Thomas is officially in remission! After months of intense treatment, unexpected complications, and significant uncertainty, this milestone feels nothing short of miraculous. From bone marrow once 94% leukemia cells to being cancer-free, this episode reveals how this journey has transformed our perspective on life and time.

Join us as we share the full story behind our recent absence, including dealing with Graft Versus Host Disease (GVHD), unexpected ER visits, and the discovery of a brain aneurysm and aortic regurgitation. Amidst these challenges, we found profound joy in the smallest moments—a sunny morning, a good cup of coffee, or simply holding hands during a walk. We'll also dive into Brené Brown's "foreboding joy" and how our faith allows us to hold both deep happiness and lingering uncertainty simultaneously.

This isn't a return to our old normal, but a powerful step into a new one. We're committed to carrying forward the lessons learned: practicing mindfulness, finding joy in everyday miracles, and leaning on faith through all of life's ups and downs.

Key Takeaways:

• Practice Mindfulness: Cultivate presence to strengthen your prefrontal cortex.
• Find Joy in Small Moments: Actively counter "hedonic adaptation" by appreciating everyday pleasures.
• Acknowledge Vulnerability in Happiness: Embrace "foreboding joy" by focusing on gratitude.
• Lean on Faith Through Uncertainty: Discover how faith can provide a foundation in challenging times.

Resources & Mentions:

• Brené Brown: Learn more about "foreboding joy" in Daring Greatly
• Bob Goff: Author of Undistracted
• Connect with us on Instagram 📱
• Subscribe to our new YouTube channel for visuals from our journey, behind-the-scenes photos, and extra content! 🎥

Call to Action:

If this episode resonated with you, please subscribe, rate, and leave a review on your favorite podcast platform! Share this episode with someone who needs a renewed sense of hope today.

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In this episode, we draw parallels between our personal journey and the epic tale of "The Lord of the Rings," exploring how stories can inspire resilience. We discuss building supportive fellowships, embracing life's challenges, and choosing how to respond to uncertainty.

Discover how J.R.R. Tolkien's classic series offers insights into navigating personal trials, mirroring Thomas's own journey. Learn practical strategies for cultivating strong relationships, reframing hardships, and finding meaning in difficult times. We explore the power of inspiration in literature and art, focusing on understanding your narrative and finding strength in shared experiences.

Key Takeaways:

• Building your "fellowship": Cultivating supportive relationships and understanding your personal narrative.
• Embracing the "perilous path": Reframing challenges as opportunities for growth.
• Choosing your response: Finding agency and meaning in difficult circumstances.

Additional Resources:

• Connect with us on Instagram 📱
• Listen to our episode about emotional agility

Watch this episode on YouTube and subscribe to our new YouTube channel for visuals from our journey, behind-the-scenes photos, and extra content! 🎥

Send us a text

Watch this episode on YouTube and subscribe to our new YouTube channel for visuals from our journey, behind-the-scenes photos, and extra content! 🎥

Episode Summary

In Episode 8 of The Brain It On! Podcast, Lindsey and Thomas explore the power of celebrating small wins and taking things one step at a time, especially when navigating life's biggest challenges. This episode offers a deeply personal look at Thomas's journey, sharing how these principles have helped him and Lindsey navigate the complexities of his experience.

We feature a moving conversation with Thomas's oncology nurse, Daniel, who provides invaluable insights into the importance of acknowledging every step forward, no matter how small. Daniel's wisdom highlights how celebrating these seemingly minor milestones can significantly impact morale and overall well-being.

Learn how acknowledging progress, even in small increments, can trigger the release of dopamine, the neurotransmitter associated with pleasure and motivation, effectively reinforcing positive behavior and fueling resilience. We discuss how breaking down overwhelming goals into smaller, more manageable steps can reduce anxiety and increase motivation, making even the most daunting tasks feel achievable.

Key Takeaways:

• Celebrating small wins: Why acknowledging progress, no matter how small, is crucial for maintaining motivation and fostering resilience.
• Taking things one step at a time: Practical strategies for breaking down overwhelming goals into manageable steps.
• Strengthening your support system: The importance of social connection and how to build a strong network of support.
• Looking back and celebrating progress: How to reflect on your journey and acknowledge how far you've come.
• Navigating the rollercoaster of challenges: How to embrace the ups and downs and find stability amidst change.

Additional Resources:

• Connect with us on Instagram 📱
• Motivational Posters on Amazon

Send us a text