The Peaceful Warrior

09/14/2020

September is This time last year I hosted a fundraiser with the to raise awareness...things are a bit different this year. I’m glad I can still help raise awareness from home and share my journey to help inspire others to stay strong when facing challenges in their chronic pain journey. Being open about my journey has been liberating, informative, motivating, and has brought opportunities + unexpected benefits in ways I never imagined. Most recently, asked if I’d join their campaign to draw attention to the cause...I happily accepted since I’ve been using their products for years! I’ve been sharing my journey and now get to share some of the benefits with you!
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What’s your (attitude around pain)? I’ve teamed up with and over 20 other pain advocates to help raise awareness for chronic pain by sharing our most authentic . Join the movement by sharing your pain stories + enter our giveaway. Here’s how to enter (DON’T FORGET STEP 4):

1. Like this post, follow
2. Comment “
3. Follow all the giveaway hosts:


allende






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holistic.living










4. Head to the link in bio to fill out a 5 min survey or visit https://mailchi.mp/0419233c8493/paintudes

Good luck, everyone!

T&C: This giveaway will be closed on September 30, 2020 at 11:59pm ET. This giveaway is in no way administered or sponsored by Instagram Inc. Participants must be 18 years of age or older and live in the US. The winner will be contacted via email and will have 48 hours to redeem their prize. For a full list of terms & conditions please visit https://mailchi.mp/0419233c8493/paintudes or visit the link in bio

04/14/2020

Sweet little something from a sweet little person to sweeten up my day...Thank you 🌺
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Thoughtful gestures are my reason to smile today.
xo,

04/03/2020

Thank you and for this beautiful reading of what’s sure to be a classic. Everyone, please enjoy and

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03/02/2020

I attended a speaking engagement with Dr. Richeimer, head of USC Keck School of Medicine, Pain Department last year, which was the beginning of a beautiful partnership. I don’t work for them, but I AM working with them to help raise awareness and fundraise because I truly believe in the work they’re doing. They are on the forefront of pain medicine with an emphasis on whole body care and mental health. They have gone to legislature, begun a pain education program because (despite our assumptions) most medical schools do not teach pain medicine, only how to prescribe medication, and USC truly cares about patient well-being. I’ve had many conversations and meetings with them and I’m proud to support their programs. Please take a moment to watch this highlight reel on their approach to pain.
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You can help support pain management and developing better treatment and protocols by donating to USC Pain Dept at the link in my bio. All funds are tax deductible, go directly to the USC Pain Management Department at Keck School of Medicine to support pain education, research, and to help sponsor patients who cannot afford treatment.
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Imagine if you or a loved one were in pain, would you want a well-educated doctor interesting in healing and treating the root cause or one interested in lining the pockets of drug companies for a kickback? As someone who lives with chronic pain, I can say I prefer a doctors who genuinely care about my health- that is the goal of USC. Donate today for a healthier tomorrow!
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01/03/2020

2019 kicked the crap out of me. Two days into 2020 and I already feel more hopeful than I have in some time.
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Last year this picture may have represented being steam rolled by life, so far (all two days of) this year, it represents surrender and acceptance.
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I choose to follow the path ahead and have faith that the outcome will serve me well, that I will be safe and cared for, that I will survive whatever life chooses to challenge me with.
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Happy New Year! Health, wealth and love to you and yours.
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A new decade (the end of the longest decade ever) is my reason to smile today...and for the next ten years!
xo

