Episode 41: Evolving Dreams With Ehlers-Danlos with Monica Michelle

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EPISODE TRANSCRIPT

EPISODE OVERVIEW

In this episode, I interview Monica Michelle, a children’s book writer, illustrator, and mother of two living with fibromyalgia and Ehlers-Danlos syndrome. A passionate artist, photographer, and author, Monica is truly a woman of many talents. She now hosts the Invisible Not Broken podcast, as well as I Can’t Believe That Happened -- a history podcast for kids and curious grownups.

Monica has lived with chronic illness from a young age but she’s never let that dampen her humorous and creative spirit. Embracing the impermanence of life and using her failures as lessons, she’s mastered the art of picking up the pieces and moving on without losing her core role of storyteller.

Monica discusses how her lifelong struggle with chronic illness and the realization that there are no guarantees have led her to fearlessly chase her dreams. She explores how her journey has given her remarkable resilience and an unshakable faith in herself. During our colorful conversation, Monica opens up on using humor as a survival mechanism, how she focuses on her true passions to find her core, and she offers creative parenting tips on how she’s raising her kids to be more empathetic.

“whatever MY BODY allowed ME to be, I could always be a storyteller.” — MONICA MICHELLE

Highlights

This episode was full of genuine laughter and humbling stories as Monica shares her story of determination and endurance in the face of a rapidly evolving illness. A few of my favorite insights Monica shared include:

Finding what’s pure and true about yourself

Challenging the image of what “sick” looks like

Raising empathetic children

Having faith in yourself

Being your own gatekeeper

The dangers of bubble-wrapping

The importance of asking for help

Unpredictability & accepting when you can’t commit

There are so many hilarious stories and heartfelt moments as Monica opens up about living life to fullest with chronic illness. Enjoy <3

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MONICA’S PODCASTS

Invisible Not Broken Podcast

I Can’t Believe That Happened Podcast

MONICA MICHELLE + INVISIBLE NOT BROKEN ON SOCIAL MEDIA

Invisibile Not Broken

Instagram @invisiblenotbroken
Twitter @invisiblenotbrk

Monica’s illustrations Instagram @monica_michelle_illustrations

Monica’s photography Instagram @monicamichellephotography

BOOKS BY MONICA MICHELLE

A Fairy Bedtime Story: A Perfect Bedtime Book for Young Readers

Snuggle Bunny: A Bedtime Story

Royal Dogs: A For Kids History Lesson

You can find more amazing books by Monica on Amazon!

MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE

The Art of Asking by Amanda Palmer

Bare Naked Bravery by Emily Peterson

Dogma Animal Rescue

HOST

www.laurenselfridgetherapy.com
Lauren Selfridge, Associate Marriage + Family Therapist

MUSIC EDITOR

www.lilymakessound.com
Lily Sloane, composer / audio producer / sound maker

transcript + SHOW NOTES WRITER

www.latashadoylewrites.com
Latasha Doyle, content + copy specialist

Podigy Podcast Editing

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This is Not What I Ordered is produced by Podigy, a premium podcast editing service. Visit podigy.co and mention This is Not What I Ordered for 50% off the first month of your subscription.