Reclaim holistic wellness after caregiving, loss, or life changes. Learn to prioritize yourself, express emotions, set boundaries, and find joy.

Stress and Illness: Dr. Maté** observed that certain people are more prone to developing illnesses. These individuals often compulsively prioritize others’ needs above their own, increasing their stress and risk of sickness.

Suppression of Feelings: Not expressing one’s emotions, particularly negative feelings, increases the risk of illness. A study showed women who were unhappily married and didn’t express their emotions were four times more likely to die than those who did.

Compulsion to Meet Expectations: Many people feel they must continuously work and meet the expectations of others, even when facing terminal illnesses. This drive can exacerbate their health conditions.

Inability to Say No: Many illnesses arise because individuals don’t set boundaries or say no. Instead of vocalizing their limits, their body manifests symptoms, signaling something wrong.

Childhood Conditioning: People often suppress their needs and prioritize others based on childhood conditioning. This tendency can contribute to stress and health issues in adulthood. Dr. Maté emphasizes the importance of reconnecting with oneself and listening to one’s needs.

“Autobiography in Five Short Chapters” by Portia Nelson** is a poem about self-awareness, change, and personal growth. The poem traces an individual’s repeated encounters with a hole in the sidewalk and the stages of awareness and decisions leading to avoiding it.

Finding ways to connect your inner sparkle: It conveys the idea of preserving one’s joy, self-worth, and individuality despite external influences. It’s a message about resilience, maintaining one’s integrity, and protecting one’s value.

**Portia Nelson (1920-2001) was an American singer, songwriter, actress, and author. Nelson gained recognition for her motivational writings, particularly her short piece “There’s a Hole in My Sidewalk: The Romance of Self-Discovery.” 

**Dr. Gabor Maté is a renowned author and speaker known for his expertise in addiction, stress, and childhood development. 

Are you feeling lost after a major life event or caregiving role? Connect with us. Book a 30-minute discovery call and start your journey back to you. 📞

Required Fields *