12/05/2019

The last month has been full of polarizing ups and downs. I’ve been doing an abundance challenge the last few weeks with friends and I’m not sure if the universe is delivering on that or if I’m simply placing more focus on the good in my life as a result of shifting my awareness, but prayers are being answered and the universe is delivering. Surprising acts of kindness are spilling forth.
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Today, after a difficult doctor’s appointment, I walked outside to see a handsome man getting out of his car with a bouquet of red roses he was clearly gifting someone. I jokingly said, “For me? How thoughtful!” He laughed and asked if I was going far, I asked why. He walked around his car, reached in the back seat and pulled out this beautiful bouquet of flowers in a vase and gave them to me. It warmed my heart and made my day! I said he must be on a mission to deliver happiness and he said he didn’t set out to do that, but it made him smile to know it had that effect. He said some sweet words, we introduced ourselves and each parted ways with our bouquets.
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It doesn’t take much to impact someone’s life and make a positive difference. I needed some TLC in that moment and a perfect stranger literally delivered.
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posted a thoughtful note she received from a stranger yesterday with the caption
They truly are! When you don’t know what someone else is going through, it costs nothing to let someone know you see them and support them- letting someone know they are seen is the greatest gift of all. The simplest gesture can go a long way. When was the last time you did/said something nice to/for a stranger?
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Strangers on the street with beautiful bouquets are my reason to smile today!
xo,


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10/24/2019

Wishing a special (belated) bday shoutout to because she’s one of the best nurses ever! After being diagnosed with CRPS I underwent 12 bilateral sympathetic lumbar blocks within six months – she was there for nearly all of them.
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During my 1st block Krista and I hit it off. During my 2nd, another nurse did intake, asked my profession, I replied, “Producer.” She asked the standard, “Anything I’ve seen?” Knowing nurses LOVE the show, I said . Krista overheard and ran over, “I knew I recognized you, you interviewed me!” One of my many jobs on the show was to choose contestants alongside TPIR legend, Stan. I immediately began thinking, PLEASE let me have chosen her because my well-being is about to be in her hands, lol.
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Contestants take the show VERY seriously!!! I used to get stopped in the street like a celebrity by people who would recognize me from stage or interviews, mostly excited to see me, except a few unchosen. I remember most contestants, typically by what they wore, since contestants come in creative shirts. As I was about to go into a spinal procedure with this nurse, all I could think was, “Please God tell me I cast her!” I asked her to see a pic of what she wore and I remembered her! Just before rolling me into the OR she said I’d chosen she AND her mom on different days. Krista told everyone there that day she knew me from TPIR. That began the ongoing joke of counting me off as anesthesia kicked in by asking me the price of cars and asking the price of a toaster as I came to.
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I looked forward to procedure days. Krista, the doctors and the other amazing nurses ( and , amongst others), made it fun. It felt like a social gathering with the added bonus of temporary relief from pain and a solid nap.
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Krista and I became instant friends irl. (Turns out we had even gone on a date with the same guy!) She’s a part of my CRPS story and helped get me through the roughest time, as a nurse and a friend. Nurses are just as important as doctors and I wanted to give her special recognition for being such an incredible person and making my journey easier. 💞 @ CBS Television City

10/17/2019

Thank you to Transcendental Meditation for sharing this important piece about chronic pain. Their technique offers a wonderful way to help reduce contributing factors and pain itself. 🙏🏼

The issues surrounding chronic pain have become so overwhelming that the Institute of Medicine issued a report acknowledging pain as a public health crisis.

10/13/2019

“I have yet to find the man or woman, however exalted their station, who did not do better work and put forth greater effort under a spirit of approval than under a spirit of criticism.”
➰Charles Schwab➰
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//EXALTED//
This pose is called Exalted Warrior. Let this be a reminder to all of you out there fighting for something today- your career, a relationship, the environment, your health- to not settle for simply being a warrior for your cause, but to be an exalted warrior. Let your actions make you someone to be held in high regard by others, let your choices reflect integrity, your convictions reflect strength, and your cause be worthy. Let your character make you worthy of respect from others and someone that you yourself are proud to be. Set an example of leadership, using praise instead of spewing anger or hate. Work towards change in a way that makes others want to support you as well.
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Today marks the beginning of . To all you strong warriors fighting for your mental/physical health, be brave, be bold, show courage, and show yourself some love and gratitude for being an exalted warrior!
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Share your story using and to make a difference! Check out the article link in my Bio to help cope with pain (of any kind).
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Reversing the stigma is my reason to smile today!
xo,


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Exalted Warrior 🌅 Parivrtta Viparita Virabhadrasana
Instructor/📸:
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