here are more details:
https://www.atlassian.com/blog/productivity/how-to-write-smart-goals#:~:text=What%20are%20SMART%20goals%3F,Relevant%2C%20and%20Time%2DBound. 

Christy also came up with a creative acronym for mental health "SMART" goals that you can also utilize for yourself this year!

S- Self Care
M- Mindset
A- Authentically listening to your internal self
R- React with a pause
T- Time Management

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Happy is the New Pretty Podcast

In this episode of Happy is the New the Pretty, Christy, and Jillian discuss how they celebrate the holidays, nonprofits, and making time for family.

Traditions

We all have different ways to celebrate, but usually getting together with family is part of the Holiday spirit. Do you wrap your presents? Does Santa wrap his presents? Whatever way your household chooses to do the holiday, memories are where it is. You can start new memories, new traditions, or new ways to decorate and celebrate. But don’t forget to take care of yourself and enjoy!

Giving Back

It seems like the only time everyone brings up helping those in need is during the holidays. What if this conversation keeps going year-round? We realize that people are in need 365 days a year, so why not help year-round? Money isn’t the only thing you can give, you can give your time. Time is priceless and it warms our souls. Check out the list below, or find a place in your area. Start now, you never know when you will need it.

Show Links:

Morning Star Mission

Feed My Starving Children

Northern Illinois Food Bank

Gift Wrap My Face

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Happy is the New Pretty Podcast

In this episode of Happy is the New the Pretty, Christy, and Jillian talk with Tina Mussleman of The Pointe about holiday do’s and don’ts of making it through the holidays. 

Family

Family and the holidays, often go hand in hand, but we don’t always have the tools to make it through the celebrations without coming out unscathed. Certain things make your family events unforgettable. There is always the one family member that no one wants to sit by, because it is a matter of time before the uncomfortable conversations happen. It may be a right of passage to sit in the hot seat next to them. Change your mindset, and unthink it’s only a matter of time, and don’t be surprised with what you find out or let go.

Food

We all have to eat, but how you eat during the holidays, doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy the meal or treats that lay before you. Tina, states that we all can use a little grace at this time of year; give yourself some flexibility and take enjoyment during the holiday season. 

Processing the emotions 

Spending time in the hustle and bustle of the holidays is a joyous time of year, be mindful, it is also a time that you are running around, seeing friends and family that you are not with every day, or starting the holidays with loved ones no longer here. Understanding your personality type can help you to find the best way to process the adrenaline dump of the holidays. Musselman talked about her experience of attending the Tony Robbins conference and how not having someone there to decompress and process with was an unexpected lesson. She suggests, that taking the Meyers-Briggs Personality assessment allowed her to learn who she is.

Show Links:

The Pointe

Tony Robbins Conference

Meyers- Briggs Personality Assessment

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Happy is the New Pretty Podcast

In this episode of Happy is the New Pretty Podcast, we discuss Men's Mental Health and the meaning behind "Movember".  Christy and Jillian are joined by Sam Higgins, who opens up about  how he gets the conversation started regarding mental health.  He opens up about how powerful being vulnerable can be especially in his circle of friends.

Learn more about "Movember" and how you can support the cause:  https://us.movember.com/report-cards

Sam mentions a really cool app that his generation of friends use: "Be Real"
https://apps.apple.com/us/app/bereal-your-friends-for-real/id1459645446

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Happy is the New Pretty Podcast

In this episode of Happy is the New the Pretty, Christy, and Jillian talk with Ashley Phillips about how the unexpected diagnosis of Epilepsy changed how life is viewed.

 Hunter

Hunter is your typical teenage boy who has already overcome being born a premie, along with his micro-premie twin brother, both thriving in high school, minus a few learning struggles; he has lived a carefree life, enjoying ATVs, nature, and friends. One night, after showing, something changed; he doesn’t know what happened other than waking up after passing out while showering. After letting his parents know, they started trying to figure out what happened.

 The Accident

A typical day at the family's property is riding ATVs with his brothers. Hunter had another blackout while riding on his ATV; after flipping it numerous times, his brothers ran and got help. Still recovering, not only has Hunter started taking medication for epilepsy, but he has learned to walk again. His circle of friends and family has helped provide support during his recovery. Hunter’s strength and determination are not only inspiring, it’s a blessing to everyone who meets him. 

 Show Links:

Lurie’s Children's Hospital

Epilepsy Foundation

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Ashley Phillips

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Happy is the New Pretty Podcast

In this episode of Happy is the New Pretty, we talk about pregnancy and infant loss. Christy and Jillian both talk about their experiences with having a miscarriage and how they dealt with their loss.

They are joined by Jillian's sister Ashley, who bravely tells her tragic story of pregnancy loss.  She shares the pain and struggles she experienced after having a late miscarriage.  She talks about how she honors her late daughter and gives advice to others on ways to heal through something so tragic.

This episode is dedicated to her daughter, Charlotte, who watches over us from above.

Ashley mentions a bereavement support group she was a part of during her stay in Naperville, IL which can be found here:
https://www.eehealth.org/patients-visitors/support-groups/

But other hospitals should offer something similar to help you in your time of need.

 

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Happy is the New Pretty Podcast

In this episode of Happy is the New the Pretty, Christy, and Jillian speak about S.A.D. and season change. 

 S.A.D.

The name sums it up. S.A.D.: Seasonal Affective Disorder. Who is affected by it, and how can we cope? According toOak Integrated Care, it changes our ability to soak in vitamin D naturally from daylight saving time and lack of sleep. S.A.D. may affect you. 

