In this episode, we delve into the extraordinary life and inspiring journey of Risa August, a multifaceted individual based in Colorado, USA. Risa wears many hats - she's a Gestalt practitioner, a captivating speaker, an author, and a passionate patient advocate. Her story is one of resilience, marked by her decade-long battle with a pituitary tumour and a rare disease, Acromegaly. Risa shares candidly about her experiences, offering profound insights into overcoming adversity and embracing life with unparalleled vigour. Risa's journey into the realm of personal transformation began with her participation in Ironman races, a testament to her fierce determination and love for physical challenges. However, her path took an unexpected turn when she started noticing troubling symptoms, eventually leading to a diagnosis that altered her life trajectory. Despite facing daunting health challenges, Risa's spirit remained unyielding as she navigated through surgeries, treatments, and the complexities of managing a chronic condition. In her book, The Road Unpaved: Border to Border with a Brain Tumor and a Bike, Risa eloquently chronicles her courageous cross-country bicycle journey, symbolising her refusal to let adversity define her. Throughout our conversation, Risa reflects on how her perspective on life and adventure has evolved, emphasising the importance of embracing new experiences and pushing beyond perceived limits. Her insights into removing limiting beliefs and fostering a positive mindset resonate deeply, offering profound lessons for anyone navigating their own challenges. Join us as Risa shares her story of resilience, adventure, and the transformative power of embracing life fully, no matter the obstacles. Get ready to be inspired by her unwavering spirit and her profound wisdom gained through living a life unleashed. *** Don't miss out on the latest episodes of the Tough Girl Podcast, released every Tuesday at 7am UK time! Be sure to hit the subscribe button to stay updated on the incredible journeys and stories of strong women. By supporting the Tough Girl Podcast on Patreon, you can make a difference in increasing the representation of female role models in the media, particularly in the world of adventure and physical challenges. Your contribution helps empower and inspire others. Visit www.patreon.com/toughgirlpodcast to be a part of this important movement. Thank you for your invaluable support! *** Show notes Who is RisaBased in Colorado, USAWorking as a gestalt practitioner, speaker, author and patient advocateHer passion for learning‘CANI’ - Constant And Never-ending Improvement The connection with Tony Robbins Growing up in Cleveland Ohio and her early yearsTaking herself on adventures Being inspired by her dad and a buffalo head nickelHow the meaning of adventure has changed over the yearsWhy adventure means - learning and experiencing something new Setting out a timeline2011 - completing her first Ironman race Starting to notice changes in her body Fast forward 7 years and training for another Ironman.Not being able to recover and not being able to keep the weigh offPlus dealing with severe headaches and lack of sleepPushing for an MRI of her brainBeing diagnosed with an enlarged pituitary and a brain tumour Looking at brain surgery and being diagnosed with a rare disease - Acromegaly.Processing and working through the diagnosis Having a mindset of getting it done and moving on with her lifeWaiting 3 months for surgery Acromegaly is a rare condition where the body produces too much growth hormone, causing body tissues and bones to grow more quickly. Being very conscious of what goes into her bodyRadiation or medication?Feeling very lonely even while being supportedBattling orthorexia in her 20sNot being able to exercise and spend time in the outdoorsDeciding to ride her bicycle down the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH)Looking back on her adventurous life and remembering what it felt likeStarting to paint and how it became an outlet Instead of focusing on what she couldn’t do - focusing on what she could doWhat can I do now?Small steps, one thing at a time.Stopping judging herself and blocking out the noise from other peopleGetting back to the CrossFit gymAcceptance around her identity and how it’s changedSigning up for a semi supported tour on the PCHSAG - Support And GearBook: The Road Unpaved: Border to Border with a Brain Tumor and a Bike Reflecting back on the ride and some of the magical moments Trying to control situation and outcomes and how the universe has a completely different plan for youBeing open to what’s possibleTo be open to letting go of limiting beliefs Why it was a massive learning experience Being present and spending time in the momentNaming her brain tumour and the reason behind itBeing kind to her bodyLouise Hay Book: Heal Your Body: The Mental Causes for Physical Illness and the Metaphysical Way to Overcome Them. Adding humour to ...