 What can we do?

According to NHS Inform, once we recognize the identified symptoms, some strategies can help alleviate the symptoms. From Light therapy counseling to routine, finding the best option for you is to try.  

 Show Links:

Light Therapy

NHS Inform

Oak Integrated Care

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Happy is the New Pretty Podcast

In this episode of Happy is the New the Pretty, we talk with Dr. John Hackett, about being a leader, not a boss

A.S.K.

Asking a question seems pretty common sense, but sit back and rethink how you will ask that question. Are you wanting the answer you expected to hear, or are you Always Seeking Knowledge? We shouldn’t be asking to hear what we want, we should be seeking others' points of view, we learn from that mindset. 

Practice

Practice isn’t just for our youth, but it is always for the seasoned, leaders, to practice before replying to someone. What does this look like?

1. Take a Breath
2. Respond
3. Ask more questions if you aren’t sure, simply by stating, help me understand.

Live2Lead

Find your tickets at eventbrite. See you there on Thursday, October 26th.

Show Links:

Live2Lead Joliet IL

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Happy is the New Pretty Podcast

In this episode of Happy is the New Pretty, we talk to Kerbi, a widow who lost her husband to suicide.  She opens up about her experience of finding him, losing him and how she and her children had to cope with the loss of someone so important to them. We discuss pretty heavy topics in this podcast but the hope for change and helping is very much there.

The groups that Kerbi was able to use to get through some of the darkest days she experienced:
Grieving Parents, Friends and Family of Suicide: https://www.facebook.com/groups/381059238585776/?mibextid=oMANbw

S.O.S Survivors of Suicide: https://www.facebook.com/survivorsofsuicidegroup?mibextid=ZbWKwL

The band Shinedown is a huge advocate for Mental Health and Suicide prevention and is one of Kerbi's favorite bands.  The song that helps Kerbi "feel" is called "Symptom of Being Human."  https://youtu.be/tmMOMK5c4EY?si=3x4gX2jIkwM0SE1F

If you don’t have someone you feel like you can contact about your mental health, that doesn’t mean you’re alone. Remember that counselors are available 24/7 at the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. 

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Happy is the New Pretty Podcast

In this episode of Happy is the New the Pretty, we talk with Johanna Kasperski about the benefits of EMDR at therapy.

 EMDR

EMDR- eye movement, desensitization and reprocessing. Typically done in 8 to 12 sessions, it focuses solely on the EMDR. During this therapy, talk therapy does not occur. It is essential to stay focused on the therapy sessions and not have other therapies intervene. However, that being said, if you are in talk therapy, continuing those sessions can only help to heal you faster.

 Therapist

Choosing a therapist trained in EMDR is not as difficult as it sounds. Checking out the website, EMDRIA will provide you with the certified therapist in your area.

 Show Links:

EMDRIA

White Orchard Counseling

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Johanna Kasperski

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Happy is the New Pretty Podcast

On this Happy is the New Pretty episode, Christy and Jillian talk with Zach Crider about his journey to raise awareness about suicide while riding his bike for the cause. 

To Write Love on Her Arms

To Write Love on Her Arms is a nonprofit that provides resources, education, and self-care tools to individuals and communities. This nonprofit was created in 2006 and is dedicated to helping those who are struggling with depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts find the help and support that they need.

The Bike Ride

After losing his best friend to suicide, Zach took a deep dive into advocating and starting conversations to assure people they were not alone. In honor of his friend Dan and all the others who have suffered in silence, he is riding 300 miles and raising money along the way for To Write Love On Her Arms; all Funds raised go directly to helping raise awareness.

 Click Fundraiser to help Zach reach his goal.

Podcast Links

To Write Love On Her Arms

 Project Semicolon

988

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Happy is the New Pretty Podcast

In this of episode of Happy is the New Pretty Podcast, Christy and Jillian discuss the symptoms of ADHD and how it can affect you as an adolescent as well as an adult.  We also talk about the most common jobs people with ADHD have.

We are joined by a friend and animal activist, Dawn Avello who opens up about her experience with ADHD and how she wasn't diagnosed until adulthood.  She talks about her struggles as a child and different things she experienced and how her life could have been different had she knew what she had a younger age.

Here is a site that talks about the symptoms and signs of ADHD especially in women:  https://www.verywellhealth.com/adhd-in-women-common-signs-and-symptoms-5211604

Dawn talks about the music that she loves listening to and mentioned these two songs specifically:

Tool- "Enema"
https://youtu.be/CehYA3omb5o?si=h_efnBF9HqZHd-hX

Miranda Lambert- "The House that Built Me"
https://youtu.be/DQYNM6SjD_o?si=SksN-HgY183ZSaYo

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Happy is the New Pretty Podcast

In this episode of Happy is the New Pretty, Christy and Jillian talk about and pay tribute to 9/11.   They open up about what they were experiencing and feeling that day.  Christy was pregnant and in labor with her second child and Jillian was a 17 year old senior in high school.   They were also joined by Mark Mailler who opens up and talks about his experience being in New Jersey/New York at the time and seeing everything first hand.

Here is the link to learn more about the mental health statistics that came out after that day that we discus in this episode as well.  https://www.nyc.gov/site/911health/enrollees/mental-health.page#:~:text=Symptoms%20of%20post%2Dtraumatic%20stress,rate%20in%20the%20general%20population. 

Here is the shark tank episode that Jillian talks about: https://youtu.be/Xh1syCtMd-o?si=MHbQskE1m7R7xVsz

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Happy is the New Pretty Podcast